"Amanda, honey, I slept with you without protection. Even then, a part of me hoped to get you pregnant. I wanted to tie you to me forever, but I need you to be happy."
She sniffs her nose. "I was the happiest I'd ever been when we were together."
I get up from my knee and take the ring from the box and put it on her finger. "Me too, honey, me too. Marry me."
She looks at the ring on her finger and then back at me. "I love you, Chance."
I pull her into my arms and kiss her until she's breathless. When we do finally pull apart, I tell her, "I love you too."
I know I have a lot to make up for, but I’m not lying to her. I plan to do just that for the rest of our lives.
Epilogue
Amanda
Nine months later
I look down at the miracle in my arms, and I can’t believe this is my life. Chance leans over and kisses the top of our daughter’s head, and then he kisses me. “Isn’t she perfect?” I ask him.
He nods. “I never had any doubt she would be. Her mom is the same way.”
I shake my head and laugh. The last nine months have been something else. The night Chance proposed to me changed everything. Right after I agreed, he had me pack a bag, and he took me out to his house on the Bryant ranch. The next day, he and his brothers packed up everything in my apartment and moved it out to the house. The day after that, we got married.
I haven’t talked to my dad. He’s reached out a few times, but I haven’t talked to him. I’m still mad about what he did to Chance and me. My brothers were mad when they found out Chance and I got married, but eventually they came around when I told them I was pregnant, and if they wanted to see their niece they’d have to act right. From that point on, they’ve been nothing but respectful to Chance and all the other Bryants. It’s amazing to think that something like this tiny little human being can bring so many people together.
Chance leans in and searches my face. “You happy?”
I nod and smile even though I am a little sad. “I’m happy. You know I am... I just wish...”
I stop, not wanting to put this burden on Chance. He’s been really supportive of everything, and now’s not the time to bring him down.
But he’s perceptive and pays close attention to me. “But your dad? You wish he was here?”
I nod. “Yeah, I’m still mad at him, but he’s my dad... I don’t know.”
He wraps his hand around the base of my neck. “I called your dad when we got to the hospital. He’s been sitting in the waiting room all night, but I told him that he could only come back if you wanted him here.”
I sit up. “He’s here. My dad is here?”
He smiles at my excitement. “Yeah, honey. He’s here. You want to see him?”
She nods. “I do... I still don’t forgive him—"
“You can, though. I have. I’ve talked to him, and I think we have a better understanding now. He had a hard time with your mom passing too. He didn’t want to let go of you. I understand.” I cup our baby’s head and brush my finger across her soft skin. “Probably more now than ever. But I’ve forgiven him.”
“Oh Chance... you’re too good to me.”
He shakes his head, and I know he’s thinking about the day he walked out on me. “I won’t ever do anything to hurt you again, Amanda. I promise you that. And I’ll just put it all on the line. I told your dad if he makes you cry, he won’t see you or the baby again. I won’t hurt you... and I definitely won’t stand by and let anyone else hurt you.”
I sniffle and reach for him, planting my lips on his. “I love you, Chance.”
He looks at me with so much love. “You have no idea.... I love you more.”
He straightens to his full height, and I grab his hand. “Wait, what about your family? They haven’t been in yet.”
“They’ll stay in the waiting room all night, honey. Don’t you worry about them.”
I nod and watch him leave. I sit up farther on the bed and wait for him to come back. As soon as the door opens, my dad comes in with flowers in one hand and a stuffed teddy bear in the other. I start to cry as he looks at our daughter in my arms. He walks toward me, his mouth hanging open in awe. “She looks just like you.”
I sniff and laugh. “That’s what Chance says.”
Chance is standing next to my father, smiling. “Thank goodness for that.”