"Oh honey," Mom says, wiping her eyes. "Don't cry on your wedding day. It's bad luck."
"Bad luck?" Story laughs. "There's no such thing as bad luck. Not on a day like this."
I take my wife's hand. "Come on, Story. I think it's time for us to cut the cake."
She smiles, "I think you're right."
I take my wife's hand and guide her across the reception floor to the cake that she made and decorated herself. It's a beautiful pink fondant with blue flowers trailing up the tiers. On the top, there's a bride and groom, hand in hand, just like us. I lean in before we take a slice.
"What?" she whispers.
"I was just thinking," I tell her, "the cake's going to be good. I'm sure of it. But–"
"But?" She frowns, confused.
I lick my lips. I growl in her ear, "But we both know, you taste so much better than cake."
Epilogue 2
Story
5 years later…
My in-laws are right on time. They truly are the best in-laws a girl could ask for, especially a girl like me, who never had a mom and dad who were there through thick and thin. And gosh, they've been here through everything.
Through those early days after the twins were born five years ago, when I thought my brain was melting and my boobs were on fire and my body was leaking, and Truett was working all the time and I was just trying to stay awake.
They were here, always here to help. They taught me what unconditional love was in a way that I hadn't quite understood before. Of course, Truett taught me what love meant in a different sense, but they showed me the kind of love that a mom and dad can give. And honestly, it was the kind of love I needed to see, and really longed to understand as I entered motherhood.
I was honestly a little bit scared to have the twins because I didn't exactly have good examples of parents growing up. I was nervous, especially since Truett had the best examples. I was scared I was going to let the Bakers down somehow, but then they met me where I was without judging, without overexplaining or making me feel stupid for my questions.
They welcomed me into their family with open arms and for the months leading up to the babies’ birth, they helped make sure I was as prepared as possible. And then once our bundles of joy entered the world kicking and screaming, they were there in new ways, helping me to learn how to diaper, swaddle, and hold my babies.
My mother-in-law Shirley may have only been a mom to Truett but she nailed that job and she was made to be a grandmother. And of course, being Truett's wife and then mother to the twins is the greatest honor of my life.
The next greatest honor is being able to give Shirley and Truett’s dad Doug the honor of being grandparents, because God, do they love it. As they enter the house now, I thank them again for taking the kids for the night.
"Don't even think about it," Shirley says. "We're excited to have them.”
“Now, you guys know the drill," Doug says. "You got all your stuff packed?"
"Yes!" the kids say, jumping into their grandparents’ arms with their backpacks on. I help load up their stuff in Shirley and Doug's car. They only live two miles away, and the kids are going to go have a night with Grandma and Grandpa.
"I hope Truett doesn't work too late tonight."
"Oh, it'll be fine," I say. "We'll stay up late if we need to and have a nice morning. He has tomorrow off.”
"Great," Shirley says. "Don't rush tomorrow, we have nothing going on. So why don't you guys just come over at dinnertime and I'll make you something. Of course it won't be as good as Tru would have made, but Doug and I will get something tasty on the table, sound good? How about five?"
I smile. "That sounds great," I say. "Truett can help me with some projects around the house before we head over."
"Perfect."
"Love you guys," I say to the kids, giving them big kisses as they buckle into their car seats.
I wave goodbye and then I head back into the house, wanting to freshen up and enjoy a few hours to myself before I head over to the restaurant. There's no reason to get there early while Truett's working the dinner shift. I want to get there after he closes.
I treat myself to a nap, and yes, it might be a little silly to take a nap at seven o'clock at night, but Truett will be working until ten o'clock. So considering I've been extra tired lately, I indulge in a few zzz's.
When I wake a few hours later, I freshen up. I put on some beautiful lingerie and then hide it with a pair of dark denim jeans and Truett's favorite flannel shirt. I put on my brown boots and a pair of pearl earrings he gifted me last Mother’s Day.