Page 61 of Taking The Shot

"You should have told me you wanted a baby."

"Honey, not every happy ending has to finish with a baby," he murmured, reaching out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. His touch lingered, fingers tracing the curve of her jaw. "I’m kindof partial to it being you and me, years and years from now. You know? When I married you, I was in this for the long haul. I still am—and always will be."

Her expression softened, something unreadable flickering in her gaze before she suddenly smiled, mischief dancing in her eyes.

"Get over here," she said playfully, setting the frame aside before launching herself at him.

He let out a grunt of surprise as she tackled him onto the bed, his back hitting the mattress. She hovered over him, grinning as she braced herself on his chest.

"There are repercussions for being so handsome, so sweet, and so loving."

"Oh no," he teased, voice weak with feigned distress. "Help—but please don’t. Let me suffer whatever punishment my sexy wife has thought up in her head…"

"You are so silly sometimes."

"Because I’m crazy about you, Constance," he admitted, his voice dropping to something softer, rawer. He cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin. "I love you more than you will ever know."

She swallowed, nodding. "I love you too—now, let’s celebrate that anniversary."

"That’s my girl."

EPILOGUE

CONSTANCE

Ten years later

Constance stoodin the grand arena, the weight of the moment pressing heavily on her chest. The air buzzed with anticipation, the murmur of conversations blending with the distant hum of cameras clicking and microphones adjusting. Bright lights illuminated the polished ice, casting long shadows that stretched toward the stands where a sea of eager faces watched.

It had taken so much to get here—endless meetings, flights that blurred together, overwhelming discussions that had left her head spinning. The sheer number of attorneys involved had been enough to make her want to scream. And yet, despite the chaos, despite the sleepless nights, and the uncertainty, they had made it.

This moment was real.

A small tug at her hand brought her back to the present.

“Mommy, I’m bored…”

She looked down at her seven-year-old son, Elliott, his golden-brown hair slightly tousled from his impatience. He had his father’s eyes—deep, warm, and full of quiet intelligence. Butoh, when he got upset, that stubborn fire flared bright. Being the youngest, surrounded by older sisters, meant he had learned early how to hold his ground.

She crouched slightly, smoothing his hair with a gentle touch. “Hang on, sweetie,” she said softly, offering him a reassuring smile. “This is really important tonight—this is why you’re dressed in a suit.”

He wrinkled his nose. “It itches.”

“I know,” she cooed, adjusting his tie. “But it’s just for a little while, and then we’re heading over to Coeur’s house for a party. And because this is such a special occasion, you get to stay up late.” She tapped his nose playfully. “Now, play your game a little longer, or go talk to Matthew. Okay? But when they call your daddy’s name, I need you in the aisle immediately. Got it? Kayla is down there with both headphones in her ears. Can you tell her I said to take one out so she can hear the announcements?”

“Yes, ma’am,” he mumbled, already scooting down the row to where a dark-haired boy sat slouched in his seat, looking equally unimpressed with the proceedings.

A soft voice at her side pulled her attention back. “Are you ready for this?”

Constance turned to find Irene beside her, her expression a mix of nerves and excitement. Laurel joined them, her presence grounding, always the one to add humor when the tension ran high.

Constance let out a long breath, shaking her head. “So how bad would I be if I said I wished day-drinking was acceptable—but we can’t afford it anymore?”

The three women shared a knowing laugh.

“Are you as nervous as I am?” Constance whispered, her fingers twisting in the fabric of her dress.

“Terrified,” Irene admitted.

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