Set in the Shattered Princess AU
Lucas POV
I often find myself marveling at how amazing and blessed my life has been. Riley Friar nee Matthews, the only woman I have ever loved, has blessed me with 3 wonderful children…. Logan, Michael, and Emily Ann. They along with Riley have filled my heart and life with so much love.
A few weeks back, Riley was struggling a bit with a bout of self-doubt. Hard to believe that the girl who stole my heart in 7th grade would worry all these years later that she wasn't enough for our family…for me. It took but a few words to put her fears to rest
I pulled her into my arms, lifted her face toward mine and gladly poured my heart out to the one who has held it in the palm of her hand since we were teens. "Riley, let me tell you what I see. I see the absolute love of my life. I see the woman that I fell for when she was 12 years old, gangly limbs and all. I see my soulmate, the best part of me. It's always been you. It will ALWAYS be you. There is NOTHING on this earth that could possibly change how I feel about you and when my time on earth is through? I will be waiting for you on the other side. You have been my world since the day we met and here we are almost 25 years later and it's still you."
That "convincing" resulted in the news of another addition to our family. We are currently in the exam room waiting for the doctor to arrive. Riley is adorably nervous and I am over the moon at the thought of another finger to be wrapped around.
"Bear?" Riley asks quietly.
"Riles! I haven't heard that nickname in forever. What made you think of it today?"
"I was laying here thinking of our life together. Of how we finally got together at the Ski Lodge. How perfect our moment was."
"I was so nervous. I thought my heart was going to stop when Josh said that you might not be interested in me anymore."
"Mr. Secure Western Hero, you were kinda cute when you told me that you would bring me a sandwich and a drink…."
"And CAKE!" I added with a laugh. "Since we are talking about that moment….our moment. Let me ask you…. What was I thinking by wearing that? Denim on denim?" I visibly shudder knowing it will make her laugh.
"I wasn't much better in my throwback sweater." She giggles and nuzzles my hand. "Do you remember what happened next?"
"Of course I do…Bean. I carried that jelly bean around for weeks, just waiting for the right time to give it to you. Did I ever tell you how brutal Farkle and Zay were when I showed them the ring box?"
"I can only imagine how Zay reacted. I will be sure to ask him when he's here next month for Michael's birthday."
The doctor walks in and introduces himself "Hi. I'm Dr. Evans. Dr. Peters retired last year." He reaches out to shake our hands.
"Ok, Mrs. Friar. You ready to see your first picture of your latest bundle of joy?"
"Yes we are Dr." Riley is staring intently at the screen. A moment later the telltale thump-thump echoed around the room.
"Baby's heart rate is perfect. Now do you want to know the gender of your little jelly bean?" The Dr. asks as Riley and I look at each other in shock.
"Yes" Riley answers quickly as I stutter "Jelly bean?"
"Right here" he points to a jelly bean shaped image on the screen "Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Friar. It's a girl." I feel my eyes fill as I turn to look at Riley. I lean down to give her a gentle kiss and whisper "How fitting. Our life has come full circle. We will have another amazing jelly bean story to share."
Riley smiles and thanks the Dr. as he takes his leave. I drop to my knees in front of her and kiss her belly. "Hi Baby Bean! It's your daddy! We can't wait to meet you." As I rise to my feet, I see tears streaking down Riley's face. She leans forward and grabs my face in her hands just like she did for our first kiss.
She silently stares at me until I ask "What is it Riley?"
"Hope."
"What?"
"Hope Friar. She is the perfect addition to our story." She leans forward and rests her head on my chest.
Taking my hand in hers she reaches down to gently rub her belly and promises the same thing to Hope that she has to our first 3 children "No one else will ever know the strength of my love for you. After all, you're the only one knows what my heart sounds like from the inside." I reach up and cup her chin in my hand "You, our 3 kids and now Bean are the best things that have ever happened to me." As we settle into the car to make the drive back to the ranch, Riley conference calls Zay and Farkle "Hi guys! So, you want to hear a really funny Friar family story?"