Total pages in book: 90
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 87260 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 436(@200wpm)___ 349(@250wpm)___ 291(@300wpm)
Katelynn, Milly, Tyson, Emma, and Walker had never had the honor of meeting my grandfather, nor would our new baby, but I knew he was looking down on everyone with a smile. He was still so missed all these years later, and there was a constant hole that never seemed to fill. No matter how many new babies were born.
“Are you okay?” Haven asked, squeezing my hand lightly.
I nodded. “Yeah, I was just wishing Granddad was here to see everyone. He would have loved all of these grandkids.”
“He would have,” Haven agreed. “But he’s looking down on all of us.”
I smiled. “You said out loud what I was thinking only moments ago.”
Exhaling, I let my eyes take in the room. We may not get together as often as we used to, and family game night had slowly dwindled to monthly, then quarterly, until it was only done on Christmas, but when we all got together, it was a wonderful reminder of the love we shared for each other. These moments were devoted to family, and only family, and were some of my most treasured memories.
Aunt Lincoln stepped into the family room and got everyone’s attention. “If everyone would like to head on out back, we’ve got Rhett and Ryder’s cake and we’re ready to cut into it! Remember, there is a book for each of them to take if you want to write in it. It can be anything, congratulations, or maybe if you’d like to share some words of advice for them both as they head off to college this fall. I know they will treasure it.”
“Where did our kids go?” Haven asked as we held back and waited for everyone to leave the room and head outside.
“I saw them walking out with Katelynn and Sophia.”
Haven turned and looked at me, her beautiful smile on full display. “Do you know, almost eleven years ago you asked me to marry you, and I told you I was pregnant with Emma?”
I nodded. “Seems like it was just yesterday.”
“It does.”
“Are you happy, Haven?”
Taking my hand in hers, she replied, “I’ve never been so happy in my entire life.”
I pulled her to me, cupped her face in my hands, and kissed her. When I drew back, I met her gaze. “I have a surprise for you.”
She laughed. “Do you now?”
With a smile of my own, I nodded. “It was going to be an anniversary present.”
“Oh!” she said with wide eyes. “Diamonds?”
“No.”
“Pearls?”
“Nope.”
“A new swing set for the kids?”
I chuckled. “Hardly. I ordered it…for lack of a better word…a couple of months ago, not knowing we’d have another baby.”
Haven’s smile slowly faded. “Oh, no.”
“Oh, yes.”
“Nate, you didn’t.”
“I did.”
She slowly shook her head. “Why?”
“Because I thought it would be nice for the entire family.”
Haven dropped onto the sofa. “I was a lot younger then and could handle it.”
“Please, you’re only thirty-four.”
She sighed. “And always tired. It’s one thing chasing around a baby, but a baby and a lab puppy.”
I rubbed at the back of my neck. “Yeah…about that. It’s not a lab.”
Haven slowly lifted her head and narrowed her eyes. “What do you mean, it’s not a lab? What kind of dog is it?”
Clearing my throat, I mumbled the answer.
She leaned forward. “I’m sorry, what was that?”
“Does it really matter what kind of puppy it is? Just think how happy the kids will be. And remember how wonderful it was having Bear grow up with Emma. They love each other so much.”
“He loves Walker just as much.”
“True, but it seems like a full circle moment.”
Haven stood. “Nathan Shaw, what kind of puppy is it?”
“Have I told you how beautiful you look today? Pregnancy looks good on you, princess.”
“Nate.”
“It’s a Dalmatian.”
Haven’s eyes went wide as saucers. “I’m sorry. Did you say you bought a Dalmatian puppy?”
“Yes.”
A small scream startled us both. We turned to see Emma standing there. “You got a puppy? We’re going to have a puppy and a baby? I have to go tell everyone!”
Laughing, I said, “Looks like there are no returns now.”
Haven turned, folded her arms over her chest, and glared at me.
“Would you prefer diamonds or pearls?”
“I think a babymoon trip.”
“You’ve got it. Anywhere you want.”
Her brows lifted. “Anywhere?”
Taking her hand and kissing it, I whispered, “Anywhere.”
When her dimples came out, I knew all was forgiven.
THE END