Epilogue
Today is Mike and I's first wedding anniversary. It's been the best year of my life. And I have the best news for him. I look over at him in bed next to me and think back on our relationship. We were engaged for a little over a year before we had a beautiful fall wedding. My whole family was there, including John, who has now made a full recovery. A lot of things have changed since his horrible accident. It feels like a lifetime ago that Mike drove us to Ardmore, Pennsylvania and helped me cope with my brother's injuries.
We live in a house just outside the city now. It's a white brick house with a large front porch and a good-sized front lawn. One big enough for our future children to play on.
Mike begins to stir next to me, "Good morning," he says flashing me a lazy smile.
"Yes, it is," I lean closer to him and say with a knowing grin.
"Can you believe it's been a whole year?" he asks.
"I really can't. And what a great year it has been," I reply and give him a soft kiss on the cheek.
Mike rolls over and pulls me close. "It's been the best year, babe," he says. I've gotten used to him calling me names like 'babe' or 'sweetheart.' He's the only person I don't mind calling me those names.
Suddenly, I feel sick. I struggle out of his grasp and run down the hall to the bathroom. Mike runs after me. I'm sure he's noticed me getting sick almost every morning for the last couple of weeks. He holds my hair back as I throw up into the toilet. This is not flattering.
When I finish, he already has a glass of water and a damp rag ready for me.
"This virus is really getting you, huh?" he asks. I start to shoot him a look of confusion but then I remember I told him I had a virus or something to throw him off the scent. I wanted to wait until tonight, our anniversary, to tell him the truth.
"Yeah, I guess so," I tell him. He helps me stand up and get ready to take a shower.
"Are you sure you'll be okay for our date tonight?" he asks with a concerned voice.
"Oh, I'll be fine, Mike," I try to reassure him. I don't want tonight to be ruined.
"Okay. Happy Anniversary!" he says and kisses my cheek.
"Happy Anniversary, Mike. I love you," I tell him as he leaves the bathroom.
"Love you!" he shouts. He's still the same goofy Mike he was two years ago when we first got together.
It's finally time for our anniversary date and I'm feeling much better. I'm usually only nauseous early in the day, thank goodness. When Mike walks into the kitchen, I'm standing at the island looking at my phone.
"Wow… My wife is looking good!" he exaggerates and hugs me from behind.
I put my phone down and grab his hands that rest on my stomach. "Thank you, Mike. My husband doesn't look so bad himself," I say back with a lame attempt at flirting. Even though we've been married for a year, it still gives me goosebumps when Mike calls me his wife and I know he loves it when I call him my husband.
"Let's hit the road," he says letting go of me. I miss his touch already.
"Where are we going?" I ask casually trying to trick him into telling me.
"We're going- woah, woah, not so fast, Bennett. I'm not ruining the surprise," Mike says in a playful tone.
"Fine," I drag the word out like a kid.
"We're getting close," Mike says. The only place I can tell we are near is our old apartment. I think I might know where we're going.
I'm about to guess when one of our favorite songs come on the radio.
"It's late in the evening; she's wondering what clothes to wear…" Mike and I begin to sing Eric Clapton's "Wonderful Tonight." As the last beat of the song plays, we arrive at our old apartment. I knew it. And it's the perfect place. We haven't been here since we got engaged. Only good things happen on that rooftop.
Mike gets out of the car and comes around to open my door. I grab his hand we walk inside together. Once we get to the roof, I am amazed to see a table decorated with roses and pictures of us.
"Mike! How did you pull this off?" I ask. He's been with me all day. He must have had someone's help.
"That's a secret I'll never tell," he jokes.
"Donna?" I ask.
"Donna," he confirms with a laugh. I laugh with him and sit down.
As the night goes on, I try to find the right time to tell him the news. Somehow, he seems to never stop talking long enough for me to interject about anything that isn't a direct response to his questions. Finally, he sees me start to look at him impatiently.
"What?" he asks in sweet tone. "You look like you have something to tell me."
"Actually, I do," I say proudly, "but maybe it's better I show you." I reach for my purse and hand him an envelope from it. He opens it.
"You've given me the best anniversary gift of all. Congratulations, you're going to be a father!" he reads aloud. "You're! I'm going to be! Katrina!" he yells and jumps up from his chair.
"Turn the note around," I tell him excitedly. As he does it, I get up and stand next to him.
"It's our baby!" he shouts, and his eyes get wide.
"Yep, it's right here," I say as I point to it. His eyes light up.
Mike runs to edge of the rooftop like he did the night he asked me to marry him, "I'm going to be a dad!" he shouts while holding his arms above his head.
I join him on the edge, "I'm going to be a mom!" I yell. And it feels good to say it out loud. I can't wait to tell everyone else, especially since Mike's reaction was everything I needed it to be. Mike gathers me a giant hug and we once again look out into the city. This is a new beginning and I couldn't be more excited about it.