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EPILOGUE

MONTANA

One Year Later

“You’re gorgeous, you know that?” Asa states.

We’re sitting on the couch in our living room.

I’m in the middle, feet propped up on the coffee table, next to Asa as he holds our son, Camden, in his arms. It wasn’t an easy labor, not at all.

At one point, the doctor mentioned a C-section.

I was ready for anything and everything.

The recovery process from that would be a lot longer, a lot harder, and having a vaginal delivery afterwards is almost unheard of.

Thankfully, they released us three days after he was delivered, now making it day two of us being home.

“Thank you. Have I mentioned how grateful I am to have you by my side through everything?” He was rock steady, even when I shook my head vehemently at the doctor. Asa understood me and asked if I could push a bit longer before making that decision.

“Babe, I’m always going to be there for you and Camden.

” His eyes move from mine to our son, a son I am so grateful for.

I would have loved to have a baby girl, and honestly, one day later on, maybe we’ll try again, but for now, I’m thankful.

Maybe if it weren’t for the five overbearing Hart men we’re surrounded by, that barely let Leena breathe when it comes to someone attempting to take her out.

All I’m saying is, I am in no hurry whatsoever to see Asa be a girl dad, along with her grandfather and uncles.

Lord, I’d need all the margaritas in the world to get me through her life.

“Yeah, you are pretty amazing like that.” Asa’s got his arm wrapped around me, Camden propped on his other side, wiggling, and I know what that means. I sit up, already knowing our little man does not like to wait for his meal.

“We’re a team. I wouldn’t mind another one, you know.” I swear my eyes bulge out of their sockets.

“Are you crazy?” My body is in the thick of postpartum.

Washing my hair is scary with the gobs of hair that seem to fall out, my breasts are sore, which really sucks because I wanted to nurse, but after the agony of attempting to get Camden to latch, it was an epic failure, not on my part or on Camden’s; it just wasn’t meant to be.

We tried, God, did we try, every single day since he was born.

It put a damper on my thinking breastfeeding was going to happen.

A plan I had in place during my whole pregnancy.

I guess it could be worse and no milk could have come in.

Now it’s just a pumping situation. Which isn’t always convenient when you want to go to the grocery store for a quick minute and can’t plop out your boob when he gets hungry.

Marlie, though, goodness, how I love her, she showed me this amazing pump that you can wear while doing everyday things.

It’s all battery operated, rechargeable, and slides inside your bra.

That has been a lifesaver in itself and the best bank we’ve spent so far.

“Not right now. Jesus, I’m not that much of an asshole.

” Asa’s eyes sweep down my body. So much is not what it used to be, all of the changes I’ve gone through.

Yet he still looks at me like I’m the prettiest woman in the whole universe, which is definitely a far cry right about now.

I’m in a pair of his sweats, his old tee shirt that’s threadbare in a few places and sporting some holes.

The only clothing I’m wearing that fit on my body are the granny panties because, well, you may get away with not having a period for nine months, but bam, once the little one is out, it comes back with a vengeance, and the nursing bra that is currently housing my breast pump.

“Talk to me in, like, two years. I love our son. He’s amazing, has his dad’s demeanor and looks.

I’d just like to enjoy him before even contemplating having another one right now.

” Asa moves his arm to help me up, same as he did while I was pregnant.

It’s easier now than just last week, though the tenderness definitely reminds me that, ‘hey, you just had a baby with a big noggin, and you have stitches down there.’

“I didn’t mean now. Obviously later. No offense, babe, but you’re in no shape or form to even start the practicing part of trying to conceive,” Asa jokes. I’d laugh if it didn’t pull at the sutures I’m currently sporting.

“Good, glad we can agree on that. Little man is about to wake up kicking and screaming to eat. I’ll make his bottle if you’ll change his diaper,” I barter with him.

I don’t tell him it’s time for me to dump the milk in my pump into pouches anyways.

I’m not sure how long I’ll keep up with this before we switch him to formula.

Right now, it works, so I’ll stick with it until it doesn’t anymore.

“I see what you’re doing, Montana Rose, sticking me with the stinky job.” Asa chuckles.

“Hey, you smelled it, you dealt it. Not to mention you are the one hoarding our son in your arms, barely allowing even your mother to hold her grandson.” I roll my eyes while I walk into the kitchen.

Seriously, she was here earlier today, and I had to tell Asa to give him up for a few minutes because he was having a hard time sharing.

“Your mom isn’t being very nice to your dad.

” I turn around, a smile on my face, and see another sight that seems to make my heart go pitter-patter.

Asa moved Camden to the couch. He’s crouched down talking to our boy with that sweet grin of his I love so much, and I know with every depth of my being, I’d give Asa another child even if I gave him hell not long ago about bringing it up.

Maybe he should just wait a few more months, then maybe I’d renegotiate with him, though I really do love the idea of having our children close together in age.

I know they’ll fight like dogs when they’re younger, but as they get older, their bond will be as amazing as Asa’s is with his brothers and sister.

And that’s what I’d really love for our children to have as well.

“Hey, Asa,” I get his attention. I watch as he looks up, hair falling over his forehead into his eyes.

“Yeah, babe?” One hand is holding Camden’s stomach even though he can’t move a whole lot on his own yet. Seeing that protective touch in him I know he’ll always have.

“Talk to me in about six months or so. Maybe we’ll get to practicing then.”

“Fuck yeah. I’ll make a note of that.” The desire in his eyes tells me he won’t forget. Knowing him, he’ll commit it to memory and will ask me exactly six months from today. I’m already looking forward to it.