Age of Ava by Melanie Moreland
Epilogue
Thirteen months later
Hunter
Icarried a tray into the bedroom, smiling at my wife as she slumbered. Sundays were still her day to sleep in, and usually I made sure she wasn’t disturbed, but today was a special day. I slid the tray on the table, sitting beside her on the mattress. I swept away the hair that had fallen across her face, running my finger down her cheek.
“Wake up, Little Dragon.”
She frowned, pursing her lips and burrowing back under the covers.
I leaned closer. “Baby, I got bacon.”
Her eyes opened, the unique blend of greens, golds, and browns sleepy and soft. “Bacon?” she asked, her voice raspy but hopeful. Ava was crazy for bacon, swearing it belonged in its own food group.
I kissed her. “Sit up.”
With a grimace, she pulled herself up to lean against the headboard, and I slid the tray onto her lap. There was the promised bacon, toast, and coffee on the tray. I had picked a rose from the garden and put it in a glass since I wasn’t sure where the vases were. She grinned as she looked at the tray, picking up a piece of bacon. “Mmm,” she mumbled. “Delicious.”
Laughing, I did the same. I lifted my coffee cup and waited until she picked up hers. “Happy anniversary, my Little Dragon.” We clinked cups, and she smiled before taking a sip.
“I thought you’d sleep in today too,” she said, nibbling on some toast and sliding another piece of bacon into her mouth, thinking I didn’t notice. “Not get up and cook. You had a crazy week.”
“It was busy,” I agreed. I had accepted the job with ABC as a foreman. I loved the work, the people, and the satisfaction I got over a job well done. Their expectations were high, and I strove to make sure they were maintained. Van still did some work with both companies, and I enjoyed working alongside him. We had just finished a flip in town, the deadline threatened because of supply issues. But we sourced, found, and brought in what was needed and made it just under the wire. We worked double shifts to make it happen.
I leaned forward and kissed her. “But I didn’t want to spend the day sleeping. I wanted to make you breakfast then take you out on the boat. I want you all to myself today.”
“Hmm, the boat,” she replied. We loved spending time on the boat. Exploring the marinas and inlets. Just us. It wasn’t a big boat, but it was comfortable and was a great escape for us. My need to move still hit me on occasion, and getting out in the boat scratched that itch. Ava loved spending time on the water, and Cash was a huge fan.
She hummed against my mouth as I kissed her again. I would never tire of kissing her. I smiled as I drew back, watching with amusement as she took another piece of bacon. The plate was going down fast. She even had the nerve to narrow her eyes as I took a second piece.
“A year has gone by so fast,” she mused.
“It has. Best year of my life.” I tilted my head. “You were so beautiful on our wedding day. You took my breath away.”
Aiden and Cami hadn’t been happy with our idea of eloping.
“Liam already did that. I want a wedding for my daughter.”
“You had three weddings, Mom,” Ava argued. “Ronan, Paul, and Jeremy all had traditional weddings.”
“You’re my daughter,” Cami stressed. “I want to be the mother of the bride. I want to see your father walk you down the aisle.” Her mouth had quivered, her eyes misty. “You’re my little girl.”
I couldn’t stand seeing her upset. I also saw a flare of something in Ava’s eyes at her mother’s words. She wanted more as well.
We compromised.
We had the wedding by the pool. Just family, which with this group, was a big enough crowd. Cami designed Ava’s dress—a knee-length froth of lace and silk that exploded from her waist and left her neck and shoulders bare. I needed a suit and made the mistake of asking Aiden where to get one. I spent an afternoon with Bentley, Maddox, and my soon-to-be father-in-law in a high-end shop in Toronto being fitted for one. Liam and Ronan arrived not long after we did, and by the time the afternoon was done, I was drunk on whiskey, the owner of not one but three suits, plus shirts, ties, vests, and the oddest socks I had ever seen. The shoes that went with the suits were so shiny, I swore I could see my reflection in them. I had no idea when I would wear the clothes, but I was assured I would need them. The BAM men insisted the clothes were their gift to me, and I swallowed my objections and accepted their generosity.
Our wedding day was bright and sunny. Ava was a vision, with her hair swept up and her dress swirling around her legs as she walked toward me on Aiden’s arm. We said our vows under a huge, canopied tent, festooned with flowers and even a temporary dance floor.
