SWNOVELS Chapter Hale: Epilogue
Two years later
“Pip, do you have any plans for your birthday party?” Hayden asks, glancing at me. I shrug and scrunch my nose. The scent of cinnamon is too strong inside the café. “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” I huff and clear my throat. “I don’t think I’m going to try their new latte. It’s way too cinnamony.”
Hade blinks, then raises one eyebrow. “What about your birthday? Or are you not in the mood for that either?”
“Story planned something for me with Hunter and Riley,” I tell him, scanning the menu. Nothing seems too appealing, maybe some cheesecake. And a cappuccino. “But I’m not going to throw a party, if that’s what you’re asking.”
“Since you and my brother got together, you act like an old lady. You’re always home. Always with your man. And it’s been like that for two years.”
“We have a lot of fun together. I don’t need to go to a club or a bar. I have everything I need at home.”
Hayden grabs my hand and examines it. “I don’t see a wedding ring. Or even an engagement ring, for that matter.”
I roll my eyes, pulling my hand from his grip. “Hade, the first year I was focusing on finishing my degree. I had a ton of classes since I was graduating a year early. Now I’ve started working at Story’s school, and sometimes it’s not easy. Spending time with Hunter and Story is exactly what I need to recharge my batteries. Or going shopping with Riley.” I soften my voice as I put my head on his shoulder. “Or hanging out with you, when you’re not busy with the band.”
He stares at me from under furrowed eyebrows, but his eyes tell me he’s not angry. He sighs and winds his hand around my waist. “Things are picking up for Sabotage, Pip. We’re in talks to sign with a label, and if we do—we’re going to hit the road. I’ll miss you terribly, especially if I don’t get a chance to properly celebrate your birthday. As you said, you’ve been working hard, and you deserve to let loose.”
I know he means well, and a month ago I would’ve agreed to a giant party. But things have changed. “I’m in charge of a big event at school. And I’m also—”
“I still don’t get why you need to work.” He eyes me as if he’s seeing me for the first time. “Hunter has—”
I scoff, catching my little butterfly pendant between my fingers and playing with it. “I don’t need to work, but I want to. It’s important to me.”
Hayden studies me for another moment. Then he sighs and kisses my temple. “Fine. Just be happy, Pip. Okay?” I nod, cuddling closer to him as we order our coffee.
After a few hours with Hayden, I slide into my car. I’m exhausted. Lately every day has been a super busy, shit show, and I don’t even know how that happened. I’m just glad I have my family in my corner. Without them, I would’ve fallen apart.
My phone buzzes, and I check my watch. A smile blooms on my face as I read a message from Amelia.
AMELIA:
Story told me your big news! I’m so happy for you!
I grab my phone and text her back.
ME:
Story told me your big news too! When are we going to meet him?
AMELIA:
Har har. Very funny. I have two weeks off in August.
ME:
We’ll be waiting…for you and your new boyfriend.
When I get a middle finger emoji in return, I laugh and start the engine. She’s unbelievable, but her snark just makes me love her even more. I want her to be happy. So when Story told me about her mom’s new guy, I was ecstatic. I truly hope she’ll bring Matthew with her when she comes to visit. I’m certain her ex-husband and her new boyfriend will find things to talk about. They are both soccer players, after all.
I park the car in front of our house and jump out. My steps are light as I head to the front door. It swings open once I near it, and Story bursts outside, laughing. Her dad is running after her with a water gun. Does Hayden really think I need more fun in my life? This fun is the kind I love the most.
“Piper!” Story runs behind me, pressing her wet body against me. I straighten my back, gasping loudly from the contact. “Please, please, please, tell Daddy to stop.”
“Hunter, please stop,” I murmur, trying to fight my smile. His green eyes rake over my face, and his lips curl into a lopsided grin.
“Fine,” he says, lowering the water gun. But the second Story steps to my left, he shoots water in her direction again. She squeals, and I break into giggles. I need to change my clothes, and then I can finally talk to Hunter. I have something I want to tell him.
Sitting on the couch, Story and I watch Toy Story 4 for what feels like the millionth time. Binx is on her lap, purring so loudly I had to turn the volume up. Hunter walks out of the kitchen carrying a bowl of caramel popcorn. He comes closer, hands it to his daughter, and squeezes in beside me. His hand is instantly on my shoulder, cradling me to his chest.
Story sneaks a glance at her dad and then at me. I wink at her, and her face lights up with a smile. I let her and Riley know about my news, only because my mom suggested I ask for help from my two besties.
“Daddy, can you please pass me my flashlight pen? It’s on the armrest closest to you.”
“Sure.” He reaches over, grabs the pen, and extends it to Story. She looks at him without saying anything, not taking the pen in her hand. “What’s wrong? Did I…”
Hunter falls silent, finally realizing what he’s holding. His eyes never leave the pregnancy test. Then he lifts his head, a smile blooming on his lips.
“Congratulations, Daddy!” Story shrieks, jumping to her feet and dancing. Her eyes are sparkling with warmth and excitement—it’s the exact same look she had when I told her. She’s perfect.
I swivel and peer at my boyfriend.
“How far along are you?” he asks.
“A month,” I murmur.
“What about school? The principal loves you; I’m sure she’ll be sad to see you go,” Hunter points out, still smiling.
“I already talked to her, and she said we’d figure it out. She’s happy for me.”
