And late that night, long after she’s fallen asleep in my arms, I feel my son move and it’s the reminder I need that life goes on. That even when things are bleak, there is always something to look forward to. And I have a whole life with Franny and our son to look forward to and I will never take that for granted.

Epilogue

DAYTON

“Remind me why I handed over the planning of Chance’s birthday party to my mom?” Franny whispers, falling into the seat next to me, resting her hands on her belly.

“Because you’re pregnant and due any day.” I curl her into my side. “And your mom likes throwing parties and feeling involved.” I kiss the side of her head. “Plus, we don’t have to clean up after this.”

“We wouldn’t have had to clean up if we booked Chuck-e-Cheese like every other normal family with a five year-old.” She looks up at me. “I just saw a camel, a real-life camel, being walked by a clown in the backyard.”

“I’m sure the kids love it.”

“I guess.” She winces, rubbing her belly, and I frown.

“Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, just a little uncomfortable.”

“Are you having contractions?”

“No.”

“Francisca,” I growl, and she looks over at me.

“I promise I’m okay, big guy. Relax.”

“Excuse me if I have a hard time believing you, baby. You didn’t tell me that you were having contractions with Chance, and I almost ended up having to deliver him on the bathroom floor.”

“Don’t be so dramatic.” She sighs.

“Dramatic? He was crowning when the ambulance showed up, you gave birth to him on the way to the hospital.”

“I didn’t know I was in labor; I thought I just had gas.”

“Do you think you have gas right now?”

“No.” She glares at me. “I’m fine. I just need to put my feet up for a bit.”

“Aunt Franny, Uncle Dayton, there’s a mermaid in the pool!” Jenny shrieks, running towards Franny and me with Tucker and Miranda right behind her and Kingston behind them with his eyes glued to his phone.

“Is there?” Franny asks as I sit forward to grab Jenny before she can crash into my wife at full force—something she’s been doing since she started walking.

“Yes.” She giggles when I tickle her. “I also saw a zebra.”

“There’s a zebra?” I look at Franny.

“I don’t know.” She looks between Miranda and Tucker. “I told my mom that Chance wanted a zoo-themed birthday. Apparently, she took that literally; she can be a little much.”

“Are you kidding? This is the best party I’ve ever been to.” Miranda takes a seat next to Franny and rubs her belly. “How are you feeling?”