Love over Hate

Epilogue

I've been kicking around this idea for a while, and finally had a chance to write it!!

Frothy, foamy peaks collided with the sand. The heat of the sun spread across your skin, making you drowsy, completely languid in your beach chair. Giggling could be heard from off to the side as Jared helped his boys build a sand castle.

It was the third day of your vacation, and you weren't sure you ever wanted to leave. Having your own personal villa on the beach, away from the rest of the resort had been amazing, and you weren't sure you could handle heading back to the chilly town of Vancouver.

It was your honeymoon, a rather eclectic honeymoon, considering you had brought the two children along, but you couldn't imagine leaving them behind. Not when you were still learning on how to become a real family. Sure, in the future you and Jared would end up taking your real honeymoon, but this so far had been absolutely perfect.

Spending time as a family, relaxing without the real world interrupting you. Shep and Tom had been amazing, infatuated with the sand and the ocean, often waking you and Jared up with the sun. That wasn't too bad, it often meant they fell asleep early, giving you and Jared plenty of time in the evenings to relax, have a glass of wine, watch the sun sink below the water's edge.

It was your favorite time, with Jared's arm around your shoulders. It made you realize that it had all been worth it. All of the stress, the dealing with the fans. None of it mattered now. You were where you belonged, and it didn't matter that you were much younger than Jared. He loved you, and you loved him.

"What are you thinking about?" He asked, plopping down in the sand next to you, shaking his head and sending specks of sand your way.

"This. Us. Everything," you answered, running your fingers through his hair, dislodging some of the sand that was still there. "Where are the boys?"

"Digging in the sand behind us. They're okay," he answered. "Hungry, ready for dinner tonight. I'm ready too."

"It should be arriving soon," you answered, grateful that they provided room service so far away from the main resort.

"I can't wait to watch the sunset with you by my side once again," he whispered, leaning over your chair, his lips moving softly over your neck.

"I can't wait either," you agreed, excited for tonight when you could tell him your news. You hadn't been sure until this morning, and you knew he would be just as excited as you were.

He helped you to your feet, both of you grabbing a boy and making your way through the sand to your tiny little cabana. As soon as you stepped inside there was a knock on the door, and Jared went off to answer while you ushered the boys into the bathroom to clean up before food.

Dinner was a simple fair. Shrimp and potatoes, salad and freshly baked bread with key lime pie for dessert. Placing the dishes off to the side, you let Jared send the boys off to bed while you poured him a glass of wine.

Taking it outside with you, you sank down on the patio couch, the sky already turning brilliant shades of red and orange. "Where's your wine?" Jared asked, wrapping his arms around you, pressing a kiss to your cheek.

"I didn't want any," you insisted.

Sitting down next to you, he pulled you against him, leaning his head on yours. "I know this isn't a conventional honeymoon, but I think it's been amazing."

"I agree," you answered, tilting your head up so you could face him. "And I think I'm about ready to make it even better."

"Did you get tickets to the luau tomorrow?" He asked, and you shook your head. "Do we have a personal tour somewhere? Are the boys going to be taken off of our hands for a couple of hours?"

"Jared, if you'll give me a minute I'll explain!" You exclaimed, completely lost in the love shining for you in those ever changing hazel eyes of his. It was breathtaking, and awe inspiring, and you couldn't believe all of that love was for you.

"Okay."

"Jared, in a little over seven months we will be giving Tom and Shep a new brother or sister," you told him, watching as his eyes widened before going down to your still flat tummy.

"That's why you turned away the wine," he stated. "I'm going to be a Dad again?"

Nodding, you let out a little squeal when he stood up, pulling you into his embrace. "And you're going to be the best Mom. You already are. Tom and Shep love you. I can't wait! I hope it's a girl. I've always wanted a little girl who wraps me around her finger. Oh, this is the best news!"

Before you could even answer him, he had you pulled tightly against him, his hands fisted in your hair, his lips crashed to yours.

Holding on tight, you knew this was it. The life that you hadn't been looking for. But the life that had seemed to swallow you up, making you realize what you had needed all along. And it was only beginning, with another life on the way.