Page 103 of One Southern Summer

“Same.” His eyes dipped to her lips. “I’ve loved you since forever, Avery Lansing Crawford. That will never change.”

“I love you too.” She hovered, her mouth only inches away. “Shout out to that napkin pledge for making this relationship possible.”

He laughed then kissed her again.

Epilogue

The morning breeze swirled across the yard and the camellia blossoms bobbed and danced. On the lake, Greer’s boat zipped by, towing Addison and Hayes on a chair-shaped inflatable. Avery smiled and waved, although the kids were just two bright spots of color in the middle of the water.

Cole spread a waterproof striped blanket on the lawn then patted the space beside him. “Why don’t you rest for a few minutes?”

She rubbed her aching back then complied, carefully sinking down beside him. She rested her head on his lap. He leaned back on both hands, staring out at the water, giving her the perfect view of his jawline silhouetted against the bright May sky. The weight of this full circle moment wasn’t lost on her. She released a contented sigh, which drew his attention back to her.

A slow, easy grin lifted the corners of his mouth, sending her heart cartwheeling all over again. Oh, she loved that smile. And that mouth. A delicious warmth spiraled through her.

“What’s on your mind, Mrs. Whitaker?”

“I think you know what’s on my mind.”

His grin widened and she caught a mischievous gleam in his eye. “The kids are with your mama and Greer for another hour or so.”

“Well played. I do believe that’s how you got me in this current predicament, isn’t it?”

His eyes smoldered as he splayed a palm across the curve of her very pregnant abdomen. “I happen to love your current predicament.”

Cole’s voice was husky and rich. Oh, how she adored this man. “You’re going to be an excellent father.”

“Thank you. I hope so.” His thumb caressed the cotton fabric of her maternity shirt. “Do you still want to name him Walter Walden Whitaker?”

“Absolutely not. That is hideous.”

He chuckled. “How about Laura Lansing Whitaker?”

“That’s slightly better than your first suggestion.” They’d agreed—mostly—on waiting until the baby’s arrival to find out the gender. Choosing potential names for a boy had been a challenge.

Addison was seven now and Hayes was almost three. They’d campaigned heavily for their favorite names, although Hayes changed his mind on a regular basis. With a few weeks left until her due date, Avery was more than ready to deliver.

“You know if we have a girl I’m insisting we name her Kimberly,” she said, trailing her fingertips along his forearm.

“If you keep rubbing my arm like that, you can name our kid anything you want,” he said, his eyes lingering on her lips.

“I’m grateful for another pregnancy and hopeful that we’ll have a beautiful, healthy child.” She sat up slowly, overcome by a sudden wave of emotion. As usual, her hormones fluctuated by the minute.

Cole’s brows furrowed. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” She sniffed, trying not to ugly cry. “I’m just happy is all.”

“Aw, sweetheart, don’t cry.” He held her face with his hands. Those gorgeous hazel eyes locked on hers. Then he gently grazed her lips with his.

She pressed her palm to his chest, feeling the warmth of his skin through the soft cotton of his T-shirt. He was such a gift. She silently offered another prayer of thanks. God had given her the most wonderful man. These moments of gratitude still surprised her. The freedom they’d found in their relationship with one another still floored her in the best possible way.

Reluctantly, she pulled away and tucked her head into the crook of his neck.

The last two years had been a whirlwind. After a brief engagement that generated plenty of speculation, they had a small spring wedding at Greer and Mama’s church in Camellia. They’d come home from their honeymoon in time to attend the premier of the documentary, which was now one of the most watched on a major streaming platform. She’d juggled working as the executive director for special projects for the foundation, and Cole had maintained a busy schedule. His speaking engagements had taken him coast to coast. When the kids were with Pax and Trey, she’d traveled with Cole. Their trips had established a sweet foundation for their newlywed life.

Imari’s Place now had residential space for fifty women, and the Camellia factory was going strong. Together they’d bought a house in the neighborhood where Cole had grown up. A true fixer-upper. They’d hired a crew who’d renovated it in time for them to move in last week.

This season hadn’t been all romance and weekend getaways. Navigating their complex family dynamics had been difficult. Hayes and Addison spent half their time with Pax and Trey. She’d lost more than a little sleep over behavior issues, worrying that she’d expected too much of her kids. They’d had to adapt to some major life changes in a short amount of time. Their family didn’t look like everyone else’s. She seemed to be the one most concerned about all of that.

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