We signed our marriage certificate and faced the whole church. They smiled at us. I spotted Morris and his family. I smiled at him. I’d really missed him.
“Happy birthday, baby,” I said to Tristan with a big smile.
“Hmm, did my wife just give me a new pet name?” he whispered, taking my hand and kissing the ring he had given me.
“Not really. I’m still going with Mr. Sanchester.”
“Mrs. Chloe Cassandra Sanchester. I have been dying to call you that. Just know, this is the best day of my life and a birthday I’ll never forget,” Tristan whispered softly and pulled me closer.
We shared another kiss.
“Thank you,” he whispered against my lips.
Kayden tugged at my dress again. We both leaned down and kissed him on his cheeks. Nora brought Kayla, and we did the same thing to her.
EPILOGUE
______________________
THREE YEARS LATER
Beads of sweat rolled down my forehead as the pain consumed every part of my body. I gripped the sides of the bedrails tightly and tried to even my breathing.
“You’re doing great, babe. It’ll soon be over,” Tristan whispered from beside me, brushing away the wet hair that had been glued to my forehead. “You’re the strongest person I know. You can do it.” He held my hand and gave it a light squeeze.
“Almost there. You’re doing great. Keep pushing,” the doctor said.
I bit on my lower lip as I gave another push, squeezing every fiber in my body as I screamed.
I groaned in pain as I pushed with all the energy I could summon.
We’d been in here for hours, and Tristan hadn’t left my side, not even to use the restroom or get a glass of water. The rest of my family was in the waiting room.
“Keep going. You’re doing good.”
I was starting to get mad at the doctor. I was exhausted and sweating profusely. I could feel the pain in my bones, and I was trying not to pass out.
“Labor looks good on you,” Tristan whispered.
I shot him a glare, and he smiled.
“When all this is over, I’ll prepare your favorite food and give you a massage every night.”
He was a good distraction, but he was starting to piss me off since the distraction wasn’t taking the pain away or making the delivery go faster.
“I wish I could take your place or take the pain away. It’s almost over, and soon, you—”
“Shut the fuck up, Tristan!” I yelled, and he nodded.
“I need you to give the last push as much strength as you can, okay?” the doctor said.
I took a glance at Tristan, and he gave me a warm smile and held my hand.
“I love you,” he said softly.
I swallowed the dryness in my throat and pushed harder than ever. I saw the small, bloody form in the doctor’s hands as my body relaxed from exhaustion.
“You did it,” Tristan said to me with a proud smile.