Page 28 of Christmas Souls

My nights are no longer filled with frightening worries of men coming to hurt me. I am free, and I have the love of my life with me. Together, we can conquer anything life throws our way.

Epilogue

Christmas Next Year

Mandy

Michael and I are waiting at the doorstep of Grandma's house for the couple that purchased it from us. I've got their two sets of keys ready and am a little nervous because I have some news for Michael. The couple arrive in their minivan and get out of the car.

Their daughter is around four, and she skips next to her mother. She's so cute. Her hair has been pulled up into pigtails. The little girl rushes ahead to greet us.

"Hi!"

"Hello!" I respond with the same energy.

"This is our new house," she announces with her hands on her hips.

"I know. You're going to love living here."

Her parents finally catch up to her, and her mother gently pulls her back so she's not stepping on my toes. I wouldn't have said anything. This scene is a dream for me. Someday soon, Michael and I will have a family as beautiful as this one.

"Mr. and Mrs. Chase. Here are two sets of keys for the house. Everything is in order as we discussed yesterday at the realtor's office. My wife and I hope you have the most fabulous life in this house." Michael says.

"Thank you. We're sorry we made you come over here on Christmas Eve, but we had a few appointments in town yesterday and couldn't do this." Mr. Chase says as he turns to me. "This was your grandmother's house, right Mrs. Hoffer?"

"Yes. I grew up here and have the fondest memories of the place. It's ready for a new family, though. Congratulations."

I feel tears coming out of my eyes and am inwardly pissed that the hormones are making me moody. Now Michael will think we shouldn't have sold the house and start nagging me about it. I love my husband, but he's a nagger.

His hand reaches for mine, and we twine our fingers together. The little girl waves goodbye to us, and we walk slowly to our truck. My husband turns to me and wipes my tears away with his thumbs.

"Are you okay?"

"Yes, I'm sorry. I couldn't help but be emotional."

"Do you want to skip dinner with the family?"

"God, no, your parents would kill me."

"They'd do no such thing. They love you like a daughter."

Michael makes sure I'm seated and buckled up in the truck and gets in beside me. We make good time to his parent's house, but before we get out of the car I grab his hand and squeeze it.

"Michael, I need to tell you something."

"Are you sure you don't want to tell me in front of the family?"

"You already know?"

He places a kiss on my forehead and mumbles something I can't understand.

"I'm pregnant."

"You're going to make the best mother in the whole world," he whispers, and his eyes are slightly moist.

"I'm scared."

"Why? Our love is strong, and we have the support of the family. What's going on inside of your head? Let me in."