Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 24199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24199 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
But there is one more thing she wants. One thing I can give her. “I was thinking more like college applications.”
She arches an eyebrow at me. “Do you want another degree?”
“No, I want you to go to school. If it’s still your dream to be a pediatrician, then you should see that through.” I won’t have her give up on her dreams for me or Ollie. She deserves to pursue the things that are important to her.
She swallows. “I want that too. But Ollie is so little. I know you mentioned daycare as an option, and it works for a lot of families. But I’m not ready for that just yet. Maybe when he’s older.”
“What if we split the time with him? I’ve been setting things in place so I can take more time away from the gym. I’ll watch over Ollie while you’re at class, and we’ll figure the rest of it out as we come to it.”
“That’s why you’ve been working so hard with Susie, isn’t it?”
I nod and capture her hand. I bring it to my lips and press a gentle kiss to her palm. “You don’t have to choose between your dreams and our family. I’ll always be the one cheering you on and encouraging you to go after them.”
She’s quiet for a long moment. “There are probably some scholarships I’m eligible for and—”
I frown at her. I know she’s used to doing everything by herself, but she doesn’t have to anymore. She doesn’t have to work herself to the bone or worry about where her next meal is coming from. “Or you could accept that your husband is a millionaire and let him help you.”
She opens her mouth to argue with me but I kiss her instead. I sweep into her mouth and stroke her tongue with my own. She relaxes into me and sighs when I pull away. “That is a very convincing counterargument.”
I chuckle. “Just let me take care of you.”
“Only if I can take care of you too,” she teases as she reaches for me under the covers.
I’ll cheer my wife on as she goes after every one of her dreams and be her loudest supporter along the way. She’s amazing, and I plan to spend the rest of my life showing her that.
EPILOGUE
IVY
I walk down the stone steps, leaving behind the warmth of the college building. There’s a slight chill in the autumn air. Normally, my husband picks me up from my college classes, but he had a business meeting this afternoon. He did text me to tell me he loves me and that he’s thinking of me.
I texted him a sexy picture I took in our bathroom this morning. I’m sure he’ll get me back later tonight by holding me down and giving me endless orgasms. The thought has me smiling as I get into my shiny red car. He insisted on buying me a brand-new vehicle as soon as he realized I’d be traveling between Courage County and Asheville for my college classes.
I finished my freshman year requirements over the summer. Now I’m starting my sophomore year. I love all my courses, and I can’t wait to get my prerequisites done so I can start on the path to studying medicine.
The drive back to Courage goes quickly. I always find it easier to come home than drive to college. There’s something about knowing I have a place to come home to. It fills me with happiness and joy.
I have even more reason to celebrate after my morning appointment with the specialist. I didn’t mention it to Hale because I didn’t want either of us to get our hopes, but the confirmation means I haven’t stopped smiling.
As soon as I’m in town, I drive straight to the gym. Three months ago, I mentioned to Hale that I wanted to see if Jenna offered a mommy-and-me yoga class at her studio. The next thing I knew, Hale had recruited Jenna to do one of her mommy-and-me classes at the gym where he could keep me under his watchful eye.
Ollie is already inside the gym. He’s squirming on Mallory’s lap, eager to get down and explore the world around him. He’s eighteen months old now and getting bigger every day. His vocabulary is constantly growing, and he’s beginning to develop his personality.
I see it in small ways and big ways. Like the way he tells me no when I try to put him in the green shirt instead of the blue, and the way he prefers the taste of carrots to peas. He follows his dad around constantly. It’s clear he idolizes Hale, and the feeling is mutual.
I’ve tried to reach out to Katie a few times to let her know that her son is healthy and happy. She ignores my calls or if she does answer, she cusses me out. The last I heard from Hale is that she’s using again.