Page 38 of Protected By Him

“Hey, there’s something to be said for coming home to someone who loves you every night. Well,” I paused, considering it, “someone who loves youandcan tie their own shoes, in my case. Don’t worry, man. You’ll find the one, and she will knock you on your ass.”

Brandon laughed. “I think I used up all my luck already.”

My heart ached for my best friend and the untold horrors he’d endured. I didn’t know what the future would hold for him, but right now, he was here and he was smiling. I’d take that for the blessing it was.

Bonus Epilogue

Ella

One year after Brandon’s return

Irandownthehallway, roaring like my favorite dinosaur, the triceratops. Laura chased me, pretending to be a t-rex. It was close to bedtime, but I wasn’t tired. Daddy said we’d get to tell Laura our secret before bedtime tonight, and I couldn’t wait. It was my job to bring her to the living room without giving away the surprise.

When I reached the end of the hall, I turned and went down the stairs. I wasn’t exactly sure what the surprise was, but Daddy had said something special was going to happen and I could finally ask Laura my question. I’d been dying to ask her forever, but Daddy had said I needed to wait.

Laura has been staying with us every night for a long time. She used to live somewhere else, but Daddy said she decided she wanted to live with us now, and it has been the most fun ever. Now, I get to have dinosaur tea parties with Grandma and Laura!

I had to slow down going down the stairs, and Laura almost caught me, but I got away. I roared again, so Daddy would know we were coming, then ran into the living room and jumped on the couch. Laura came in right behind me, but she stopped and gasped when she saw Daddy standing in front of the fireplace. He looked handsome in a soft red sweater and dark jeans. It was a lot nicer than the old t-shirts he usually wore on Saturdays.

Earlier, I’d helped him spread rose petals all over the floor. He said it was the only time I was allowed to make a mess like that. Then, he’d told me to go get Laura, but I wasn’t allowed to tell her about the petals. So instead, I told her I made a big mess and she should come see. She’d looked a little scared.

Now, she kind of looked scared again. She was staring at Daddy with wide eyes as she walked closer to him. When she reached him, Daddy pulled a box out of his pocket and kneeled down on one knee. Laura started to cry, which I didn’t really understand. She was smiling, so she must not have been too sad.

“Laura,” Daddy said, “I have loved you almost as long as I’ve known you. I can’t imagine ever wanting to spend my life with anyone but you by my side. Will you marry me?”

I stayed quiet, suddenly understanding what Daddy’s surprise was. I knew what “marry” meant. If Laura said yes, we’d get to keep her forever. I hoped she said yes!

Laura made a little sobbing sound, then nodded her head. She dropped to her knees and threw her arms around Daddy’s neck and said, “Yes! Yes, I’ll marry you!”

Daddy gave her a big hug, then looked over at me. “Ella Bear, come here.”

I climbed off the couch as Laura pulled back from hugging Daddy. I went over to them slowly, suddenly feeling nervous. “Can I ask my question now?”

“Yes, sweetie. Go ahead,” Daddy said.

I looked at Laura and stepped closer to her. “Laura, since you’re going to marry Daddy and be his wife, could you also be my mommy?”

Laura started to cry harder, and she let go of Daddy and hugged me. “I would love to be your mommy, Ella Bear,” she said. I hugged her back, and Daddy wrapped his arms around both of us.

“We’re going to be a family!” I cheered.