Page 126 of One More Chance

“They have.” Lucas’s eyes gleam, hinting I’ll like what’s coming next. “The good news is now that the charges have been dropped, I have my job back at the Veterans Center.”

“Oh, thank God.” I hug him and kiss him and congratulate him and kiss him some more. “I’m so happy for you.”

“Hi, everyone,” Robert announces, loud enough for us to hear him. He’s standing on the bench of one of the picnic tables. Tuuli is standing next to him, beaming and holding his hand. “Thank you for coming to celebrate Tuuli’s and my fortieth wedding anniversary. I know some of you didn’t think my marriage would last long.” He flashes a mocking grin at a group of men his age, and they hoot a laugh. “It’s been a wonderful forty years, and I’m looking forward to many more with my gorgeous wife.”

We all cheer and whistle for the pair. Lucas kisses me on the temple, and I beam at him, my cheeks tugging my mouth into a wide smile.

“Now, before we get back to the party, I wanted to make one more announcement. As many of you know, Tuuli and I have decided to sell some of our land. After much consideration, we’ve decided to sell it to someone who has been dear to Tuuli and me for many years. He and his best friend used to play on this land when they were kids.”

My heart nearly trips over itself at Robert’s words. Lucas’s arm tightens around me. Neither of us speaks. Or dares to glance at each other.

“It’s the same land that he and his beautiful wife used to make out on, just beyond those trees, when they thought Tuuli and I didn’t know.” Robert looks at us, a massive grin teasing at the corner of his lips. “Oh, we knew. We knew a lot more than you realized.” He winks at us.

Lucas bursts out laughing, his body shaking because he’s laughing so hard. I cover my burning face with my hands.

“Tuuli and I are delighted to announce that we’re selling the land to Lucas, Troy, Garrett, and Kellan Carson for their outdoor program for military vets.”

The cheer from the crowd is as loud as it was for the first part of Robert’s speech. Zara, Kim, Em, and I hug the brothers as they celebrate the great news.

Everything they’ve been fighting for—that we’ve been fighting for—will finally come true.

Lucas’s vision for the program and his career goals will finally come true.

“I have some news to tell you.” Kim smears gold paint across my stomach, just above my scar. The gold bikini I’m wearing and the paint glimmer softly in the glow of the setting sun.

Zara and Emily are with us near the edge of the lake. Lucas, his brothers, and Jerome are farther up the sand, deep in their own conversation.

“You’re having twins!” Emily grins, her mind no doubt spinning with all kinds of twin-related baby shower possibilities.

“No, this little one is definitely on their own in there.” Smiling, Kim cradles her small baby bump, leaving a gold handprint on her light blue long-sleeved T-shirt. “Jerome and I are moving to Portland in two months. He’s been offered a job with a civil rights law firm. It’s an incredible opportunity for him.”

Kim smiles, the love and pride and adoration on her face sparklier than the gold paint on my stomach. The smile flickers away, replaced by a slight grimace. “But it means I won’t be able to do the wedding photography anymore. I’m sorry, Em.”

Emily waves it off. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll find some other photographers who can fill in. They won’t be as amazing as you.” She points at the paint smeared on my belly. “But since most brides and grooms aren’t looking for award-winning photographers to shoot their wedding day, it will be fine. I’ll just miss having little Kim or little Jerome running around.”

“Me too,” I say. “We’ll be the best aunties they’ve ever had…along with Evie, of course.”

“You’ll still get to be the best aunties the baby could ever ask for. We’ll still visit. Our parents wouldn’t be thrilled if we didn’t come back to Maple Ridge at least once a month.”

Zara laugh-snorts. “Yep, Momma will never let Jerome hear the end of it if she doesn’t get to see her grandbaby at least twice a month. She’ll be dragging Dad up to Portland to visit you guys as often as you’ll let them.”

Kim smears another streak of paint on my stomach. “I hope so. I love your parents.”

Satisfied with how the paint looks, she has me step into the lake. Cold water gently laps my ankles.

It’s easy to see why her photos are so stunning. Even when she’s photographing people who aren’t professional models. She has a way of getting the best out of her subjects while making the session fun. I don’t feel awkward and exposed.

Just the opposite.

After she shoots a bunch of photos, she waves for a shirtless Lucas to join me. I’m not the only one with gold paint on their body. Kim directs us as to how she wants us to pose. To honor our daughter. To recognize those women who’ve had a hysterectomy during their child-bearing years. To recognize what it cost them.

To remind them they’re still strong and beautiful.

And as Lucas’s mouth descends on mine, a breathtaking smile on his face, I’m reminded that I am strong and beautiful and loved.

For now and forever more.

Epilogue

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