Page 87 of What About Now

EPILOGUE BROGAN

One MonthLater

Brogan

“Aunt Brogan!” River, Rayne, and Lilly all come racing toward me.

I laugh because they see the red, white, and blue cupcakes I have in my hands. “Girls, do you want a cupcake?” I ask them. I’m not offended that they’re happier to see the cupcakes than they are to see me.

“Yes!” they cheer.

They follow me to the table and take a seat. I help Lilly into a chair before I hand each one of them their cupcake. Lilly dives in, getting it all over her face, but she doesn’t seem to mind as she grins, going in for another bite.

“She’s messy.” River giggles.

“But we’re big girls, so we’re not messy,” Rayne says, as a big dollop of icing lands on her shirt.

“I think you’re all messy,” Maggie says, joining us.

“Hey, want a cupcake?” I ask her.

She waves me off. “No thanks. My belly hasn’t been feeling the best.”

“Daddy gives really good belly rubs,” Rayne tells her. “When our bellies hurt.”

Maggie chuckles. “I bet he does.” Her eyes find mine, and we share a smile. The innocence of children.

“I have some upset stomach medicine in the hall bathroom cabinet. Help yourself,” I tell Maggie.

“Thank you. I might have to take you up on that.”

I sit beside her, watching the girls happily eat their treats. “So much has changed in a year,” I tell Maggie.

“It has. But you look happy.”

“I am happy. I didn’t know I could be this happy,” I tell her.

“All done!” River exclaims as she scrambles out of her chair, her sister hot on her heels. I intercept Lilly and wipe up her face, then call the girls back to do the same, before they head off to play.

“Next year, we’ll have another,” I muse.

“Just one?” Maggie asks.

“Maybe two,” I admit. “We’re trying, but I know these things take time.”

“Are you kidding? The way your husband looks at you, I’m surprised we’re all not pregnant.” She snorts out a laugh.

“Who’s pregnant?” Monroe asks as she, Emerson, and Briar join us.

“Just Briar, but I was telling Brogan that with the way Maddox looks at her, she won’t be far behind. In fact, all of you”—Maggie waves her hand in the air—“are in great danger of being knocked up with the heated glances your husbands are tossing around like candy.” She grins, and we all laugh.

She’s not wrong.

“I’d be okay with that,” Emerson speaks up.

“I guess Kane is close enough to one year,” Monroe muses. “I want all of our kids to grow up together, and have a support system.”

“Yeah,” I agree.

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