Page 37 of A Second Roar for Love

“Your mother always did have a soft spot for me. She used to slip me extra cookies when I came over to study.” Ellie’s voice was soft and warm.

Reed chuckled, the memory of his mother always trying to feed Ellie. “She always encouraged me to find you, to give us another chance if you ever came back.”

As the moon rose, casting a silvery glow over their bedroom, Reed felt a wave of emotions wash over him. He sat up and reached for his pants on the edge of the bed. Ellie sat up and watched him. His fingers closed around the small velvet box he had been carrying for days.

“These past few weeks have been a whirlwind, but amid the chaos and the danger, one thing became crystal clear to me. I love you, and I want to spend the rest of my life with you.”

He opened the box, revealing a delicate ring nestled inside. “This was my mother’s ring. She gave it to me years ago, telling me to save it for the woman who captured my heart. And that’s you, Ellie. It’s always been you.”

Tears shimmered in Ellie’s eyes as she held out her hand, allowing Reed to slip the ring onto her finger. “Yes,” she breathed, her voice trembling with joy. “Yes, I’ll marry you.”

They fell into each other’s arms, their lips meeting in a passionate kiss. As they parted, Ellie cupped Reed’s face, her eyes searching his. “There’s something else,” she whispered, a mix of excitement and nervousness in her voice. “Reed…we’re going to have a baby. I’m pregnant.”

Reed’s eyes widened, his heart swelling with a love he never knew possible. “A baby? We’re having a baby?”

Ellie nodded, tears of happiness streaming down her cheeks. “Life has given us a second chance, Reed. A chance to build a family together.”

Reed gathered her in his arms, marveling at the incredible turn of events. In the span of a few short weeks, he had rediscovered his soul mate, saved his town, and now, he was going to be a father.

The news of their engagement spread like wildfire through Whispering Pines. When Reed’s parents returned from their volunteer work in the Amazon, the couple decided to host a small engagement party at the Lone Wolf Café.

The café buzzed with energy as friends and family gathered to celebrate. Elsie had outdone herself, preparing a feast fit for royalty. Celeste and Kade beamed with pride, thrilled to host such a joyous occasion in their establishment.

As the evening wore on, Reed clinked his glass, drawing everyone’s attention. “Ellie and I want to thank you all for being here tonight, for supporting us through the challenges we’ve faced and for celebrating with us now.”

He reached for Ellie’s hand, their fingers intertwining. “We also have another announcement to make. We’re gonna have a baby!”

The room erupted in cheers and applause, the love and support of their community palpable. Reed’s mother rushed forward, tears in her eyes as she embraced Ellie. “I always knew you two were meant to be,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

As the party wound down, Reed and Ellie found a quiet moment together, their hands resting on Ellie’s still-flat stomach.

“Our little miracle.”

Ellie leaned into him, her head resting on his shoulder. “I can’t wait to start this new chapter with you, Reed. Our family, our life together.”

EPILOGUE

Ellie sat curled up on the couch, her brow gathered in concentration as she worked the knitting needles, a tangled mess of yarn in her lap. She’d been at it for hours, determined to finish the darn sweater she was making for Reed as a wedding gift.

Molly had been teaching her to knit, patiently guiding her through the basics of casting on, knitting, and purling. But despite her best efforts, Ellie’s creation was looking more like a misshapen lump than a sweater.

“I don’t think this is quite right,” Ellie muttered, holding up the sweater and squinting at it critically. One sleeve dangled several inches longer than the other, and the neckline was decidedly crooked. “It looks weird, doesn’t it?”

Molly glanced over from her own knitting and giggled. “It’s not bad for a first attempt,” she said diplomatically. “I’m sure Reed will love it, no matter what it looks like.”

Ellie sighed, setting the sweater aside. “I just wanted to make something special for him, you know? Something to show how much I love him.”

Molly reached over, patting Ellie’s hand. “Honey, that man would love you even if you gave him a potato sack to wear. It’s the thought that counts.” She raised her brows. “Besides, you made him the most special gift of all.” She stared pointedly at Ellie’s tiny bump. “It’s still baking.”

Ellie couldn’t help but laugh at the image of Reed in a potato sack. “I suppose you’re right. I just hope he doesn’t decide to leave me when he sees this monstrosity.”

The day of the wedding arrived, and after the ceremony, they stole away to spend a few minutes together before their reception. She’d wrapped the sweater in tissue paper and tied it with a ribbon, hoping that the pretty packaging would distract from the contents.

“I made this for you,” she said, biting her lip. “I hope you like it.”

Reed’s eyes lit up as he tore into the package, pulling out the lumpy, misshapen sweater. He held it up, his expression a mix of surprise and delight.

“Ellie, did you make this yourself?”

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