Page 39 of Blood

I look at the screen again. The little fetus on the screendoeslook like a tiny chipmunk. I giggle. Then I keep giggling. I can’t stop.

Wolf is laughing, too. He moves over, still holding my hand as he plants a kiss on my cheek. He whispers in my ear, “This one better not lay eggs.”

The doctor looks slightly alarmed, but I can’t stop laughing. Then tears stream down my face.

Wolf kisses me again. “I love you, Everleigh. Youandour little chipmunk.”

Epilogue

Jordieisfinallyasleep.Our daughter arrived perfectly, right on her due date. My pregnancy was smooth enough, and once the nausea stopped around week ten, I was able to start taking college classes toward my degree. Once she’s a little older, I’m going to be able to go back full-time and finish my bachelor’s degree.

The future that I thought was gone is finally back within reach. The whirlwind romance I’d always pictured is exactly what Wolf and I have. I suppose we’ll need to figure out another version of the story of how we met, for when the kids start asking.

The money my parents left me went straight toward college classes. The rest was put into a trust for Jordie. It turns out Wolf has millions saved from his less-than-noble profession. He’s retired now, and he bought us a house outside the city, white picket fence and all. He says we need a yard for our little chipmunk. That’s what he still calls Jordie—even her name is fromjordegern, which is Danish for chipmunk. Wolf thinks that’s hilarious.

Someday, we’ll take her to the cabin upstate. I think she’s going to love it.