Hunter watches me in silence, and then he jumps to his feet too. He grabs my hand and pulls me to follow him. We dance, laughing almost to tears. Our family already feels full, full of love and happiness. Full of understanding and appreciation. It’s full of us, and I can’t wait to bring another baby into the mix.
We’ll do great. I have no doubt about it.
One year later
hunter
“Yes, your nephew is fine,” I say, standing in the backyard, watching Story swim. “Yes, your niece is fine too. And your best friend …actually, I think my wife is a little tired from all the sleepless nights.”
“Can’t you help her?” Hayden lowers his voice, becoming serious.
Sabotage’s success turned him into someone I never expected. He gives all of himself to the band, to their fans, and they love the band in return. Grammy nominations will be announced in November, and everyone seems to believe that Hade will win a few. Only time will tell, but I’ll be more than happy if that happens.
“I am helping her. Sometimes she’s just too stubborn,” I explain, my eyes narrowing on Piper, who’s nursing our son, Hudson, in her arms.
She barely slept last night, and I’m determined to change that. I’m fully capable of giving him a bottle and putting him back to sleep myself. School and practice will never stop me from that.
After I hang up with Hayden, I scoot over to the pool, and Story swims toward me. She cocks an eyebrow as I bend down.
“Go inside, change your clothes. We’ll be waiting for you in the living room,” I whisper. She nods, her gaze darting to Piper and Hudson. “I want to cheer her up, what do you think?”
“I’m all in,” she says and starts to swim to the pool ladder. Then she comes to a stop, and I look at her. “Riley says Piper needs to spend more time at the beach. It calms her down.”
I smirk knowingly and shoo her inside. Once Story’s in the house, I walk over to my wife and sit beside her on the sunbed. “Is he behaving?”
“Not really.” She sighs as I take Hudson from her and press him to my chest.
He’s four months old, but his hair is already long. Just like Story’s was, with one exception—my son is blond. His big green eyes focus on me. My mom says he reminds her of both Hayden and me, while my mother-in-law is sure he looks just like Piper and Riley. He’s the most beautiful little boy I’ve ever seen. Because he’s mine.
“You need to rest, baby.” I place a light kiss on her temple. “You’re tired.”
“Hunter, I just can’t. You have practice every morning, and your school. I don’t want to—”
I seize this moment and cover her lips with mine. A sweet little kiss, just to shut her up. Once I move away, her eyes snap open.
“I’m your husband, and I’m Hudson and Story’s dad. And that’s more important than being a football player or a coach. You’re my family, and I want to help you with anything you need.”
She sniffles, her eyes watering. “I love you so, so much,” she confesses.
“I love you too, Piper.” I nudge her with my shoulder. “Now go inside and get ready. Put on something nice and comfortable. We’re going somewhere together. I’ll look after Hudson. Go.”
Piper smiles sheepishly, then nods and stands up. She wanders inside, and I lower my gaze to my son. The pacifier in his mouth moves relentlessly, and it makes me chuckle. We’re not really letting him use it, but it helps a ton while he’s teething.
“Buddy, you need to give your mom a break. She deserves it. She was up for three hours last night.” My son listens to me carefully. Then the pacifier pops out of his mouth, and a toothless smile illuminates his face. He loves listening to my voice; Piper says I have a calming effect on him. And I love talking to him. It’s the most precious thing, literally the highlight of my days. “I can’t wait to see your first tooth. Who knows, maybe your uncle will get here just in time to see it.”
I stand up from the sunbed and go into the house as well. I still need to prepare everything we need to take with us. I have the day off from practice, and things at school are running like clockwork. They don’t need my supervision, but I still go there a few days a week, to make sure everything is exactly how it should be.
An hour later, I’m sitting on a blanket at the beach. My son is in his car seat, sound asleep. Piper and Story are playing with a Frisbee, laughing and chasing each other. They’re having a ton of fun, while I juggle texting Amelia and Angelo. Both have news to share, and it makes my mood even better. My ex-wife is engaged to Matthew, a guy she’s been dating for over a year now, and she’s never been happier. They’re discussing their wedding plans, and she wants to make sure we can all come. Angelo is finally going to be a dad to a boy, and he’s over the moon. I’m also assuming he’s pretty drunk, as his texts are becoming more and more ridiculous.
“What are you up to?” Piper plops down beside me, glancing at our sleeping son. She looks calm.
“Just texting with Angelo and Amelia.”
I curl a hand around her shoulders and pull her to me. Piper settles between my legs with her back against my chest. We sit in silence, watching Story fly a kite. I hide my nose in my wife’s hair, inhaling her familiar scent of lavender and vanilla.
“You know, before you and Story, I thought there was nothing I loved more than being at the beach alone,” Piper mutters under her breath. She covers my hand on her belly with hers. “I was so wrong. There’s nothing I love more than being at the beach with my family.”
I reach over and tilt her face up to mine. We look at each other for a moment, and then I slowly kiss her. The murmur of the sea and Story’s laughter surrounds us. It makes me feel full. Happy, content, and loved. I met my perfect match in Piper; I have beautiful children and a successful career. I have friends and a great relationship with my brother and my parents, including my dad. I was finally able to forgive him. I have it all, and I know she’s the glue that holds my life together. She’s the reason I’m so damn lucky.
She’s my everything.