Total pages in book: 38
Estimated words: 35017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 35017 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 175(@200wpm)___ 140(@250wpm)___ 117(@300wpm)
I flip my hand over to reveal the ring. It’s gaudy as all fuck and not Fallon at all. It had been the one they’d thought they’d force on her hand. I wrap my hand back around it before I chuck it out into the ocean, then I turn and go home.
I use one of the spare bathrooms to wash up before I slip back into bed with Fallon. I pull her into my arms, burying my face in her hair.
“Rich.” She lets out a small sigh, cuddling closer. “Thank you,” I hear her whisper, letting me know that she is aware that I left and what I went to do. “I love you.” Fallon presses a kiss to my chest.
“I love you too.” I shift, moving her under me. My body settles in between her thighs as she spreads them wider to make room for me. All of her accepting me into her. “You are my every reason.” I want her to know that she gives me everything I’ll ever need.
“You are my every reason too.”
Epilogue
FALLON
MANY YEARS LATER…
“I think I might miss this the most.” I motion to all the food laid out. At these events, they always lay out a giant spread in Rich’s marked-off area.
“It’s the cheese, isn’t it?” Willa picks up a piece and pops it into her mouth.
“You all know I could make this, right?” Teddy’s brows pull together.
“It’s different when it’s here. You know, like those nuts you eat on a plane.” Both Teddy and Willa turn to look at each other before coming back to me.
“When were you on a commercial flight where you got peanuts?” Willa asks as Teddy holds back a laugh.
“Well, I saw it on television.” I laugh with them. “I’m sorry that I’m spoiled.”
“I’m not.” Willa pops another piece into her mouth.
The Velcro sound from the doctor pulling off the blood pressure pump from around Rich’s giant bicep is loud. He’s getting a final check-over before he can go out for his fight. I make my way over to him. Rich appears to be in deep conversation.
“But is there a time you can give me? Minutes?” I hear Rich ask as I approach.
“It depends. If you notice swelling, then it would be best to sit down and elevate the feet.” What the heck are they talking about?
“Everything okay?” I ask.
“How are your feet?” Rich drops down onto his haunches.
“Rich!” I bat him away. The doctor only shakes his head before walking away. “Are you really asking him about my feet?” I don’t even know why I asked that. I shouldn’t be the least surprised that Rich is being over the top ridiculous.
“Last time they were killing you.” He stands back up.
“I’m barely pregnant. I’m fine.”
“You can’t have that.” He takes the OJ I picked up.
“Hey!”
“Citrus always gives you heartburn.” I roll my eyes at him. “Only looking out for you, dollface.”
“I’m fine!” I repeat for the millionth time.
"This is preventive." I don't know whether I should smack him or kiss him. I wish I could get mad at him, but I have to admit that although his overbearing tendencies are too much at times, they are also endearing. The man is forever fussing over me. He always has and always will want what's best for me.
My first pregnancy was rough, but I don't think it was abnormal. Of course my feet got swollen, and I had heartburn. It was the throwing up that drove me insane the first four months, and I'm not sure if it was the nausea that drove me bonkers or my husband swearing I wasn't getting enough food. Luckily, this time there has been no vomiting, and I'm three months in. That, however, hasn't stopped Rich.
"Let's focus on your fight, and then we'll focus on me."
"Are you okay?" His big hands cup my cheeks, his eyes searching my face.
"What?"
"You just said I can focus on you after. When was my focus never not on you?" I snort a laugh, making him smirk.
"Fair point." I lift up on my toes to press my mouth to his.
It's crazy this will be his last fight. Rich is retiring early from his MMA career. He's damn talented at it, but he's over it. Tonight, all of his proceeds from the fight are going to a charity. One I have become highly involved with over the years.
Going to all the different fights, you meet all kinds of people. One of the coaches I met runs an after-school training program for boys. All the boys in the program were part of the foster system. The program is similar to Big Brothers, but it is centered around the sport of MMA. It keeps the participants off the streets and their focus elsewhere.
I got involved more when I noticed one of the boys’ sisters would always come with him and just watch. I started to slowly get to know her and even teach her things my Rich had taught me. Then she brought a friend, and it grew from there.