EPILOGUE
Sam
A few months later.
I gasp and let out a squeal as Randy smacks my behind fondly. When I turn to shoot him a faux annoyed look, he doesn’t look apologetic at all. Instead, my boyfriend’s wearing a large smirk on his face.
“Damn, you look good!” he growls. “Out of all the women at the party, you’re the hottest honey. You know that don’t you, baby?”
I try to keep on a serious face but just as always, it’s a horrible failure. Instead, I laugh merrily.
“Thank you, but I know you don’t mean it because I’m as big as a whale right now. Plus, your son or daughter has been kicking up a storm lately, so not only am I a whale, but I’m a bumpy whale.”
But my boyfriend’s blue eyes are serious.
“No baby,” he whispers in my ear. “Bumpy whale or not, you look gorgeous like this,” he says, running one big hand over my swollen belly. “You are the most beautiful woman here, honey. Take my word for it.”
I smile happily at him because my dreams have come true. I’m pregnant by the man I love, and not only that, but we live together in a spacious two-story home in Vegas. Things have happened so fast that it’s incredible. Randy’s making a ton of money as a dancer, and not only that, but he’s really popular too. As a result, Thunder Strike just promoted him to feature dancer, and we’re throwing a party in our backyard to celebrate.
Back in New Jersey, we wouldn’t have been able to afford it. Property there is expensive and both he and I lived in small apartments. But here in Vegas, our two-story home is a gleaming piece of new construction, with a cathedral ceiling in the living room and modern chef’s kitchen. We have a huge master suite upstairs, and right next to it is a room that I’ve transformed into a nursery. Everything’s yellow right now because we’ve decided not to find out the baby’s gender in advance. It’ll be a surprise.
But today, we’re throwing a party to celebrate, and have invited dozens of friends over for a swim. The swimming pool is huge and the water is a gleaming aquamarine. I got those swan-shaped floats that seem to be all over Instagram, lending a festive air, and quite a few folks are already perched on them, floating around in tiny bikinis and swim trunks.
That’s the thing about Vegas. People out here are good-looking because so many of us are in show business, in one way or another. But I feel confident even with my big belly, and not only that, but my boyfriend loves my curvaceous form, so that’s enough for me.
Taking a fruit platter in hand, I make my way outside before setting down the big steel tray.
“Hey, you shouldn’t be carrying something so heavy,” a low growl sounds behind my shoulder. I spin around and sure enough, it’s Jethro Stills, Randy’s buddy from home.
“Hey Jeth,” I greet with a fond hug. “Oof, you’re getting a belly bump along with this hug.”
The handsome man just smiles as the light glints off his black hair. He really is ungodly handsome, and could probably make a living as a male model if he wanted to. But he quirks a grin my way.
“No worries. So how have you been, Sam?” he asks. “We miss Randy out in Cedar Toms, although I have to say Las Vegas is amazing,” he says appreciatively while looking around. There are a couple ladies in string bikinis splashing in the water about ten feet away, and I can tell they’re eyeing the handsome firefighter right back.
“Vegas is good,” I smile. “Why, are you thinking of moving out? How’s New Jersey? How are the guys down at the station?”
He heaves a dramatic sigh.
“It’s lonely without Randy,” he grouses as my boyfriend strides over. “I was just telling your girlfriends how much we miss you back at the Cedar Toms FD. Coming into work just isn’t the same without this guy’s ugly mug to keep me company.”
“Sorry about that,” my lover shrugs. “Next time, I guess I’ll try harder not to let photos of my cock get out.”
The two of them chuckle together and I realize how much progress Randy’s made. A mere few months ago, he was depressed and dispirited at the hand life had dealt him, but now he’s even able to jest about the unfortunate incident with the playing cards. I’m so grateful and beam happily at my boyfriend.
“No, but seriously, this place is the bomb,” Jethro continues, stealing another glance at the near-naked ladies in the pool. “I mean, this is the life, right? Sunny days, warm weather, pool parties, and lots of sand, albeit desert sand and not beach sand. Plus, the women here aren’t half bad,” he growls. “In all seriousness, maybe I should quit my job and come out here. I’m kind of getting sick of being a firefighter anyways.”
“Nah, you’re just talking shit,” Randy scoffs. “Wasn’t your dad a firefighter? And your grandfather too? It runs in the family, right?”
Jethro nods. “Yeah, but that doesn’t mean I have to fight fires forever. Shit, I’ve been with the department for twenty years already, so that’s long enough. You know, I’m not as young as I used to be and firefighting’s a young man’s game,” he winks.
Randy gets a contemplative look.
“Well, maybe you should look into moving out here then,” he says. “Why not? Have you been to see Thunder Strike yet?”
Jethro shakes his head and winks.
“No, but I have half a mind to try out myself because if this guy can do it, then anyone can,” he jokes before clapping my boyfriend on the back. “No really, buddy. It would be nice to have you as a co-worker again and I’m serious when I say I’m thinking about moving out to Vegas.” But then, Jethro gets a mischievous look on his face. “But on another note, did you guys ever start that free use thing I told you about?” he asks in a light tone.
“Shh!” I whisper, looking around scandalized. “OMG, what if someone hears?”
Randy chuckles.
“This is Vegas, baby girl. No one will be shocked.”
I blush, but shake my head.