Epilogue

A
few months later….
Alexander
rubbed a hand over Erika’s barely protruding belly. She was two
months pregnant. “I can’t wait to see you go all round with my
child. I missed it the first time,” he said. She smiled softly,
catching his gaze in the reflection, “Me too. Are you ready to go?”
They were going to his parents’ place for Christmas Eve dinner.
Erin was spending it with their parents. The Belfords were also
coming to the Jenson’s, which meant Jackson, Catherine, Belle, and
Ben were also coming. “Yup. Asher’s ready too.” “Is the car Seat in
the Range Rover?” “Always,” he said, kissing her. She spared a
moment to kiss him back, but quickly ended it, “We have to go or
we’re going to be late.” “Fine.” She got Asher while he headed to
the car. They arrived at his parents’ place just on time.
“Alexander,” his father said. He gave his father a hug, “Merry
Christmas Eve, dad.” “Likewise, son.” Hugs were exchanged. “It’s
good to finally meet you,” Catherine said to Erika. “You too!”
Erika said, and she really meant it. Alexander had told her about
Jackson and Catherine and what happened between them not too long
ago. It was nearly the same as what happened between her and him- a
meddling parents who nearly cost their child their happiness. Thank
goodness it was resolved in the end. “Gather around for the tree
lighting!” Jane called. Everyone came into the living room where a
huge Christmas tree stood- decorated to the nines. “Erika, you’re
the newest member of our family so go ahead and light the tree,”
Jane said. “You mean connect the extension cords,” Alexander
mumbled. Everyone laughed. Erika handed Asher to Alexander then
retrieved the two ends of the cords. “Ready?” she asked. “Ready,”
Catherine said. She connected them. The tree lit up. She gasped. It
was brilliant. It was the most beautiful tree she’d ever seen.
Alexander wrapped an arm around her, “Merry Christmas, my love.”
“Merry Christmas,” she said, leaning into him. He pressed a kiss to
her forehead. They stood there in comfortable silence just gazing
at the tree- each lost in their own thoughts. Suddenly, Alexander
let her go and gave Asher to his mother. Then he dropped to one
knee in front of her and produced a ring box- containing the most
beautiful ring she’d ever seen. “Alexander!” she said. “Erika. I
love you with all my heart and want to spend the rest of my life
with you, telling you how much I love you and our children. I want
to paint more rooms with you and eat more very unhealthy pizza.”
She laughed through her happy tears. “Erika Ilene Houston, will you
marry me?” She smiled so big her face hurt, “Yes!” He slid the ring
on then picked her up in a hug. “I love you,” she said. “I love you
too.” He kissed her. “Congratulations!” Catherine said, giving them
hugs. “Thank you,” Erika said, searching for Asher to give him the
good news although he probably wouldn’t understand. She found him
playing with Belle and Ben. She picked him up, “Guess what Ash!
Mommy and daddy are getting married!” He just smiled. She could’ve
sworn she’d seen understanding flash in his eyes. She sat him down
to resume playing and she threw herself in Alexander’s open arms.
She hugged him tight. This was the best Christmas ever. She had a
loving fiance and one and a half kids. What more could she want?
Alexander’s arms tightened around her in silent agreement, as if
he’d read her thoughts.