Nothing until now.
“I think it’s her, Thorn. I have a feeling it’s her.”
A grin split my cheeks as water filled behind my own eyes.
Pulling her into a tighter embrace, I held her like that for long minutes, the only words running through my head on repeat, thank you.
Carly gave me life, I’d spend the rest of my days thanking the universe for that little twist of fate. Thank god we’d both swiped right.
THIRD EPILOGUE
Carly - ten years later
“Daddy!” Savannah, my three year old screamed at the top of her lungs. “Caeden stole my hot dog!” She ran full tilt to Thorn and wrapped her arms around his powerful thighs.
He bent down to her level, whispered something in her ear before her smile shot wide and she zipped across the beach and stopped in front of the makeshift ice cream truck.
I shook my head, walking closer to my husband. “Nice bribe, daddy.”
“Got to choose your battles, besides she already had two hot dogs.” He shrugged, taking Jason from my arms.
“Hey, little man.” He crooned at our seven month old. “You ready to hit the water yet?”
His toothless little grin grew wide.
“Where's my godson?” Selma breezed up to both of us, swiping my son into her arms and covering him in kisses. “Auntie Selma is on babysitting duty tonight. You’d better save the dirty diapers for when your daddy gets home in the morning, right, little guy?”
“Good luck with that.” Thorn huffed and pulled me into his arms.
“Thank you for taking them tonight, Selma.”
“Girl, you and the old man haven’t had a night to yourselves in a year, I’m happy to do it.”
Thorn shook his head at her dig. They were always fucking with each other, and I swear some days if it wasn’t for me they’d tear their eyes out.
“I’m kind of digging the salt and pepper in the beard though.” Selma winked at me. “Bet that beard feels amazing downtown, huh?”
“Selma!” I covered my son’s ears.
“Don’t be a prude, he’s too little.”
“Momma,” Courtney appeared at my hip. “Why would daddy’s beard feel amazing downtown?”
“Oh, for god’s sake. Ask Aunt Selma.”
Selma’s eyes widened before she broke into a hardy laugh. “I’ll tell you all about it when we get home, Courtney. Can you help me round up the kids?”
“I can’t believe you trust that woman with our kids,” Thorn grumbled, in ear shot of Selma.
“Hey, if it weren’t for me you wouldn’t have any of this buddy, don’t forget that.”
“What the hell is she talking about?” Thorn pulled me a little closer.
“Carly wouldn’t get off her ass to even go on a date.If it wasn’t for me putting her picture up on that dating app—”
“Wait a fucking minute, Selma put up your picture?” Thorn turned to me.
My cheeks flamed and I nailed Selma with a glare. “I was busy studying.”
“And drying up while you were at it.” Selma shot over her shoulder before draping an arm around the shoulder of my daughter. “Y’all should be thanking me for making this happen.”
“She’s ridiculous.” Thorn rolled his eyes.
“She’s hilarious.” I laughed. “And right.”
“I don’t know anything about Selma being right, but I know I’m goddamn glad you swiped right on me. Changed my life.”
“See, told ya!” Selma blew us both a kiss.
“She’s insane. If that’s the only woman we could find to watch our holy terrors—“
“Selma begged me for auntie time, I was just waiting until Cole was old enough.”
“Well, I’m damn glad to have you to myself.” Thorn hummed at my ear.
He snagged my hand in his and we took off down the beach, towards the little cottage that Thorn had rented for us for the weekend.
We weren’t far from home, and the kids would be over first thing in the morning for pancakes, but at least tonight Thorn and I would have the place to ourselves.
It was a blessing, and just in time, because I had a little surprise in store.
“Looks like there’s a storm coming in off the lake.” Thorn mused as we reached our dock, turning me in his arms and cradling my face as he placed soft kisses on my face.
The wind picked up, sand dusting over our toes as we stood together.
“I’m proud of you. Chief of Staff is such an accomplishment, Doctor.”
A soft smile turned his lips. “Being your husband is my favorite accomplishment. And being a dad.”
I nodded, tears plucking at my eyelids as his warm embrace shielded me from the chilly air.