Page 156 of The Other Side

Just like they always did.

Just like they always will.

Everything is so grand. Extravagant. Out-of-this-world. Seems to me, the only logical reason has nothing to do with Brad Paisley standing on a stage before us.

It’s because a pair of doves have been released into the sky once again.

Epilogue

Callie Rae

December 24, 2025

I lay a palm on the knit material over my swollen belly. My free fingers trace the contours of the wood ornament, and the tiny red, green, blue, and gold bulbs frame the piece. Highlighting the divots of the carved doves.

I smirk when I hear a small stampede marching down the stairs, only to be followed by Brant’s heavy boots.

“Mommy, Mommy! Come outside with us!”

“Snow angel!”

Rex and Lacey bounce in their puffy, winter suits, their appley cheeks blushed with glee. I bend to tug Rex’s beanie over his forehead, and Lacey holds her small hands out to me.

I secure Lacey’s mittens on. “Mommy can’t lay down these days. It takes an army to get her back up,” I mutter, finishing the tasks at hand. “Forget a mound of snow.”

My eyes lift to Brant strolling across the wood floor of the living room. The hem of his jeans rumple above his snow boots, and I straighten as he shrugs on his winter coat.

Rex and Lacey each grasp a leg of his. Their tiny fingers claw at the denim over Brant’s calves, and a chuckle runs from me.

“Daddy is moving as fast as he can,” Brant says. “Can we bring the impatience down to a five? Maybe? Just a thought.”

I walk over to Brant, nestling at his side when he shrugs a beanie on. He bends to plant a quick peck on my lips, his thick stubble grating me.

Our children immediately deject the gesture. “Eww!”

Rex shouts just as Lacey puckers her cherry lips in mockery. Or maybe it’s out of curiosity. I honestly can’t tell because she’s a pretty sharp three-year-old. Rex is more socially aware at five, so his scolding makes more sense.

Brant and I pop our eyes and mouths open as we look down. Our arms curl around our kids when Brant scrunches his face at them. “I guess Kara is lucky she’s sleeping, huh?” Then he leans in to tickle Lacey’s nose with his. “She doesn’t have to witness this gross behavior.”

A high-pitched giggle slips from Lacey before Brant’s scooping her up. Then Rex’s palm glides into mine.

“You sure you’re not in the mood to push around snow boulders?” Brant asks me. “You look like you’re just itching to bust your butt outside.”

I roll my eyes at his taunt. “Oh, yeah. Let me get right on that.”

We’re smiling as we tread across the wood floor to the tile of the kitchen. Brant opens the sliding door, lowering Lacey to her feet. Her boots sink into the snow on the stone steps, and I guide Rex’s hand outside for Brant to take it.

My palms plant on the door frame after. “Have fun!” I call out.

The three of them are already running over the thick layer of snow. Rex and Lacey chase Brant, and he’s playfully pivoting around them. Just as their innocent giggles serenade the cold air.

My chest thumps as their paths tangle endlessly. My grin stretches so wide that my cheeks pinch in slight discomfort. Brant’s legs begin to slow as he peeks over his shoulder, and our two little nuggets trail his huge body.

As soon as Rex’s palm touches Brant’s thigh, Brant plops into the slush. Feigning defeat as our two children climb over him. His black gloves appear as his large arms cuddle them close to his chest. Specks of snow spray all over their suits and beanies as their laughs echo throughout the yard.

A chill gusts from outside, sweeping along the hem of my flowy sweater dress. And if that wasn’t enough of a sign, Kara’s cry rings from the monitor on the kitchen counter.

I pull the sliding door in place, retreating into the kitchen. I watch Kara through the black and white video when she sits up. She cradles her teddy bear with a blanket, and I wait for her to hopefully resume her nap.