Page 86 of Luke

Luke looked at Fred to see him grinning. “I’m glad that worked out for you both.”

Maggie looked at Leah. “What a beautiful little girl,” she said, then smiled at Bryce.

“Thank you.” Bryce returned the smile.

Luke was surprised to see how stunning Maggie was. He’d never put her and Frederick Hancock together. She was about five foot five, with light brown hair, and dark eyes. Luke glanced at Fred to see him grin.

“I could never figure out what she saw in him either.”

Luke grinned but noticed Maggie didn’t, then she did when she saw him looking at her.

“Let’s get inside. I want to hold that little baby girl,” Fred said.

They entered the house, removed jackets, and hats then spent most of the day getting acquainted. Luke was enjoying himself and he knew Bryce was. He looked at her and brushed her hair off her shoulder. When she looked at him, she grinned.

“He’s a wonderful man. I can see why you like him so much,” she whispered.

“I knew you’d like him. I think we’ll have to come back to visit more. He doesn’t want to let go of Leah.”

“She’ll have another adopted grandparent.” Bryce smiled as she looked at Fred holding Leah and talking to her, then he laughed when Leah giggled at him when he’d make faces.

Luke knew he’d stay in touch with Fred. He enjoyed the man’s company and after all Fred had been through, he deserved to be happy. Just like he and Bryce did, along with their daughter, Leah, and any children they had in the future.

Epilogue

Bryce descended the stairs after putting Leah to bed and joined Luke on the couch. He wrapped his arm around her and drew her close, planting a gentle kiss on her temple. He was always so romantic. She rested her head on his shoulder and let out a content sigh.

“What was that for?” he murmured.

“I’m just so grateful, Luke. My life has completely changed since giving birth. I met you, found a job I love, and made wonderful friends. I am in love with this town, but my love for you surpasses it all.”

“I’m glad you chose my driveway, Bryce.” He grinned.

“Me too. It was destiny,” she said.

“I think so too.” He winked at Bryce but frowned when they heard Leah crying.

“I’ll go get her. I think she might be teething again.”

“I can get her, and you can grab her teething ring.”

Bryce nodded, stood up, and headed upstairs to the nursery. They had moved into Luke’s house a few months ago, and he had surprised her by painting Leah’s room a soft pink with all white furniture and accents.

She opened the door and laughed as she saw Leah standing in her crib holding onto the top of the rail.

“You’re trying to trick me, aren’t you Leah Grace?” She knew she was right when Leah giggled and clapped her hands before falling back onto her butt.

“Mama,” Leah said and reached up for Bryce to pick her up, but as soon as she saw Luke enter the room carrying the teething ring, she squealed with excitement.

“I don’t know if she’s happy to see me or the teething ring.” Luke chuckled and froze in place as Leah reached for him andsaid, “Dada.”

“Did she just call me dada?” Luke asked with a choked voice. He slowly made his way to her.

“She did.” Bryce looked at Luke and saw tears in his eyes.

Luke gazed at Leah. “I am your dada, baby girl.”

“Mommy and Daddy love you so much,” Bryce said with tears streaming down her face.

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