Total pages in book: 34
Estimated words: 32145 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 32145 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 161(@200wpm)___ 129(@250wpm)___ 107(@300wpm)
“It’s what family does.” He gives a shrug like it’s no big deal, but it is.
“I’ve been an asshole.” Cooper’s brows lift at my admission.
“It tends to run in the family,” he replies with a smirk on his face.
“I suppose it does.” I shake my head.
“I’m proud of you. Not only for doing good in school and football but the way you are with Fleur too.” He walks over to me. “The time I was away from your mom almost killed me, but the silver lining is the family we have now. Sebastian and Sadie included.” He’s right. I wouldn’t change anything if it took them from our lives.
“We’re kind of a mess.”
“The best kind.” He smiles. “I love you, Van.”
“I love you too, Dad.” He grabs me, pulling me in for a tight hug. One that I didn’t realize I needed until this very moment. I know it won’t solve all of our problems, but it’s a start.
Epilogue
FLEUR
MANY YEARS LATER
It’s not often or really ever that I have to go in search of my husband, but he went missing twenty minutes ago from the party. I saw him slip inside through the back door. I’d been in the middle of talking to a few friends. I was busy making my rounds at the party trying to thank everyone for coming before they might leave. As much as I wanted to see what my husband was up to, I didn’t want to be rude. I mean, all of the guests were here for me, after all. And I was truly grateful for their support.
I make my way up toward the house. We only got the build of it complete a year ago. It’s more than I ever thought I would have in life. It’s a dream come true. But that’s the reality that Van has given me. It doesn’t take me long to find him. He’s in the study with our oldest daughter. It’s where we keep all of his trophies and Super Bowl rings. I’m sure he’ll be adding a few more to the collection in time. I couldn’t be more proud of him.
“You think here is good?” he asks our daughter. “It should be in the center.”
“You steal that from my office?” Both of them turn toward me at my question.
“It should be on display.” Van steps to the side to give me a clear view of the award I won from Women's Media Foundation in honor of the many articles I’ve written over the years. I went freelance when I got out of college. That decision had been a little scary at first, but I was confident in my writing, and Van’s unwavering support made it less intimidating.
I needed to be able to be free to move as I pleased because as much as I wanted to write, I always wanted a family. I wished for that more than anything, and Van had been trying to knock me up for forever. I knew it was only a matter of time before I’d become pregnant after college. Plus, with Van going in the first round of the NFL draft, I needed to be able to move around during the season. I’ve never missed a game. That can be said for our kids as well.
I walk over to my husband and kiss him. He’s always been my number one supporter. The man would do anything for me, and I would do anything for him. He has shown me unconditional love.
“I’m right here,” Molly huffs, making me break our kiss.
Van doesn't let me go, though. He keeps me tucked into him. One of his hands on the small baby bump that has already popped out. I know it’s going to be a boy. My stomach always shows quickly when it’s a boy. This will be our third boy but our fifth child. I think it will be our last, but I said that last time too.
“Molly!” I hear my niece call for her.
“Coming.” She darts from the room, leaving us alone.
I’m surprised her dad got her away long enough to come with him to move my award. When the cousins are together, they are a wild bunch that stick together. It’s why we had Dunc build our home down the street from him and Sadie. The parentals are only a street over.
“I can move some of my shit when you get more awards.” Van waves dismissively at his trophies. I shake my head. I swear he looks more proud of my award than he did when he won his own. Honestly, it brings tears to my eyes.
“Thank you.” I drop my head back to stare up at him. When the Women's Media Foundation said they’d be hosting an event for my award, Van bulldozed in and offered our backyard. You’d think a wedding was going on back there with the giant tents with chandeliers hanging from them.