Page 69 of Just Another Chance

“You think?” Tanner asks and cocks his head.

“No doubt about it. Our little man is a carbon copy of his daddy.”

I can tell that my words make Tanner happy because he’s glowing the rest of the flight. After gathering our luggage, we head outside and get in the car waiting at the curb. The resort we’re staying at is right on the park grounds and it’s beautiful. We ended up choosing Animal Kingdom because the giraffes and other animals can practically walk right up to the balconies and Owen is obsessed with them.

And I know that this amazing place reminds us of our many special dates at the zoo back home.

Disney World doesn’t disappoint, and we visit all the different parks. As good as Owen is, the days tend to be long and a few times, he shows his cranky side. But he recently turned three, so it’s to be expected.

We’re having such a good time and loving our family honeymoon. But what turns out to be our favorite moment happens later that night.

It’s getting late and the famous light parade at the Magic Kingdom is just starting. We almost didn’t stay because Owen was getting sleepy, but the moment the music starts and the floats begin rolling down Main Street, Owen’s hazel eyes light up like the Fourth of July.

Tanner props him up against his shoulder so Owen can see above the crowd and when Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse dance their way by us, Owen squeals in delight and then catches us both off-guard in the most heartfelt way.

“Daddy!” he cries, bouncing up and down in delight.

With a gasp, I turn to look up at Tanner and the look of pure love that sweeps across his face will forever be etched in my heart. He breaks out in a huge grin then leans over and presses a kiss to the corner of my mouth.

I lean my head against his shoulder, and we watch the characters pass by. Then I look up at the man I love. “Hey,” I whisper.

“What’s up, sweetheart?” he asks with a bright-white smile.

“How do you feel about having more children one day?”

His eyes widen.

“Maybe sooner than later,” I add.

Tanner’s jaw drops. “Are you-”

I nod. “Owen is going to be a big brother.”

“Oh, God, Addie,” he says, voice thick with emotion. “I don’t know how, but you manage to make me happier every day.”

“I’m glad,” I say, and we wrap our arms around each other. As the lights, music and floats continue to pass by us, I let out a happy, little sigh of contentment, looking forward to the rest of our lives together. My gaze moves over to the brightly lit parade and then I pull out my phone and urge Tanner to turn. Smiling at the camera outstretched before us, I snap the picture and take the perfect selfie.

Tanner and I smile and Owen laughs as he points at a float. The background is lit up behind us with a million lights and it reminds me of the photo of Tanner and I at the Christmas light exhibit.

Except now there are three of us. And maybe in a few years we can come back and do it all over again.

With the four of us.

My heart soars as Tanner kisses my temple. His hand drops and presses against my belly which will be big before too long. But this time around, I won’t be alone, and Tanner will be with me every step of the way.

“I love you, sweetheart,” he murmurs, nuzzling the side of my face. “More than you can ever imagine.”

“I love you, too” I say and lace my fingers through his while Owen still bounces and claps at the parade.We finally got our happy ending,I think, and gaze over at Cinderella’s castle sparkling in the distance.

And my glass slipper fits perfectly.

26

EXCERPT: LOVE TO HATE YOU

When I say that I never thought I would fall for Nash Beckett…

I feel just a little bit silly.

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