Ginger Angel

Epilogue

Epilogue

The bright beams of the sun shine through the windows, which are open, and sending a soft breeze through the curtains. It’s a warm summer day and everything in the world seems happy. Shiloh sits in her favorite lounge chair, her legs crossed, and a book enveloping her attention. Her hair changed from a long, dark mane to a shorter cut, now just above her shoulders. She cut it a year after the wedding and has kept the style for the past three years.  Ed sold his apartment in London and the couple decided to move to a small house in Suffolk, where he grew up. Shiloh doesn’t see Chloe anymore, but they keep in touch and talk on the phone every weekend. Chloe and Matty are engaged now and plan to get married in Ireland, where Matty is from. It seems that both friends are growing up and finally settling down.

            As Shiloh reaches the middle of her book, the front door of the house opens. Ed’s home from his job as a music instructor at a local guitar shop. He does it not because they need money, but because he wants to help kids explore their talents.

            “I’m home!” He calls, and Shiloh can hear the sound of his guitar case hitting the floor lightly. The familiar sound of tiny feet thumping against the floor and hopping down the stairs fills the empty house.

            “Daddy!” The tiny voice of their daughter, Emilie, rushing to the front door.

            Her red, wavy hair bounces and brushes against her freckled cheeks. She has his smile and those freckles all over her body. Her arms wrap around his thighs and he places his hand gently on her back.

            “Hi, sweetie.” He says, bending down and picking her up. She’s wearing her favorite blue dress that brings out her blue-grey eyes. He kisses her head.

            “Did you have a good day today?” He asks. She nods happily.

            “Mommy played dolls with me.” She replies. He gives her a smile and then his eyes travel to Shiloh, who is watching them peacefully on the chair. He saunters over to her and she stands up, using the chair for assistance. Ed sets Emilie down and lets her go off and play dolls some more.

            “How was work?” She asks. He gives her a soft kiss on the lips.

            “Work was nice. How’s Jasper?” He asks.

She smiles and looks down at her protruding tummy. She has seven months down, two more to go. A baby boy is awaiting to be brought into this world. He puts his hand on her tummy and leans his forehead against hers, pressing his lips to hers. Her hand slides over his and he pulls away. He crouches down and places a soft kiss on her stomach.

“We’re waiting for you, little man.” He says.

            “Daddy.” Emilie calls again, walking into the living room.

            She reaches Ed’s side and wraps her small hands around two of his fingers.

            “Will you come play dolls with me?” She asks, tugging at his hand.

            “Of course, sweetie.” He replies, getting back to his feet.

            “You can be the brother and the doggy.” She innocently demands him. He chuckles.

            “If you say so, sweetie.” He replies, looking back at Shiloh as Emilie leads him out of the living room and towards the stairs.  Shiloh smiles and giggles, rubbing her tummy and waving as he walks away.

            It’s been the perfect ending to a magical beginning, and Shiloh wouldn’t want her life any other way.