Page 105 of The Lake House

As the touch of our lips smash into one another’s, we’re both hungry for the familiar taste of one another. We open our mouths, allowing our tongues to explore, and after a while of our passion taking over, we smile and then laugh again, our lips still against one another.

I let out a deep breath, and then pull her back into me. I kiss her again, and I finally feel like I’m whole once more.

Giuliana in my arms, in my life, is the one thing that I will never get enough of, and I will never, ever, let her go again.

Epilogue

GIULIANA

One year later…

It’s crazy to think about where my life was when I moved back to Silver Mist. The future was uncertain. Hell, even the present was uncertain for me. I didn’t know how things would turn out. I didn’t even have an inkling.

But now, sitting here out back with Declan, Lily, Liv, Dave, Josie, and baby Brandon—Liv’s son—everything feels so right. The girls are off playing near the lake, while the adults are just relaxing watching the evening sky as a cool breeze caresses our cheeks.

Declan and Lily moved into my house almost immediately after Declan and I found one another again that day as we made up—and made out—in the lake. Stormy or not, it turned out to be the most perfect day of my life.

I couldn’t be happier, sitting in between Declan’s thighs on a recliner while his arms are around me and his hands are massaging my belly.My very pregnant belly,which amazes me every time I think about it. It still feels like a dream, and I’m going to wake up at any second. But then I pinch myself and realize this is real, and everything I’ve ever wanted has come true.

The crying from the stroller brings all of us out of our daze.

“Guess it’s time for us to head out,” Liv says, rising from her seat to walk over to Brandon.

Dave stands up next. “Yeah, it’s getting late.” Turning toward the girls, he shouts, “Josie, come on, honey. We’ve got to get home.”

Declan runs his hands up and down my arms, and as I go to stand up, Liv puts a hand on my shoulder. “Don’t. We know the way out.” She smiles down at me. “Give me a call tomorrow with the good news, will you?”

I smile back, nodding. “I’ll do you one better. We’ll stop by with the results and let you plan my gender reveal party.”

Liv beams. “Yes! You decided to have it? I’m so excited to start planning. I can’t wait! I bet it’s going to be a girl!”

I shrug. “Maybe. Guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

Looking at Declan, she says, “Maybe it’ll be a boy.”

I feel Declan’s excitement, even though I can’t see his face. But he confirms it by saying, “Hey, I’ll be happy with a perfectly healthy baby, no matter the sex… but I’d really love a little boy so I can teach him manly things.”

We all break out into laughter and then say goodnight to our friends. As Dave, Liv, and the kids head home for the night, Declan and I continue staying seated, watching Lily playing by herself.

“She’s getting big,” I say, remembering the beautiful little girl with the long golden locks and big green eyes from when I first saw her at the fair.

He chuckles lightly. “Yeah, she is. Makes me kind of sad, but I love watching her grow up and learn new things every day. But now that there’s going to be another little one on the way, I’m so excited about that, too. Rog keeps texting me, wanting to know if we’re having a boy.”

I laugh softly. “Did you let him know we won’t know until the party?”

“Yeah, but he’s impatient. Plus, now that Rachel is pregnant with their first, too, he’s really looking forward to the playdates and birthday parties.”

I smile. “I still can’t believe it.” I lift myself up and turn around in the seat to face Declan. “I never thought I’d have the chance to be pregnant.”

He smiles back at me. “I know, sweetheart.”

I suck in a deep breath. Motherhood always seemed impossible for me in the past. But being in Lily’s life began that process and I’ve loved every minute of it. “I’m so happy to be in Lily’s life and help you raise her. And in just a few months, we’re going to bring a baby into this world… I just can’t believe this all happened for me.”

“There’s no one that deserved a happily ever after more than you,” he leans in and kisses my lips lightly.

I smile once more. “Well, I could argue the same thing for you.” Declan had been through hell and back with his ex, just like I had. I guess we both deserved the happiness we finally found.

He nods. “I love you, Mrs. Bell.”

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