Close As Lovers

Epilogue.

Author's Note at end!!!

Song: From the Ground Up- Dan + Shay 

"Mommy, we gotta go see pappy!" Amelia shouted from the front door, and I chuckled as I carried Levi out to the car. I placed him in his car seat, and then buckled Amelia into hers. Her pigtails bounced as she squirmed around in her seat, and I chuckled, pressing a gentle kiss against her temple.

"Molls, are you sure you don't want me to take Levi today?" Nova questioned as she leaned against the pillar on the porch. "I'm not going to Henry's until later."

I shook my head as I smiled at her. Nova was sixteen, and just like I had predicted-- and much to Wes' demise-- she and Henry had started dating. They had been together for three years, but we all knew they loved each other since they were kids. It was funny how history had a way of repeating itself.

I hugged Nova. "I'm sure. Go have fun with your boyfriend."

Nova rolled her eyes as her cheeks tinged pink, and then she ran back into the house. That weekend, I had traveled to California to visit mom, dad, and Nova. Wes had to stay in Montana because of work, but he managed to travel down one evening. Once the kids were ready and in the car, I placed the rest of our bags in the back seat and started driving home.

We finally arrived home in the early morning. Wes was sitting on the front porch watching the sky, and when I caught sight of him, a smile grew on my face. Wes had aged like fine wine. He was more handsome than ever, muscular, and even with age, his features still looked like he had stepped straight into the fountain of youth. But the things that never changed were those piercing green eyes and the smile that had stolen my heart since the beginning. Perhaps the thing that made me fall in love with him more than anything, was the amazing father he had become. The love he had for our children was so beautiful, so unconditional, and seeing him be with our kids gave me a happiness I had only ever dreamed of.

I climbed out of the car, and Wes' eyes met mine as the corner of his lip tugged upwards. "Hey, Molls."

My smile grew as Amelia hopped out of the car and ran to Wes, while I helped Levi out of his car seat. Wes held Amelia and spun her around, their laughter vibrating through the air, and I walked up on the porch. He kissed Amelia's forehead before setting her on her feet, and then I handed him Levi. He carried him inside, and then he walked back to the porch. Wes wrapped his arms around my waist and pressed a slow, passionate kiss against my lips, the both of us smiling through it. When we pulled away, his smile grew as I rested my head against his chest. "I'm so glad to be home."

"I'm glad you're home too." He rubbed my back gently. "How was California?"

"It was good, but I wish you had been there." I glanced up at him, smiling. "Nova said she loves and misses you."

Wes' smile grew again, and he pecked my lips before holding me tight. We stayed wrapped in each other's arms until Amelia ran out and hugged my legs, her toothy grin showcased as she looked up at me. "Can we go see pappy now?"

I chuckled as I picked her up. "Yes, sweetheart. Let daddy grab your brother and then we can go."

Wes returned with Levi, and then the four of us walked to the car. The sun had just started to rise on the horizon, and Wes intertwined our hands, a soft smile on his face. When we arrived at the cemetery, Amelia hopped out of the car and ran toward my father's grave. She patted it, placed a picture she had drawn on top, and as we walked up to where she was standing, I heard her whisper, "Hi, pappy. I love you."

Tears brimmed my eyes, and Wes pulled me to his side as we watched her. He pressed a gentle kiss against my temple, and I wiped my eyes as I leaned against his shoulder. Amelia stared at his grave for a couple of minutes, and then she faced us. I shot her a smile as a tear fell from my eyes, and Wes gave me a reassuring smile before kneeling down to her. "Why don't we let mommy talk to pappy for a little bit, okay?"