Xander nodded. “Nor am I. I guess neither of us had the ideal example growing up, did we? And yet, somehow we managed to find one another—love one another.” He looped his arms around her waist and stared deep into her eyes. “Will you help me, Livvy? Will you help me to grieve for our son properly? Will you let me help you, too? Will you let me love you for the rest of your life and raise this new baby, and maybe even others, with you?”
“Oh, Xander, I would love nothing else. I love you so much. I don’t want a life without you. I want to be there for you, always. I want us to be the family we both deserve.”
“As do I with you. Together, I promise. We’re going to do this together, and we’ll get it right this time, in good times and in bad.”
He bent his head to hers and sealed his vow with the tender caress of his lips against hers. His touch had never felt more right or more special. Olivia knew, as her heart rate increased and as warmth began to unfurl through her body, that her heart beat for this man with a passion and a love that was equally reciprocated and that, together, they could do anything.
Xander looked across the lawn at the puppy who was now sitting down, staring at them both. “So, what are you going to name her?”
Olivia looked up at her husband, the man of her heart and the key to her happiness. “I think the question should be, what are we going to call her, don’t you?”
As Xander’s laughter filled the air around them and he squeezed her tight, Olivia knew without a doubt that this time they’d make it. This time was forever.