EPILOGUE

ZOEY

S ix months later, I nervously paced in the living room, waiting for Noah to get home. My heart raced, my stomach twisting. Ro looked up at me from where he was sprawled on the couch.

“Mom, calm down. It’s all going to be great, you’ll see.”

I forced a smile. “I’m glad you’re so sure. I’m a wreck right now.”

“Don’t worry, he’s going to love the surprise. I just know it.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I hope you’re right, kiddo. This means so much to me. To both of us.”

I glanced around the room one more time, making sure everything was perfect. The adoption papers sat on the coffee table, neatly stacked. I’d strung a banner on the wall, its colorful letters spelling out, Congratulations, Dad!

Just then, the familiar rumble of Noah’s pickup truck came up the driveway. My pulse quickened as the engine cut off. This was it, the big moment. Ro jumped up excitedly.

“He’s here! Ready, Mom?”

I exhaled slowly and nodded. “As I’ll ever be. Let’s do this.”

The front door clicked open. I held my breath, waiting for Noah’s reaction as he stepped inside our home, completely unaware of how our lives were about to change forever.

Noah walked through the door, his eyes widening as he took in the decorations. “What’s all this?” He gestured at the banners and balloons. “Are we celebrating something?”

Ro bounced on his toes beside me, barely able to contain his excitement. He tugged at my shirt, and I nodded.

Ro stepped forward, clearing his throat. “Noah, I... I wrote you a letter. I want you to hear it.” He unfolded a piece of paper, his hands shaking slightly.

“Of course, buddy. I’m listening.”

Ro began to read. “‘Noah, I want you to know how much I love you and look up to you. You’ve been there for me and Mom through everything. You make us happy, and I feel safe when you’re around.’”

Tears poured down my cheeks as my son poured his heart out.

“‘You’re the closest thing to a dad I’ve ever had. And I was hoping...’” He paused, glancing back at me. I smiled reassuringly. “‘I was hoping you would officially be my dad. Will you adopt me, Noah?’”

Noah’s lips parted in shock. He blinked rapidly, clearly overwhelmed with emotion. “Ro, I...”

I picked up the adoption papers. “We had Margaret draw these up. Everything’s ready, if you want to make it official.” I held them out to Noah, my heart in my throat.

Noah stared at the papers, then back at Ro’s hopeful face. A tear slid down his cheek as he plucked Ro off his feet and hugged him.

“Nothing would make me happier than to be your dad. I love you so much.”

“Really? You’ll be my dad?”

Noah grinned from ear to ear. “You bet I will. I’d be honored.” He ruffled Ro’s hair affectionately.

I watched the two most important people in my life, overwhelmed by the love between them. This was everything I’d ever wanted for Ro.

Noah put Ro down, and in two strides, he closed the distance and wrapped me in his strong arms. I melted into his embrace, breathing in his comforting scent.

He cupped my face tenderly, his gaze intense with emotion. “Thank you. Thank you for loving me, for trusting me with Ro.”

I placed my hand over his. “There’s no one else I’d rather have as Ro’s father. You’re an amazing man.”

He bent his head, his lips crashing against mine in a searing kiss that made my toes curl. I kissed him back with all the love in my heart, savoring his taste, his touch.

We broke apart, both slightly breathless. Noah kept an arm around me as he beamed down at Ro. “Well, I think this calls for a celebration. What do you say we grab some pizza and ice cream?”

Ro bounced on his toes. “Can I pick the toppings?”

Noah laughed. “Absolutely, buddy.”

As my two favorite guys playfully debated pizza toppings, a profound sense of peace and contentment settled over me. I took a deep breath, feeling my heart flutter with nervous excitement.

“Actually, before we celebrate, I have one more surprise for you.”

His eyebrows lifted in curiosity as I reached into my pocket and pulled out a small envelope. With slightly shaking hands, I held it out to him.

Noah took it, his fingers brushing mine and sending a tingle up my arm. As he opened the envelope and unfolded the paper inside, Ro suddenly burst out, “I’m going to be a big brother!”

Noah’s head snapped up, his eyes wide with shock. “What? Zoey, are you...?”

I nodded, my vision blurring with happy tears. “I’m pregnant. We’re having a baby.”

He gaped at me. Then, with a whoop of pure joy, he scooped Ro into his arms and pulled me tight against his chest.

Noah pressed a fervent kiss to the top of my head. “I can’t believe it. A baby. Our baby.”

Ro squirmed between us, his face scrunched in confusion. “So, where is the baby? In Mommy’s tummy?”

We both laughed, the sound mingling with our sniffles. Noah set Ro down and knelt before him, his large hands engulfing our son’s small shoulders.

“That’s right. The baby is growing in Mommy’s tummy right now, just like you did. And in a few months, you’ll have a little brother or sister to play with and protect.”

Ro’s eyes grew as round as saucers. “Wow. I’m going to be the best big brother ever.”

“Yeah, you are, Ro.” Noah hugged him close and looked up at me, love blazing in his eyes.

I grinned at him, tears streaming down my face.

This was my family, my future, my happily ever after. And I knew, without a doubt, that I was exactly where I was always meant to be.

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Looking for more from Sadie? Continue reading for a sneak peek of Never Trust an Alpha , Book 1 of Wolves of Blackwood