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“I think he wants us to go now,” Kiera said.

“I agree.” I took my wife’s hand, led her out to the SUV, and situated her in her seat comfortably. “Let’s go meet our little boy.”

VIVIAN AND ARROW

EPILOGUE

Months later

Vivian

A dragonfly landed on my arm as I sat on the dock behind my summer home and waited for a fish to nibble the bait. Life had been chaotic, but things had finally died down. My dental office had expanded to include several dentists. I’d cut back my time there to concentrate on creating more gadgets for the government.

But this week was reserved for my love.

“Any bite yet?” Arrow asked.

I turned and watched my handsome husband walk toward me. He wore a pale yellow T-shirt that hugged his muscular body and cargo shorts. He smiled, and my heart raced like it did when we first started dating.

“Not yet,” I said.

He placed down a tray of lemonade and a bowl of diced watermelon. With a fork, he poked a piece of watermelon and held it to my lips. “Open up.”

“It’s juicy and sweet, thank you.” I placed the rod into his holder, shifted in my chair, and stared at him.

He arched an eyebrow. “Something on my face?”

“No. Can I ask you something?”

He snorted. “Since when do you need my permission to askanything?”

“Never.” I laughed. “Are you bored?”

He placed down the watermelon and looked at me. “No, why?”

I shrugged, wanting to ask a question that had been bothering me.I played with my pinkflip-flops, wondering how I should bring up the topic.

He reached over and tipped up my chin. “What’s wrong, Tulip?”

“Nothing’s wrong.” Nerves stirred inside me. “I was just wondering if you feel left behind.”

“Left behind? What do you mean?”

“You know. All your friends are pregnant and getting ready for a new chapter in their lives. But you’re?—

He got out of his chair, grabbed my hand, and led me to the edge of the dock. He took off his sandals and removed my flip-flops. “Sit with me.”

Our feet kicked the surface of the water like little kids.

“I want you to understand something, okay?” He lifted my hand to his lips. “I’m happy for my friends with their expanding families. But I’m in love with my family as is. We’ll have kids when the time is right for us. I don’t need to be a father now. Besides, having Kaylee is like having a kid. So parenting isn’t new to us.”

A burden lifted from my chest. “Right now, I’m happy the way things are. I want to travel and see the world with you first.” I squeezed his hand. “In two years, I want to have kids with you.”

Arrow

“Whenever you’re ready, I’m ready.” I kissed her. “So, this has been bothering you?”

She bumped shoulders with me. “Well, yeah.”