All to Myself:
Inevitable Extended Epilogue

Four Years Later

“Gran. Dah,” Nora cooed, kicking her legs on the swing.

“Yeah, baby girl.” I smiled down at my daughter. Sometimes I still couldn’t believe I was a dad. “Granddad will be here soon.”

“Gran. Dah,” she said again, this time more insistent. Her attention was focused behind me, and I glanced over my shoulder to see Ian showing his ID to one of the security guards before crossing the grass to where Nora and I were playing on the playground.

I lifted my hand to wave, and Ian smiled, his sunglasses hiding his eyes. He stopped by the tent to give Lea a quick kiss before continuing on toward us. Behind him, Juliana and Landon buzzed around, Lea working alongside them and the rest of the staff as they prepared for the event.

“How’s my favorite girl?” Ian asked in a cutesy voice. I would’ve given him shit for it, but I knew mine sounded the same. This girl had us wrapped around her finger.

“Don’t let Sumner hear you call her that,” I teased, glancing around for my wife.

“Nah.” He leaned down, pressing a kiss to Nora’s head. “She knows I love her.”

“Did Sumner tell you the news?”

Ian picked Nora up out of the swing and spun her around in the air. She giggled, and he laughed, filling the air with joy. Who would’ve guessed my best friend would love being a grandpa? Not me, but ever since Nora was born, they’d had a special bond. He doted on her, and she absolutely adored him.

“Nora’s getting a little brother or sister?” he asked, and I wondered if I’d misheard the hopeful note to his voice.

“No.” I laughed. I wish.

Sumner and I wanted more children, but she was focused on her career. Nora had been a surprise—a welcome one, but a surprise, nevertheless. When she was born, I’d stepped back from flipping houses with Alexis to focus on being a father. I couldn’t wait to have another baby, to watch Sumner’s belly swell with our child. But I would never push her. When to have more children and how many was completely her decision.

“Was she invited to give another TED Talk?” Ian asked.

Sumner’s TED Talk was one of the most popular of all time. She’d also released a book that had shot to the top of the best-seller lists, and she was sought out by celebrities and athletes who wanted to work with her. Her coaching business had exploded.

I shook my head, my chest filled with pride for my beautiful wife. Shortly after she’d graduated from Stanford with her MBA, we’d gotten married in a small ceremony on the beach. The day had been intimate and special—and one I’d never forget. Her dad walked her down the aisle, the love of my life on my best friend’s arm.

“Netflix wants to give her her own show.”

Ian held Nora to his side, jiggling her a little as they laughed and smiled at each other. “Seriously?”

I nodded, but he was distracted by Nora, who was pointing at the slide. “Side. Side.”

“You want to go on the slide?” he asked.

When she nodded, he turned her on her side, flying her over to the slide as if she were an airplane. She squealed and kicked her little feet, and I laughed at the two of them.

Someone wrapped their arms around my waist, and I startled before Sumner said, “Hey.”

“Hey.” I placed my hands over hers, turning to face her with a smile. “I missed you, baby.”

She was wearing one of my favorite dresses—a floral-patterned one that wrapped around her curves, dipping low on her breasts. Her black waves dusted the tops of her shoulders, her skin a beautiful golden hue from all the weekends we spent on the beach with Nora. It was a good life, a full life.

“I missed you too.” She smiled, pressing up on her toes to give me a kiss. “Where’s Nora?”

“With your dad,” I said, pointing to the slide where Ian was sitting at the top, Nora on his lap.

“Of course.” She rolled her eyes with a smile. “Those two.”

“I know, right?” I rubbed her shoulders. “I think she likes him more than she does me. And I spend every day with her.”

“Yeah, but you’re not her granddad. You don’t spoil her like he does.”

“Not spoil her?” I sputtered. The girl was beyond spoiled and not just by her grandparents. “Who got her the motorized car for Christmas?”

She placed her hand on my arm. “Jonathan, it’s not a competition,” she chided.

“I know, but still…”

She shook her head, draping her arms around my neck. “She loves you both. Besides, you should be glad they’re so close. I am. It certainly makes it easier when they invite her to stay over for the weekend.”

Nora was staying over again this weekend, and I was looking forward to lazy mornings in bed with my wife. No distractions. No obligations. It sounded like heaven.

Being a stay-at-home dad was tougher than running the Wolfe Group. But I loved my job.

“True.” I dipped my head, allowing our foreheads to kiss. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself later.”

