Page 22 of The Square Up

“You ready?” he asks, his thumb brushing over the back of my hand, and I know he’s not just asking about the ceremony. He’s asking about everything—our future, our forever.

“I’ve never been more ready,” I whisper.

We turn to the officiant, who offers us a kind smile before beginning. The words are a blur, but I don’t care. I can only focus on Kade—the warmth of his hand in mine, the way his thumb moves in slow circles over my skin as if he’s trying to keep me calm.

But I don’t need calming. Not anymore.

“I do,” Kade says, his voice firm. I can feel the certainty in those two words. He’s not just making a promise—he’s staking a claim. On me, on us, on the life we’re going to build together.

When it’s my turn, I swallow hard, a ball of emotion clogging my throat. “I do,” I manage to say, my heart swelling as the reality of it all hits me. I’m his. He’s mine.

Forever.

The officiant pronounces us husband and wife, and Kade pulls me into his arms, his lips brushing against mine in a kiss that’s more than a kiss…it’s a promise.

When he leans back, I’m breathless, my heart pounding so hard I can feel it in my ears. “I love you,” I whisper, the words too small for the depth of what I’m feeling.

“I love you more,” he says, pressing another soft kiss to my mouth. “And I’m going to spend the rest of my life proving it to you, Mrs. Nash.”

“Lead the way, Mr. Nash.” I beam. “I will follow you anywhere.”

Epilogue

Kade

Two Years Later

“Breathe, baby. In through your nose, out through your mouth. You’ve got this.”

My voice is rock solid, but inside, my heart is pounding out of my chest. A rush of everything I’ve ever felt for this woman amplifies by a million as she grips my hand like she’s about to break it. If it helps her, she can crush my damn bones.

I’ve heard stories over the years about what women go through in childbirth, but seeing it first-hand—I have a whole new respect for the entire female race. A man could never go through what I’m watching right now.

Not only has she grown our child in her body for nine months, but she’s been working like the devil for over twelve hours to bring our baby into the world.

Abby groans, her body tensing as another contraction hits.

“Breathe, bright eyes,” I whisper, leaning close to brush a kiss against her forehead, slick with sweat. “You’re doing incredible.”

She glares at me, half-laughing, half-panting. “If you say ‘breathe’ one more time, I’m going to—”

“What are you going to do, baby? Leave?” I grin. “You’re in the game now, sweetheart. There’s no getting out of it now.”

Her grip tightens on my hand again, and I wince. Damn, she’s strong.

Two years ago, I thought there was no way my life could possibly get any better. Marrying Abby was the best decision I ever made. But today? Today’s about to top all of that.

“I can’t believe I let you talk me into this,” she groans, squeezing her eyes shut as another contraction takes over.

I chuckle. “You were the one who wanted to have a basketball team full of kids, baby. I’m just helping your wish come true.”

“Thanks, Mr. Jiminy Cricket.” She swats at me weakly. Even through the pain, there’s a sparkle in her eyes. My wife is a warrior.

“You should’ve talked me out of it,” she groans.

“What? Talk you out of giving me a team of mini-mes and yous, Mrs. Nash? Not on your life.” She doesn’t mean that. She’s just as excited as I am. In fact, we’ve both been dancing around like a couple of fools since the moment we found out we were expecting. And because we’ve both been blessed with our lives, we can dedicate ourselves full-time to our family. We retired from our respective careers excited to tackle the most important job of our lives—raising our children.

The doctor walks into the roomand snaps on a pair of gloves. “Alright, Abby. Are you ready to do this?”

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