“You focus on Harper,” Kate said.
Moments later, we were escorted out to claps and cheers from the party goers. Noel helped me into a sedan.
“I hope I don’t ruin your car,” I said to Sam in the front seat.
“No worries. It’s my uncle’s car. But I’m sure it will be fine.”
“No chatting. We’ve got to go.” Noel looked crazed as he hooked the seat belt around me.
Sam smirked but put the car in gear.
Fifteen minutes later, we pulled into the hospital and were taken to a labor and delivery room. All the rushing was for naught as our baby decided to take its sweet time in coming. Noel paced, pleaded with the baby, and barked at the nurse and doctor, who both laughed.
“Your baby will be here in its own time,” the doctor said.
Finally, at nearly three in the morning, I pushed one last time and our beautiful baby girl entered the world.
“Mo has a sister,” I said as the doctor put her in my arms.
Noel wiped tears as he looked at us. “How did I get so fucking lucky?” When his gaze met mine, I had the feeling he was thinking of Bastion and how he’d chosen a bad path. Noel knew he’d been on a similar path but had purposefully chosen a better one. A one that led us here.
I reached out and took his hand. “You deserve all of this.”
He leaned over, kissing me and then our daughter. “Did we settle on a name?”
“Noelle.”
He laughed. “You’re like your brother. Bran and Brandie. Now Noel and Noelle.”
I gave him a definitive nod. “Yes.”
“Whatever you want, Harper Erickson St. Martin. It’s yours.”
“I want you and Mo and Noelle.”
“Then you shall have it. Always and forever.”
I knew it was a promise he’d keep…always and forever.
EXTENDED EPILOGUE
Kate
Once Harper and Noel were on their way, I went back to my office to finish the generous shot of bourbon I’d poured. I was happy for my friend, but I couldn’t think of anything except why Sam Clarke was in my establishment?
I stuck my hand in my jeans pocket, feeling one of the two talismans I’d carried for nearly five years. I told myself it was a reminder that people couldn’t be trusted and fairy tales were fake.
“Everything alright?”
I looked up to see Ethan standing in my office doorway. “Sure. Why?”
“Because there’s a rave going on out there and you’re in here drinking bourbon by yourself.”
I forced a smile. “Just taking a breather.”
He stepped in and closed the door. “Just because I’m more preoccupied with a wife, a baby, a pre-teen, and work, doesn’t mean I can’t be your big brother.”
“I’m fine. Really. Worry wort. Listen, you’re ruining this party I threw for you by not being at it.”