Epilogue

137K 4.7K 1.9K
                                    

I slowly rolled out of bed so as not to disturb Zoe.

Ralph's ears perked up, and he jumped off the bed, silently landing on the floor as well.

It was our daily morning routine.

I went into our adjoining walk-in closet, Ralph trailing me. I shut the door and flipped on the light, changing into gym shorts and a t-shirt and slipping on my Nikes.

Ralph followed me outside, prancing around excitedly.

"Ready?" I asked, to which he barked in return.

We went for our morning jog. Down the driveway, through the gate, and down the street.

We ran for three miles, Ralph galloping along, stopping to sniff aronud and play in the grass. But he always caught back up with me.

Zoe was already up as I came back in, fixing breakfast.

"Good morning beautiful." I pat her pregnant belly. "You're up early," I commented, accepting the cup of coffee she offered to me.

"You forgot didn't you?" she asked, cocking an eyebrow. A teasing smile was twitching on her lips.

I placed my coffee mug down on the table, the endless possibilities running through my mind.

Our anniversary was last month, my birthday was next month, her birthday wasn't even close.

It must have something to do with Parker.

"It's his first day of Kindergarten," she said, with a laugh. "He's been excited for weeks!"

I face-palmed myself. How had I forgotten? He'd even had a countdown in his room, ready to start school like a "big boy".

"We won't tell," Zoe whispered, still laughing.

I gave her a kiss and put some water down for Ralph. "Have you woken him up yet?"

"Like I was going to take that kid on by myself. You know he'll be wild." She finished the first waffle. "You can do the honors."

I went upstairs and into Parker's room. His lights were out, his dinosaur night light shining brightly in the corner.

He was still asleep on the bed, cuddling the stuffed dog I'd won for him at the carnival this past summer.

"Hey buddy," I said, sitting on the edge of his bed.

He let out a mumble.

"Guess what day it is?"

He immediately shot up, his dog falling helplessly to his side. He let out an excited squeal and jumped out of bed.

"Calm down there big guy," I said, scooping him up and throwing him over my shoulder.

"Put me down!" he called, giggling hysterically.

I carried him downstairs, while he screamed and laughed, and into the kitchen.

"I have a sack of potatoes for you," I said to Zoe, a teasing smile on my face.

"That's an awfully big sack," she answered, laughing. "Almost looks like that sack would be better for Kindergarteners!"

"I am!" Parker squealed.

I dropped him in a seat, and Zoe handed him a pancake. "Good morning big guy."

"I am a big guy," he said, proudly.

"I bet you'll get to see Carter today," I said, grabbing a Vitamin Water out of the refrigerator.

"Will he be in my class?" Parker asked, bouncing in his seat.

Here to Win (Walker Boys Sequel)Where stories live. Discover now