epilogue
BEN
Four years later
The ceramic platesclinktogether as I load them into the dishwasher. Skyler wanted to help rinse the dishes, but I told her in no uncertain terms that her only job was to keep her feet up. After a delicious dinner of grilled shrimp and fried rice with veggies, I’m looking forward to settling in with my wife for the evening.
It’s been four years since I met Skyler, two years since I made her my wife, and every year has been better than the one before it.
We recently renovated and moved into a house in Nashville, near the fourth location of Gold Standard Fitness. Until we hire a regional manager, I’ll be in charge of the day-to-day operations here, while Skyler sets up our Health and Wellness department and serves as the in-house Nutrition Consultant. She’s amazing at her job, not that I ever doubted her, and because her love of yoga remains as strong as ever, she still teaches part-time. She’s even convinced me to join her in teaching a couple’s class every other week.
Of course, our schedules will no doubt change dramatically after the baby’s born.
Skyler’s five-months pregnant and absolutely glowing, growing more beautiful every day. Though she assures me she can handle the physical activity, I won’t risk her overworking herself.
I know, I’m one to talk. But, if anything, being with Skyler has helped me shift my priorities to make room for the simple pleasures in life—like spending the evening curled up on the couch with my Baby Bird.
With the baby on the way, Skyler promised me she’d slow down if I slowed down, too, so I hired a personal assistant and committed to only working 40 hours a week. To be honest, I’m starting to get the hang of this whole work-life balance thing. Just don’t tell Barbie; she’ll never let me live it down.
Once the plates and silverware are all loaded into the dishwasher, I pack up the leftovers and put them in the fridge. Skyler and I cook together most nights of the week. It’s our favorite thing to do together—well, second favorite; I don’t think anything can top the fun we get up to in bed.
I dry my hands on a dishtowel and brew a cup of herbal tea, which I carry out to Skyler in the living room where she’s lounging on the couch, texting away on her phone.
“Mmm, thank you, Daddy,” she says, as I set the tea on the coffee table.
“Who’re you texting, baby?” I take up my usual spot on the sofa with Skyler’s feet across my lap. She makes the most amazing noises as I start to knead her ankles.
“Crystal. She’s telling me all about her new boyfriend, Tyler. He seems like a nice guy, and she’s excited to introduce him to us next week at the family barbecue.” Skyler laughs. “She says he has to pass the ‘best friend’ test before things get too serious.”
“Well, you are good judge of character.” I work my fingers into the swollen bits of her skin.
She moans in relief and rubs a hand over her round belly. “I try to be. She also called godmother dibs for the baby.”
I roll my eyes but kept a playful smile on my face. “She’ll have to fight her mom on that. Barbie’s been vying for that position for months.”
Skyler tilts her head to the side as a sly grin spreads across her face. “Maybe we’ll just have to have more babies, that way everyone will be happy.”
My hands wander up her legs, sliding between her thighs. I massage her soft skin, and her legs fall open as she lets her head fall back onto the armrest.
“I think that’s an excellent idea, Baby Bird. Maybe we should start practicing. You know, just so we don’t get rusty.” I lift her foot and press an open-mouthed kiss to her ankle.
“Yes, Daddy,” she purrs, her fingers clutching at my shoulder. “Let’s go practice in the bedroom right now.”
I lift her into my arms bridal-style. She squeals in delight, wrapping her arms around my neck.
“Daddy, I can walk on my own!”
“I know, Baby Bird, but I want to carry you.”
We enter the bedroom where I carefully lay her on the bed with her head propped on the pillow. I kiss down her neck, sucking a spot on her collarbone, before hooking my fingers into the waistband of her pants and gently pulling them down.
Skyler gazes down at me, her hazel eyes so full of devotion and admiration. She strokes my cheek and whispers, “I love you so much, Daddy.”
I reach under her shirt to tease her nipples, then glide my hand over her stomach, all the way down to her pussy.
“I love you, too, Baby Bird.”
She moans as I capture her lips in a kiss that makes me hum with pleasure.
I never thought I would find love, until I found it in Skyler. Thanks to her enthusiasm and her knack for drawing me out of my comfort zone, I’m finally enjoying my life, not just sprinting through it.
And I intend to savor every moment I share with her.
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