“It will,” Rhett agreed, reaching out to place his hand over the small bump that was now so prominent at my waist. “I’m still amazed by the idea that just beneath my hand my son is growing. It’s mind-boggling.”
“You’re gonna continue to gloat about being right, aren’t you?”
Rhett smiled brightly, and I laughed. I still remembered the moment we had the sonogram that confirmed that we were, in fact, having a boy. Rhett literally hooted loudly throughout the room, and the technician laughed, accepting his high five as if she was on his side and somehow had a part in making our child a boy.
“I knew from the moment I had that dream.” He was talking about his father. “I felt like it was my father’s way of letting me know that even though he wasn’t here physically, he was still here, watching over me.”
“I think so too,” I confessed, reaching out to cup his cheek. “How could he not stick around in some way to watch you turn into the amazing guy you are today?”
We remained quiet for a few minutes, Rhett looking out the window at our side, somewhat lost in thought. I loved when he did that very thing; it gave me the time to just watch him and honestly fall in love with him just a little more.
“What do you think about living right here for at least the next year or two?”
“I’m okay with that,” I told him, wondering where this conversation was going.
“Good, because that’s how long I want to ensure that the house I plan to build for us is nothing short of perfect.” I instantly saw that smile tug at his lips.
“What?”
Rhett finally looked away from the window and his gaze settled once again on mine. “I talked to my mom and my dad.” He pointed toward the opposite side of the lake. “That space right out there, across the lake. It’s ours.”
“Are you serious?”
“Yes. I figured we could turn it slightly so whoever ends up living here later can’t see inside our new place.” He smirked. “Last thing I want is for anyone to look in and see my girl walking around in a nightie, or naked.” He winked playfully. “But we’ve gotta have this view still. It’s our spot.”
I nodded, feeling that rawness in my chest threaten me.
“I wanna build us the perfect house, one that the two of us design together.” He leaned in and kissed me. “Four bedrooms.”
“Four?”
“Yes.” Another kiss is pressed to my lip,s and this time he lingered just a little longer. “One for us, and one for each of our kids.”
“Three children?”
“We could make it five bedrooms.” He moved back just in time to catch my eyes widen in surprise, which made him chuckle.
“Three’s good,” I assured him.
“Have I told you just how much I adore you, Allison Jo?”
“Not in the last few hours.” He shook his head, almost as if he was disappointed. “I’m slipping.”
My heart was so very full. I was floored by the connection I had with Rhett, and how each day it only managed to grow deeper and more indestructible. He was my rock, my foundation, the man I loved with every single fiber of my being.
Rhett Jackson was my life, and in turn, I was his.
Epilogue
Rhett
“Is that what I think it is?” I held the box in my hand, doing nothing to hide the ring inside from Mikey who now stood at my side, leaning in to get a closer look. “Damn, did you sell a kidney for that thing or what?”
“Think she’ll like it?”
“I may not be experienced when it comes to women and engagement rings, but I’d be floored if she didn’t.” Mikey finally leaned back, resting his hip on the countertop next to us. “When you plan on asking her?”
Before I get the chance to answer him, my phone begins ringing, breaking through our conversation. My father’s number displayed across the screen.
“Dad,” I said after swiping my finger across the screen.
“Where are you?” He sounded out of breath.
“With Mikey, in town. Why?”
“Meet me at the hospital.” I heard a car door shut just before the sound of someone groaning in pain. “AJ’s water broke, bud. You’re about to be a dad.”
The call ended, and my heart felt like it lurched in my chest. You ever had the feeling as if your heartbeat was pounding rapidly within your ears, like you could hear the echo of each beat, hard and fast?
“I’m gonna be a dad.” I whispered the words, still holding my phone in my hands and staring down at it.
“You’re a little behind,” Mikey said with a laugh.
“I don’t mean in general, you smartass.” I finally lowered my hand that held my phone to my side and looked up at him. “I mean now, as in AJ is in labor.”
“Well, in that case, why the hell are we just standing here?” He slapped my back before hurrying off toward the door of the diner. “Come on, daddy, I’ll give you a ride.”
I didn’t argue, because as I followed him outside, I could feel my legs shake beneath me. I was ready to be a father—I’d dreamt of it often, imagining holding my child in my arms. I was ready for this, so damned ready.
The drive to the hospital was filled with Mikey rambling on and the radio playing in the background. Only I couldn’t honestly tell you a word that was spoken or what songs played. All I could focus on was the fact that it felt like we were only inching along.
Whenever we did reach the hospital, I felt like
