Page 45 of Nate Hayes

“Forever doesn’t feel long enough.”

THE END

EPILOGUE – One Year Later

Willa

The farmhouse was louder than usual.

Not with people—just withlife. The kind that hums through your bones in the best way.

The kitchen smelled like cinnamon rolls, wildflowers bloomed outside the window, and Pancake was currently trying to shove her head into the laundry basket I’d just folded.

“Get out of there, you menace,” I muttered, gently nudging her with my knee.

She snorted at me and then bleated likeIwas the problem.

Nate walked in a second later, sweaty from the garage, a smudge of grease on his jaw and a smile that made my heart hiccup.

“Did Pancake eat the burp cloths again?”

“She’s thinking about it,” I said, rubbing my very-round belly.

Nate crossed the kitchen and dropped to one knee in front of me. He pressed a kiss to my stomach, then one to the inside of my wrist, and finally stood to cup my face with both hands.

“You okay?” he asked. “Still feeling that weird pressure?”

I nodded. “She’s just active today. Or mad I wouldn’t let her eat pickles for breakfast.”

Nate grinned. “She’s definitely yours.”

“She kickedyouin the ribs at three a.m.,” I said with a smirk.

“Still worth it.”

The door swung open and Axel walked in, carrying a box of baby supplies and looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“I swear, if one more person calls me ‘Uncle Axel,’ I’m moving to Canada,” he muttered, dropping the box by the door.

“She’s not even born yet,” I said. “Calm down.”

“Tell that to Grandma Hayes. She’s already crocheting atiny goat cape.I don’t know what that’s for, and I’m scared to ask.”

“She said it’s for the‘Goat and Baby Welcome Parade,’” Nate added helpfully.

Axel looked physically pained.

But before he could escape, Maggie sauntered in behind him, sunglasses on, latte in hand, and smirk firmly in place. I’m so happy we bought a place up here.

She looked at Axel. “You forgot the organic wipes.”

Axel’s jaw ticked. “They’re just baby wipes, Maggie.”

“They arenot. I’m not putting chemical garbage on my niece’s butt.”

“She’s not evenbornyet—”

“Which is exactly why we’replanning ahead.”

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