The prospect of the future filled her with happiness.
“I love you,” he said.
And staring into Ryker’s eyes, she didn’t doubt him for a second.
Epilogue
Ten years later
“It’s a snow day!” Laurie said, screaming.
Scarlett laughed from the kitchen window as her little girl collapsed to the ground and started making snow angels. Their new dog barked like crazy but wriggled in the snow. Ryker, unable to resist the snow, joined their daughter, and it wasn’t long before Rafe and Tristan joined them, too.
Finishing up their favorite white peppermint chocolate with cream and marshmallows, she carried their drinks outside, being careful to wrap up warm. The temperatures had plummeted, and seeing as it was the last couple of days of school, they’d been told to stay at home, do homework, and they’d see them in the New Year.
“Chocolate,” all of her kids said, getting to their feet and rushing toward her.
Seeing the snow clinging to their coats, Scarlett was more than happy she’d put a pot roast in the oven. They were going to freeze otherwise.
As she placed the hot drinks on the table, the kids crowded around and took their cups. Seeing that Ryker was in the snow, she made her way over to him.
“Don’t you want a hot chocolate?” she asked.
He reached up, taking her hand. She gasped, as with a yank he pulled her down so that she lay across him with snow all around them.
“See, you always were my snow angel, baby,” he said.
“I’m a very heavy snow angel.”
“No such thing. Angels are all light as feathers.”
“I’m a very heavy feather.” She was pregnant with their fourth child, and they had the confirmation a few weeks ago.
Ryker wrapped his arms around her, and she felt the hard press of his cock. “Do you think that feels like someone who is bothered by your weight? I’ve warned you before, Scarlett, I love your body and your curves. Nothing’s going to change.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “It’s been ten years,” she said.
“I know, and I still want you like I’ve not had you twice this morning already. Do you still want me?” he asked.
“Always.” The love she had for Ryker only got stronger. She didn’t want to give him up for a second, and never intended to. “Still, I’ll ask you in another ten.”
He laughed. “You can ask me every single day of the week, and guess what, baby, it’s always going to be the same. You’re my woman, and I will love you for the rest of my life.”
Again, she loved hearing him say this.
There, with the snow all around them, she claimed his lips, ignoring the kids as they made grossed-out noises.
“I love you, wife,” he said, breaking the kiss.
“I love you, husband.”
“Let’s snowball our kids.”
She gave him enough cover to grab a snowball, and rather slyly they stood up. On the count of three, the snowball fight began, and Scarlett held her husband’s hand throughout it all. There was no tearing them apart, and when another ten years passed, his answer was the same, as was hers.
The End