I spoke my vows in a clear voice, Ava’s replies quieter but firm. Once we were declared husband and wife, the party was on, and I was officially welcomed as a member of the family.
And for the first time in my life, I was part of something. A group of people not all related by blood but related by love. There were times I found them overwhelming, but most of the time, I enjoyed being part of the craziness and affection that surrounded the group. I had friends, something I had never allowed myself until I met Ava. I had become especially close to Ronan, Liam, and Aiden. Van was another man I looked up to. All great examples of good husbands, fathers, and friends. I strove to follow their standards.
“It’s been amazing,” Ava agreed, her voice bringing me out of my memories. She tapped the small envelope on the tray.
“What is that?”
With a smirk, I held it out to her. “Your gift.”
She took it eagerly. Ava loved gifts. I loved giving them to her. Small things, like her favorite chocolate bar, flowers, some piece of bric-a-brac that caught her eye. Never anything over the top or expensive. She was amazingly low-maintenance.
I had a feeling she would like this one, though.
She opened the flap and read the words. “Australia? Really?” she squealed.
“Our honeymoon was short, and we never left Canada. I want to take you away from everything.”
She clasped my hand. “I loved our honeymoon.”
It was just us and Cash in the truck, my CDs she’d made me ready to play, and no destination in sight. We stayed at cottages, quaint little motels, and resorts. I showed her places I’d worked, towns I’d discovered, and spots I had been to and loved. I could finally share them with someone. I made sure she napped and slept in every day. We made love as often as possible. The two weeks flew by far too fast.
Now I wanted her to really get away, and she’d mentioned how much she wanted to see the rugged beauty of the outback. The map on our kitchen wall had lots of bright red pegs of places she wanted to see. My goal was to change them all to blue for the destinations we had visited.
“I did too. But you’ll love this as well. It’s all arranged with Addi and Robert. You’re covered. Your parents will look after Cash. We leave in two weeks.”
She pushed the tray away, climbing onto my lap. I pulled her into my arms, our mouths fused together. Kisses of salty bacon and sweet coffee were perfect when shared with my wife.
“I have a present for you too.”
“You?” I asked hopefully, running my hand up her leg.
She laughed, taking my hand. She slid it under the T-shirt she wore, resting it on her stomach and covering it with hers. “Guess what?”
“You want the shirt off?”
“No.”
“You’re trying to distract me to get the last piece of bacon?”
She laughed, then became serious. “Your hand is covering your gift.”
It took me a moment, then her message became clear. “Little Dragon, are you—are you pregnant?”
“I am. We’re going to be a family, Hunter.”
I had her wrapped up in my arms again in a second. Another astonishing gift from my wife. I was going to be a father.
Eighteen months ago, I was alone. Adrift without roots. Lost and searching for something I would never find because I didn’t know what it was.
Now, because of the woman I was holding, I was a husband, a friend, an adopted son. I knew I had been loved and wanted by someone in my childhood. I had memories and laughter. Love that surrounded me. A home. A wonderful life. And soon, a child to share that with. A tiny being I would already give my life for.
“Is everything okay? You’re okay?”
“Yes. You can come for the ultrasound.”
“I’ll be there for everything. I swear I won’t let you or our baby down.”
“I know. You’re going to be a great daddy, Hunter.”
Daddy. What a beautiful word. Family was another one. And right now, I was holding my entire family, my world, in my arms.
I looked at Ava, tears in my eyes. “Best gift ever.”
She smiled, her happiness reflected in her beautiful gaze.
“Your dad and mom will flip. That secures my place as favorite son-in-law.”
She laughed, not pointing out the fact that I was the only one. Instead, mischief danced in her eyes.
“Does this mean I get the last piece of bacon?” She grinned. “The baby wants it.”
I offered her the plate. “Anything.”
* * *
A year later
The world was still around me. I looked over the water, the sun not even rising above the gently moving waves. I rocked slowly, staring down into the sleeping face of our son. I’d loved him the entire time Ava was pregnant, talking to him, reading him poems and funny books, putting headphones on her stomach so he could hear my favorite songs. But the moment they placed him in my arms, something in me settled. The last, final piece to the heart I thought I didn’t have.