“Yeah.” She inched closer, her breath warm on my skin. “What on earth are we going to do with ourselves?”

“Mm…” I ran my nose down her cheek until my lips were level with her ear. “First, I’m going to strip you naked.” I gripped her hips, loving the way her breath quickened. “And then, Mrs. Wolfe, I’m going to kiss every inch of your skin.”

“What else?” she panted.

“Don’t worry. I’ll take very good care of your WAP,” I rasped.

She laughed and gave me a quick peck. “And I’ll eat your sausage.”

“I can’t wait,” I said. “I just hope we don’t fall asleep first.”

“The struggle is real.” She shook her head. “Teething sucks. You packed the teething gel, right?”

“Of course. Don’t worry, baby. I took care of everything.”

“I know.” She placed her hand on my arm, peering up at me with the sweetest smile. “You always take such good care of us.”

My chest warmed from her words, and I was filled with pride.

“Everyone will start arriving soon,” she said. “How do you feel?”

I glanced around the outdoor space. A large white tent covered a big area, tables clustered around a stage. There would be food tastings from famous chefs, games, and more.

“Juliana did a great job, as always,” I said. “We’re lucky she was willing to donate her time.”

“You’ve all put in a lot of time and effort.” Sumner nodded. “This is amazing. I’m so proud of you.”

I pulled her to me, dropping a kiss in her hair. None of this would’ve been possible without Sumner. She’d set everything in motion all those summers ago when she’d been an intern with dreams of a coaching business. She’d helped me define success on my terms, and she’d encouraged me to pursue my passions.

Over the past few years, I’d done just that. After her graduation, we’d moved back to LA, and I’d started renovating our new home. I’d also resumed working with Alexis on her developmental projects, at least until Nora had been born.

But over the past year, Alexis and I had been working on a different kind of project. One that would provide housing for low-income families. Our families had both faced financial challenges growing up, and we wanted to use our skills to do something that would make a difference.

When Crew Dixon, the owner of the Hollywood Heatwaves, heard about what we were trying to do, he’d volunteered to help fund the program. And many current and former players for the football team had volunteered their time to the organization, as well as provided autographed jerseys and other items for the silent auction. Juliana’s husband, Harrison Hayes, was among them. And I expected his items would be some of the most highly sought after since he was a legend, one of the winningest players in the team’s history.

It had been a lot of work, a lot of late nights—juggling daddy duty with the foundation—but it was finally paying off.

“Thanks. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

She gave me a quick squeeze. “Where’s Alexis?”

I pulled my phone out of my pocket and glanced at the screen. No missed calls. “She should be here soon.”

“Good. I was hoping to talk to Preston.”

“Yeah? What about?”

“Oh. I just thought I’d ask him about the Hartwell Agency. See what he thought about it.”

I frowned. “The nanny agency he used to work for? Why?”

She lifted a shoulder. “I figured with you taking on more with the foundation and my book deadline coming up, it might be nice to have some extra help.”

She blinked rapidly, her tell for when she was trying to keep something from me. It seemed like there was more to it, but before I could press her, she said, “I’m going to go say hi to my dad,” and headed off in their direction.

I was about to follow her, when Alexis called my name. I turned and smiled, giving her a hug before shaking Preston’s hand. I gave Sophia and Blair high fives. 

“Where’s Nora?” Blair asked.

“On the playground.”

“Can I go, Daddy?” She glanced up at Preston, who smiled down with so much love and affection, I wondered if that was how I looked at Nora. 

“Sure, let’s go!” He grinned, then nudged Sophia, and she slid her phone into her pocket. “Come on, Soph.”

“Sorry we’re a little late,” Alexis said as they walked away.

“It’s fine.” I glanced at my watch. “We’re still ahead of schedule.”

“I can’t believe this day is finally here.” She pushed her hair away from her face. “Thank you again for doing this with me, Wolfe.”

“Thank you. I appreciate you and your friendship.”

Over the past few years, we’d become good friends. Our families often hung out together, and her daughters adored Nora.

“Aw, Wolfe. Are you getting sappy on me?” she teased. “You do know what I used to call you, right?”

I shook my head.

She laughed. “I never told you this?”

“No. But now, I’m not sure I want to know.”

“You were my PITA.”

I frowned. “I was your flatbread?”

“No. No.” She bent forward, laughing so hard she had to brace her hands on her knees. “It stands for Pain in the Ass. You were my most difficult client to work with.”

