Page 94 of Fate In Fiction

“I need to make sure you’re okay with my truth.” She swallows as her hands lift to grip onto my wrists, her big eyes staring into mine. “Doctors have run tests and are not very confident that I can have children. That’s why I reacted the way I did.”

“But can I have you?” I watch her lips part as her gasp fills the room. All she can do is nod. “The rest will figure itself out. Step one is securing you. You’re it for me, Josephine Callahan.” Leaning down, my lips seal our forever. Her arms wrap around my neck as she forms to my body. Made for me.

Pulling back too soon, she smiles. “You’ve come a long way, Rookie.” She laughs as tears spill over her eyes.

“This is just like a movie.” The high-pitched voice of my niece filters through the back of the room, whipping our heads to the side.

“Shh.” Lauren and a handful of women gather in the corner, dabbing their eyes.

“Thank you for sharing your special day with us,” I choke out, trying to regain composure.

“Please.” Lauren waves her hand about. “This made it even more memorable. Don’t fuck it up again. Josie has spent the last thirty hours helping me organize this wedding and dealing with jet lag.”

“I know how to give you a burst of energy.” Lifting Josie’s hand, I kiss the back of it and shoot her a wink. “How about we have our own after party?” I take Josie’s hand as we walk past the crowd.

My father stops me, holding out his hand to shake mine. “I knew she was perfect for you the moment she walked into our penthouse.” His smirk tells all. “Even if you didn’t plan to date past six months.”

“Hey.” Kelsie smirks, holding my baby niece over her shoulder. “You know I’ve been skeptical from the start, but I’m proud of who you’ve become.”

“Thanks, Kels.” My eyes meet Max’s as he winks, knowingly seeing through all the bullshit I’ve fed him over the months.

We continue past my family and head out of the building for a moment of quiet. Josie giggles with teary eyes as she looks up at me.

“You’re my favorite dose of caffeine, Emmett Wheaton.”

The End.

EMMETT

Finished with work for the day, I walk into our suite and drop my bag in the same spot it has been in for the past five years. Josie and I haven’t moved. This space holds so many memories for the two of us, and we don’t need much space. When we aren’t in the kitchen, or cuddling on the couch, we’re in the bedroom, devouring each other. Walking down the hallway, I peek my head into our office as Josie looks over her screen.

“How was your day?” Josie asks as the dim light casts a warm glow onto her face.

“It would have been better if you came into my office and let me bend you over my desk.” Smirking, I lean down and press a soft kiss to her lips. “How’s your book coming along?” It’s been years in the making, but she finally decided she has enough detail to write her own novel. A fictional play on us.

“I’m finished.” She smiles wide. “The world isn’t ready for Elliot and Justine.”

“Using the E and J?” Not that I really care. I know how much this story means to her, and the world should read it. “The world’s gonna know, Josie.”

“Which is why I want you to be the first person to read the ending.” She stands from her desk chair as I take a seat.

“Did you write about his cock being as big as mine?” I look back, earning a smack on the shoulder.

“Be serious.” She swallows her nerves as her unsteady hand scrolls to the proper page on the screen.

‘It’s been a ride, the past handful of years. Elliot has held my hand through every up and down. He’s been my rock. Never once have I questioned my worth or his undying love for me. His support through the emotional ride I’ve put myself through trying to finish this book. I’ve doubted if I can even write this story, and he’s reminded me how much I’ve overcome and that my words matter. With multiple rounds of failed fertility attempts, he’s still by my side, calling me a warrior. So, tonight will be one for the books. Reaching into my desk drawer for a small box, I hand it over. Elliot looks up at me, confused, as my heart hammers harder than I’ve ever known. Removing the top off the box, he stares at the positive stick resting on top of the black-and-white photo.’

My jaw tightens, wishing more than ever to give Josie the life she longs for. It’s been a long journey for us. We’ve gone through multiple Clomid cycles, IUIs, and IVF has taken a toll on her body and our mental health. I clear my throat and continue reading.

‘Wordlessly, his eyes well up as he shakes his head in disbelief. I smile through tears and nod. Our little miracle is eleven weeks old, and though I’m still nervous about complications, I have hope. Because I have Elliot.”

I reach out and close the laptop, taking a moment to sit with the heaviness. A happy ending is what the readers want. One day, ours will happen too.

“That was beautiful, Josie.” My throat remains tight, but I manage to keep it together.

“Our love was fate in fiction.” A giggle resonates in her chest as her breathing increases. “Emmett?” Her voice goes up an octave, and my brow furrows as I search her face.

“What’s up, my love?”

Opening the drawer, Josie pulls out a small box with a ribbon around it. “Happy Birthday.” I shake my head at how sweet she is, kissing her before taking it from her hand.

“I’m thirty-two. You didn’t need to get me anything.” Pulling the ribbon, I lift the top off the box and my lungs forget how to take their next breath. “Josie,” I choke out, staring at the positive pregnancy test and ultrasound photo.

“I’m eleven weeks.” Her laugh hiccups into a teary sniffle. “We did it.”

“It worked this time?” My head spins.

“Yeah. We did it.” She smiles as I pull her onto my lap, disbelief and awe rushing through me. “I wanted to make sure it was more promising this time before I told you the doctor called. Our baby is growing.”

“When did you find out?” My eyes fill with tears as I hold out the photo in front of us.

“A week ago. This has been the hardest present I’ve ever had to hide.” Josie picks up the test with a smile. “I’m high risk, but for now, this is real.”

“I love you, Mama.” Tangling my hand in her hair, I bring my lips to hers as we take on this next journey. It’s another adventure, like all the others, that we’ll conquer together. As long as she’s in my arms.

The End.