Love, so infinite and strong, seeped into my body. Drip by drip, it filled up all the tiny cracks that still lingered. The healing Ava had started finished with Austin Jackson Owens.
I ran my finger down his downy cheek, marveling at him. He was perfect. The best thing I had ever done in my life.
He snuggled closer, and I smiled down at him.
“Let me tell you about your mother. You are going to love her.”
* * *
Ava
I woke up to an empty bed. I wasn’t surprised. Hunter was no doubt in the nursery with Austin. He was fascinated by him.
But as I slowly eased from the bed, I heard Hunter’s voice on the deck. I peeked out the door, trying not to cry at the sight. He was wrapped in a blanket, our son cuddled to his chest, and he was talking to him.
“You have a great family around you. They’re the best. A little loud, but the best. And the best of all of them is your mommy. You are so lucky to have her. We both are.” He was quiet for a moment. “Your mommy is a walking contradiction. All women are, but that’s a subject for another day. Your mother is a tough, smart businesswoman. She can work a boardroom, run a jobsite, and flip any asshole who dares to cross her. I am unbelievably proud of her.” He pressed a kiss to Austin’s head. “I can say this now because you can’t do anything to stop me. She is damn sexy in a skirt.” Hunter laughed. “In anything, really, but one day you’ll get it.”
Hunter rocked for a moment. I tried to wipe away the tears, but they kept coming. I had been like this since Austin was born—my emotions were right at the surface.
Hunter started talking again. “Your mommy has this soft side. She needs to be held and taken care of—that’s my job. I think you and I are going to see it a lot the next while. I like the fact that I know about it. She hides it. It’s sort of our secret, although the family knows she is pretty sweet—they just pretend to be afraid of her.” He stroked Austin’s back. “You hit the jackpot with Mommy. I’m glad I have her to help me with you. She is way smarter. Prettier too. And she smells really nice. She’ll teach you all the good things, and I’ll show you power tools and baseball. We’re a good team that way.”
I couldn’t help the sniffles that happened. My tears were like a fast-flowing river down my face. Hunter looked up with a smile and extended his hand. “Come see the sunrise with us, Mommy.”
I padded outside, and he opened the blanket. I took Austin, then curled up on Hunter’s lap. He enveloped us in the warmth of the material and his arms. He kissed my head.
“Heard me, did you?”
“Yes.”
“I was just telling our son a few things. He needs to know how awesome you are. He’s going to have a great life.”
“His daddy is amazing too. He’s strong and caring.” I cupped Hunter’s cheek. “You took such good care of me during my pregnancy. You were a rock.”
He turned his head to kiss my palm. “You were easy to take care of. As long as I had bacon on hand, you were good.”
We both laughed. My craving for bacon had been endless. And peanut butter sandwiches. Hunter made sure both were well stocked at all times.
“Austin is lucky to have you,” I whispered.
Hunter shook his head. “I’m the lucky one. I get both of you.”
I snuggled closer. “Always.”
“I love you,” he breathed against my head.
“I love you.”
The sun rose, its rays filling the deck with light. Hunter’s embrace tightened, and I sighed in contentment. His love was an all-encompassing entity, wrapping itself around me in every aspect of our life. It now grew and encircled our son. Bonded us as a family.
Hunter had found his place to belong. It was with me. My family had adopted him, giving him a foundation. And now, we had our own. Together we were strong.
I lifted my face to the sun.
What an age to be alive.
* * *
Thank you so much for reading AGE OF AVA. If you are so inclined, reviews are always welcome by me at your book retailer.
Grumpy vs sunshine is a trope I enjoy to write. Add in two characters who know what they want and you get combustion whenever they are together. Hunter and Ava were magic to watch fall in love as I typed the words to the page. I hope you loved them as much as I do.
If you would love to read another grumpy/sunshine story from me, check out Maxx and Charly’s story in REVVED TO THE MAXX.
If you’d like to know what happened on the shopping trip with Hunter, click below to read all about the gentlemen’s adventure- Bonus Scene AGE OF AVA available at Bookfunnel: https://
This is the last ABC Corp book for 2021. But stay tuned for more of your favorite BAM family in 2022.
Enjoy reading! Melanie