“And look at us now.” I gestured wide with my hands.

“Yes.” She smiled. “We’ve both come a long way since we first started working together.”

I nodded, but my attention was focused on Preston and Sumner. They were talking at the edge of the playground, and I wondered if it was about the nanny agency. I still didn’t understand why she wanted to ask him about it. I thought we’d been managing fairly well. Yes, life got a little crazy at times, but it wouldn’t always be like this. It was messy and busy and loud and hectic, but it was also beautiful and full of love. Full of baby cuddles and silly songs, and I wouldn’t trade it for the world.

Before Sumner, I’d never allowed myself to imagine being a father. But now that we had a child, I couldn’t imagine my life without her. Without either of them. Sumner’s wedding ring glinted in the sunlight, her brilliant smile lighting a path to my heart as always.

“I’m not sure I ever said this—” I turned to Alexis. “But thank you for your advice all those years ago.”

She tilted her head to the side. “What advice?”

“You once told me not to stand in the way of my own happiness. And that’s what finally allowed me to pursue the life I wanted. Not the one I thought I should live.”

She nodded, a knowing smile gracing her lips. “Ah. Yes. Life is so much better when you choose love.” She gave my shoulder a quick squeeze. “I’m going to check in with Juliana.”

Soon after that, guests started arriving, the event filling in. It was a good turnout, and I was optimistic about the money we’d raise. When it was time for the speeches, I joined Alexis on the stage, accepting the microphone to address the crowd.

“Good evening. Thank you all so much for coming out today. This project has been a year in the making, and we so appreciate your support.”

I took a deep breath and searched for Sumner. She wasn’t at our table, but I found her standing near the back of the space, Nora in her arms. Nora looked like a miniature of my wife—shiny black hair and a heart-shaped face, though she’d gotten my blue eyes. It was a striking combination, and I had a feeling Ian and I would be beating back all the boys who were sure to try to date her.

I shook my head. I couldn’t even imagine. I didn’t want to. She was still a baby, and I wanted to keep her that way. Who had nearly cried when we transitioned her to the crib? Not Sumner, but me.

“All of this wouldn’t be possible without the support of my wife,” I continued, smiling at her. “I am a lucky man, and I would be nothing without her.”

There were a few “awws” from the audience. I went on to explain my role in the foundation and the work we were doing. It was something I was proud of, something I believed in. And I was grateful to have found a project that allowed me to do something for others.

When I was done, I handed the microphone off to someone else. Sumner and Nora met me at the bottom of the stage. I wrapped my arms around them, pressing a kiss to Sumner’s hair. “I love you.”

“Lub you, Dada,” Nora said.

Sumner and I peered down at her, my eyes filling with tears. “Did she just…” I leaned in.

Sumner nodded, flashing me a watery smile. “I think she did.” I kissed her, so filled with love and contentment, but above all, gratitude.

“Jonathan,” she whispered.

“Yeah, baby?” I pulled her close, resting my chin on her head. Inhaling her fruity scent.

“I think I want to start trying for another one.”

I pulled back and stared down at her, afraid to get my hopes up. Afraid I’d somehow misheard or misunderstood her. “Really?”

She nodded, biting back a smile. “Yeah. What do you think?”

“Fuck yes,” I said. “Are you kidding? I can’t wait.”

“You don’t think it’s crazy?” Sumner searched my gaze. “Adding another kid to our already busy life? We barely have much alone time as it is.”

I tucked her hair behind her ear. “Isn’t this what you always wanted—to be a mom, to have your dream job?”

“And to be with you. Don’t forget that.”

“Baby, you’ll always have me.” I cupped her cheek. “This is the current season of our life, and we should enjoy it. Our babies won’t always be little.”

I glanced down at Nora and realized she’d fallen asleep. Her lips were parted, eyelashes dark against her cheeks as she dreamed.

“We should enjoy it,” Sumner whispered, skimming her fingers along her neck. I knew she, like me, was probably thinking about the conversation we’d had in my kitchen the first time she’d come over all those years ago.

At the time, she’d been my intern. And though I’d wanted her, it had felt like a betrayal of my friendship with Ian. I’d been so closed off to what I wanted, both in business and in life.

But Sumner had encouraged me to embrace the life I wanted. And while it hadn’t been without its challenges, it was worth it. Everything was worth it to be with this woman. To have this family.