Holidays and Handcuffs (Bringing Home Trouble)

Epilogue

Two Years Later

Emily

Two years of marriage, and I’ve never regretted choosing Jack over my family. Not once. He’s everything I never thought I’d have. My best friend, my protector, and the only person who’s ever truly put me first.

It's December 26th, our second wedding anniversary. I can hardly believe it’s been two years since I finally stood up to my parents. The very next day, Jack proposed, and we didn’t waste any time, by sunset, we went down to the courthouse, signed the paperwork and we were married. My family wasn’t there, and honestly, I didn’t miss them for a second.

Our bags are packed, and tomorrow we're headed to the Bahamas for a week’s vacation with his parents. Just like Jack promised. Every Christmas, we have a tree we decorate together and a feast at Christmas that make the entire house smell like home.

As I watch him in the kitchen, his muscles flexing under the fitted T-shirt he’s wearing, I feel a warmth spread through me that has nothing to do with the oven’s heat.

He’s been cooking breakfast, humming to himself, completely unaware of the news I’m about to drop on him. I lean against the doorway, just watching him, my heart swelling with love. My pulse quickens as I clear my throat.

“Jack,” I say softly. He looks up, flashing me that easy, devastating smile that never fails to make my heart race.

“Hey, Princess. Breakfast is almost ready. Bacon's crispy, just how you like it.”

I step closer, biting my lip. “I... I have something to tell you.”

His brow furrows slightly as he wipes his hands on a dish towel, turning toward me with full attention.

“What is it? Is everything okay?” he asks, his voice instantly serious.

I reach for his hand, guiding it to my stomach, watching his eyes widening as realization dawns. “I’m pregnant,” I whisper, my voice thick with emotion as I show him the double-lined test strip.

Jack freezes for a second, his eyes locking with mine. But then something softens in his gaze, and a slow, knowing smile spreads across his face.

“I knew it,” he murmurs, his hand splaying over my belly.

“You knew? How? I only found out this morning.”

“I could tell. The way you've been wanting to have sex more often and your breasts, they’ve become more tender lately.” He steps closer, his thumb tracing small circles on my skin, and the intensity of his gaze sends a shiver down my spine.

“Seriously?” I laugh, a little incredulous, feeling tears of happiness welling up in my eyes.

His hands slide to my waist, pulling me against him. “Princess. I notice everything about you. So, yeah I suspected.” His lips brush against my ear, sending a wave of heat through me. “But hearing you say it... that's something else.”

A deep, throaty sound escapes his throat as his lips trail down my neck, sending jolts of desire coursing through my body.

“You're carrying our baby,” he whispers, voice thick with wonder and lust, his breath hot against my skin. “You have no idea how happy that makes me.”

I shiver under his touch, my body instantly responding to the heat in his voice. His hands roam lower, slipping beneath my shirt, fingers tracing the curve of my hips as his mouth continues its slow, delicious assault on my throat.

“I can’t wait to see your belly swell with the growth of our child,” he growls, his mouth capturing mine in a kiss so deep it steals my breath. His hands slide up my shirt, teasing the sensitive skin beneath, and I gasp against his lips.

“I love you,” I whisper when we break apart, breathless and aching for more of him. “So much.”

“I love you more, Princess,” he responds with that wicked smile of his before sweeping me into his arms, carrying me toward the bedroom.

“Jack—breakfast—”

“Breakfast can wait,” he growls, his voice full of promise. “Right now, I need you, Emily.”

In seconds, we’re on the bed, his hands and mouth everywhere, worshiping me the way he always does.

Every kiss, every caress, feels like a reminder that I made the right choice, that he will always put me first, and that we’ll face everything, including this new chapter, together. This is what happiness feels like.

And it’s only the beginning.