little girl, all grown up. He seemed so misunderstood for so long, and now it's crystal clear. I see him as he is, and as he can be. A man who isn't just handsome because of his sexy beard, but a man who is handsome because he is my heart, my home, my forever.
“I'm so proud of you, Filson,” I say looking up into his pine green eyes. I cut the ribbon and he pulls me to him, giving me a kiss on the lips.
“I'm pregnant,” I whisper as we pull apart. The crowd behind us cheers as the red ribbon falls to the ground, his shopping center officially opened.
He shakes his head incredulously, my belly flip-flopping with love. “You always give me the best gifts,” I say. “But this year it's my turn to top yours.”
“A fifth baby. God, I love you, Maple.”
“Good,” I say, “Because I was hoping tonight once the kids are down, we can celebrate this new blessing.” I take his hand and press it to my belly.
He gives me a smile and I stand on my tiptoes to kiss him again, his beard tickling my face. Home is where the beard is … and his is never that far away.
Epilogue Three
Filson
Ten Years Later…
The line at the soup kitchen has finally slowed, and I take a moment to step away to take our eight-month-old daughter, Carol, from Maple’s arms. Our family is all here, helping out today like we do most Saturdays. The oldest kids, Nick, Eve, and Winter are serving bowls of soup, while the three younger ones are making snowflakes out of white paper with our new live-in nanny at a table in the corner. They remind me of Maple’s and my first Christmas together.
“Carol’s been a little fussy,” Maple says. “I think she’s tired.”
“Not surprised,” I say, leaning closer to my wife and kissing her softly. “It’s hard to sleep here. It’s been bustling all morning.”
Maple tightens the apron around her waist. Earlier in our marriage, we were going for one a year, but we’ve slowed down a bit and have stopped at six, though we’ve been talking about a few more once Carol starts walking. For two people who don’t have any extended family, we created our own little tribe, a bunch of Filson and Maple mini-mes.
“Honestly though, I’m feeling just as tired,” she says. I take a closer look and see her tired eyes. I’m sure her feet ache too. It’s why I planned the perfect Christmas gift for her.
“Want one of your Christmas gifts early?” I ask.
“Christmas isn’t until next week,” she says twisting her lips.
“I know, but you deserve it now.”
“Fine,” she says. “If you insist.”
I take her hand and lead her to the back room off the kitchen where her desk is. It’s neatly organized with files and recipes, orders for groceries and a volunteer schedule. Over the last ten years, dozens of people have started pitching in to help. The kitchen now distributes clothing and household goods, along with a small clinic where clients can receive important medical care. Maple’s Granny would be so proud to see where her good intentions have led – to a flourishing center serving thousands of people a year.
“Well, first off, I got you this,” I say, closing her office door.
She takes the package from my hand and unwraps the candy-cane striped paper. Inside the tissue paper is a silky red nightgown. “Filson, this is beautiful,” she says, running her fingers over the material. “But not exactly practical.”
“You don’t need practical for this gift.”
Her eyes furrow. “What do you mean?”
“I mean, tonight we are leaving the kids. All of them. With Marta. Jody is coming over to help too. And we’re going to the cabin for two nights.”
Her eyes widen. “Just you and me?”
I nod. “Just us. We haven’t been alone for a night in years.”
“Do you regret having so many babies with me?” Her eyes search mine. “They’ve sort of taken over our life.”
I pull my wife to me. “Don’t even think that, Maple. Our children are the biggest blessing in the world, next to you.”
“They are a lot of work though, and I know I don’t always have energy at the end of the day.”
“You work harder than any woman I’ve ever known,” I tell her. “Besides, I think you take care of me plenty. I don’t even think most single men get laid as often as I do.”
“It’s just we used to have sex every day and now it’s