Top Dog

Then I fucked her until she silently screamed my name.

Epilogue

Amanda

Seven Months Later

The sun was shining brightly as summer beat down upon the mountainous terrain. My art gallery was officially open for business and the first day had been fantastic. Brian helped me get everything ready, including helping me hang up my first round of pictures. I had people in and out of the gallery all day, inquiring about tailor-made pieces, art classes, and buying a few things right off the wall. The community came out to welcome me into their arms, and as the day was winding down, I figured out I had sold three pieces, filled up two of my art classes, and sold four hundred dollars right off the wall.

And Brian wanted to take me out to celebrate.

“If we’re going to go out, I need to go change first. I’ve been on my feet all day, and I’d really like a shower,” I said.

“That’s fine. I want a chance to go see how the paint is drying at the cabin,” Brian said.

“Oh! Did you get all of that done already?” I asked.

“Yes. Now that I’m done with the staircase, I can get upstairs and finish things up there. But the downstairs is fully painted.”

Over the course of seven months, Brian had managed to really whip the cabin into shape. We sold off the pieces my grandmother gifted me as we needed them, though I knew Brian was still using some of his money to fix things up. He had replaced the porch, redone the kitchen, hired an electrician to come fix all the outlets, had the furniture and carpets downstairs professionally cleaned, and painted all the walls himself. It was really coming along, and all we had to do now was take care of the upstairs.

I was in awe every single day of him.

I kissed Brian before I hopped into the shower, but I made it quick. There was an outfit I wanted Lanie to put on, a very special outfit I’d picked out just for today. I dried myself off and changed into one of my summer dresses, then helped Lanie get ready. I put a bow in her hair and found her a fun little skirt to wear, and as I was slipping on her shoes I heard Brian come through the door.

“The walls are coming along fine,” he called out. “One more night of drying and they’ll be good to go. You girls ready to eat?”

“Coming, Daddy!”

Lanie ran down the hallway toward him and my hands were shaking. I watched as Brian picked her up, swinging her around in his arms. I would never get over that. I would never get over how wonderful Brian was with that little girl. Tears rose to my eyes as I settled my hands on my stomach, watching them from the shadows of the hallway as his eyes scanned her outfit.

“You look beautiful, Princess. Is that a new shirt?”

“It is! It is! Read it, Daddy.”

He put Lanie down before he crouched in front of her, and I could see the confusion written all over his face. His eyes darted up toward the hallway just as I emerged, my hands on my stomach and my skin glowing with delight. He slowly stood to his feet, his jaw dropped and his eyes sparkling as they moved over my body.

“Her shirt says ‘big sister,’” Brian said.

“I know. I uh, figured it was appropriate,” I said, smiling.

“Amanda?” he asked.

“Yeah?”

“Why does Lanie’s shirt say ‘big sister’?”

Tears of happiness rose to my eyes as I shoved my hand into the pocket of my sundress.

“Because we’re pregnant,” I said as I handed him the test.

He took it from my fingers and studied the positive test. His body was still as his face morphed from confusion to shock. I tried my best to keep my emotional disposition at bay. I wanted to give him space to process, just like I had a few weeks ago myself.

“You’re pregnant?” he asked.

His voice was full of hope and light as he turned his eyes to connect with me.

“I am,” I said, giggling. “I’m pregnant, Brian.”