Page 97 of Beyond the Cage

“I love you, Cameron.”

Snuggling up to my future husband, I fall asleep, the happiest woman in the world.

EPILOGUE

The purpose of our lives is to be happy. – Dalai Lama

9 years later

“Jackson! What are you still doing here?”

“That would be Dr. Jackson, thank you very much,” I reply.

Damon’s smile lights up his blue eyes.

“My apologies,Dr. Jackson. How are you?”

“I’m fine, Dr. Richards. How’s your gorgeous wife?”

“You tell me. You seem to talk to her more than I do…especially now.”

He’s right. It seems we’re on the phone every free moment I have. Well, the ones when I’m not with my husband. After that day he spoke to me, I was the only one he talked to for a while. Gradually, he brought more people into the circle – Manny, Damon, and then the other guys he works with. Everyone pretty much had the same reaction I did. When he gave his first interview, it made all the papersandthe news.

He’s still fighting, though not as much as he used to. He’s transformed the gym into a dojo and became a certified martial arts/mixed martial arts instructor. He still enters the Ultimate Warrior competition and is still undefeated. Oh, and he’s still dangerously hot.

“You look like you’re about to keel over where you stand.”

Damon’s concerned gaze travels down to my protruding belly. I place my palm on my bulge, stroking it in a circular motion.

“Comes with the territory of being nine months pregnant. She’s been acting up all day. I swear she’s as strong as her father.”

“You should go home…get some rest.”

“I have rounds to finish.”

“I’ll take care of it.”

“Sounds tempting, but –”

A sudden kick sends me leaning on the closest wall. Damon takes my hand.

“Come on…let’s get you to a chair.”

A few steps later, I stop and stare at Damon in wide-eyed horror.

“What is it?” he asks.

“I think a bed would be a better idea. My water broke.”

“Nurse! Can I get a gurney here, please?” he shouts.

“Call Cameron for me, would you?”

“Oh, man, I bet he won’t know what to do with himself.”

“Did you?”

“The first time? Hell no. I have a feeling this time won’t be any different.”