Epilogue
Reese
Six Months Later
“You did good, pumpkin. I’m real proud of you. So is your momma.” We’re at the reception of mine and Wolf’s wedding. We probably would have flown the coop, a justice-of-the-courts style, but that wasn’t going to fly when we brought it up to my parents and Wolf’s mom. The adamant nos came out in a whirlwind of anger. So, we waited and planned our wedding. It was funny to see my dad get wound up at the thought of us living in ‘sin’ while we planned it. I guess the joke was on him.
“Thanks, Daddy.” It was worth it, the waiting to be Mrs. Wolf Shaw. I’d do it over and over again. We even left a seat open for Wolf’s dad next to where Julia sat, a picture of the three of them framed and in his seat. When Wolf saw what my momma and I did behind his back, a tear ran unchecked down his cheek. Of course, this was all seen from around the corner in the small church we said our vows in. And when I walked down the aisle to my now husband, my eyes watered the entire time, especially when we said our vows together. Our gaze never wavered, even when my voice quivered. Wolf held my hand the entire time.
I look over Daddy’s shoulder. The McCray family is here, our neighbors, Creed, and the other neighbors, Rhett and his sister, Laney. We really are two lucky people to have their love surrounding us.
“Now, I’m not saying I need grandchildren, but your mother is hemming and hawing about them already. If it were up to me, though, I’d suggest you wait. You and Wolf have your whole life ahead of you. Take the time to enjoy it.” If Momma heard him, she’d give him the look, the one a mother gives when you’re in a restaurant and your child is acting up.
“May I cut in?” Wolf saves me from answering.
“Sure can. Thanks for taking care of my baby girl.” My dad lets me go, brings Wolf in for that half man hug thing, and then I’m in my husband’s arms.
“You know I’d have you barefoot and pregnant in a heartbeat, but if you want to wait, I’m good with that too. Besides, we have more than enough animals to tide us over.” He winks at me. He’s not wrong. I think between the two of us, we’ve brought home every stray or homeless animal.
“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but I’m agreeing with Dad. I’d like to take some time and enjoy us for right now,” I respond.
“Then that’s what we’ll do.” Wolf brings me in closer, planting a kiss on my forehead.
“I love you, Wolf Shaw. You complete the missing pieces of me.” I sigh.
“I love you, Reese Shaw, more than life itself.” We sway to the music.
Epilogue
Wolf
Six Years Later
“Daddy, can we adopt a goat?” Our daughter, Emmylou, is just like her momma. I mean that in all ways possible. She has Reese’s personality, her looks, and definitely the same facial expression when she really wants something.
“Well, baby girl, that depends. Did your momma and maw-maw already bring it home?” I barely had my truck in Park after working at the bar today when she came barreling out of the house, dress flapping in the wind with her hair braided to one side like she asks Reese for every day.
“Emmy, baby, you weren’t supposed to ask just yet. You at least need to wait until Momma says hello,” my mom jokes with her. I guess that’s my answer. These three women, with a side of Reese’s mom, I never stood a chance.
“So, can we, Daddy?” Her hands are clasped together while she’s jumping around and sticking out her bottom lip.
“I think it’ll cost you. What do you say, a hug around my neck and a kiss on the cheek?” I tease her. I already knew this would happen. Thankfully, we have enough room for a few more animals. If we get too many more though, we’ll have to look at buying some surrounding land.
“Thank you, Daddy, you’re the very best.” She jumps up. I pick her up, holding her to me, cherishing these moments, knowing my years with her thinking I’m the best there is will be numbered.
“Well, it’s a good thing you’re my best girl.” I kiss the top of her head, soaking up her scent, crisp sunshine with a hit of hay.
“Did I miss all the fun again?” Reese comes out of the house, hair down in soft waves, sundress on, shoulders kissed by the sun, and barefoot. That’s what happens when you’re seven months pregnant and it’s so hot here in Texas that all you want to do is plant your body in the closest body of water. Which has me conjuring up all kinds of ideas.