The Shot You Never Took - Epilogue

Epilogue ~ 10 Years Later

"Happy Birthday sweetheart." I whispered in Kendra's ear as she stood in front of her new Chevy Avalanche. She's wanted one forever, and since she just got her license, it's perfect. I know they say don't buy kids new vehicles because they'll crash them, but Kendra's really responsible and we trust her.

She squealed and threw her arms around my neck, "Thank you so much daddy! Can we got for a ride?" She asked, probably referring to her and her boyfriend, but then she interrupted my thoughts, "Will you and Jake come too?" She asked with a broad smile.

Jake, was born almost 10 years ago, and him and Kendra are pretty close for siblings. After Jake, Marley and I had fraternal twins, Andrew and Abby, who will be 7 in a few weeks. Then we have our most recent bundle of joy, Lila, who's eighteen months old.

"Sure sweetheart, just let me tell your mother first." I smiled at her and she nodded while turning toward the garage, probably looking for her boyfriend Tyler. I'm not exactly thrilled about the relationship, but he's a good guy. He went as far as asking me for permission before he asked her out, he's on the hockey team, and him and Kendra met through Jake because Tyler's dad is Jake's hockey coach and Tyler helps out with their practices a lot.

Stepping inside, I see Lila sitting on the living room floor, playing with blocks. Andy's sitting across the coffee table from Abby, looking bored, and Abby is dressed up as a princess and they're pretending to drink tea. The last I saw of Jake, him and Tyler were playing hockey in the garage.

"Daddy!" Lila smiles up at me, and I have to pull her into my arms. She looks just like me, blue eyes, dirty blond hair. "Let's find Mommy." I smiled back at her and waving to Abby and Andy, we move toward the kitchen.

"I can't believe she's 16!" I heard Marley from the kitchen. "It seems like just yesterday Kendra and I were watching Matt on tv before she knew he was her dad." She said to Chelsea. Craig had already come by to pick them up, they'd had a daughter, Kacey, five years ago, and they got divorced a little over a year ago. Chelsea took it really hard, but they've been trying to get along for the kids. They decided they just didn't love each other, I guess that just happens sometimes.

Chelsea mumbled a response that I couldn't hear, and Marley responded, "I know, they grow up so fast! About a week ago Kendra asked me about birth control, I thought I was going to have a heart attack!"

"Oh my gosh! Does Matt know?" Chelsea asked shocked. Marley must've just shaken her head because I didn't hear anything. "I do now." I groaned stepping into the kitchen. "She asked you about birth control? What did you do?" I outraged.

"Matt what do you think I did? I talked to her and asked her if they were planning on doing anything, and she said they weren't but she just wanted to be prepared just in case. So I set her up with a doctor's appointment on Wednesday." Marley answered.

Shaking my head, I put Lila down, "What? Why didn't you tell her that she doesn't need birth control because she's not having sex! Ever! I don't care if we have to start homeschooling her!"

Marley sent me a deep glare before countering, "Matt, I was sixteen when we first had sex, and we didn't intend for that to happen. And then I got pregnant! It was all an accident! I don't want her to have to give up her dreams! We were lucky because you got into the NHL and money was never a problem, but she may not be that lucky! She promised me that they weren't planning on doing anything, and if they ever did start thinking about it, then she'd talk to me again, ok! Now go tell them that it's getting late and Tyler's dad wants him home soon. We're meeting your mom for breakfast in the morning, plus you and Jake have games, and Kendra needs to read for her history class." Marley finished and shot me a look that could've killed.

"Ok," I shrugged, and walked briskly out of the house. I guess Marley's right... But that doesn't mean I like it. As I walked toward the garage, laughter filled my ears. Kendra let out a high-pitched squeal just as I walked into the garage, and I saw Jake, Kendra, and Tyler skating around the ice rink at their fastest speeds. I guess Kendra was being chased by Jake and Tyler because Jake jumped up to tackle her, causing them both to topple to the ice. Jake started tickling her, and she kept shrieking.

"Jake! Stop!" She laughed, "Tyler! Help!"

Tyler laughed lightly, and shook his head, "This looks like a family issue."

"Alright Jake, that's enough." I cut in, and Tyler went over to help the two-up. "Kendra, mom said you have some homework to do, and Tyler your dad wants you home soon. The ride will have to wait until another time." I spoke, trying not to glare at him.

I guess it didn't work though, because he stuttered nervously, "Yes... Sir, I'll see you guys later." He finished and walked out of the garage. Kendra, shooting me a light glare, started stomping out of the garage, so I stopped her.

"I’m sorry." I spoke, not giving her anymore of an explanation. "I just can’t accept that you’re growing up." I excused.

Kendra smiled her signature smile, that warmed my heart, and looked up at me, "It’s ok. Dad, I get that you want me to have full life experiences and everything, but I really like Tyler…" She whispered.

"I know. It’s just hard for me to accept. I’m always here if you need anything, I don’t want you to be scared of talking to me. Now, let’s go inside and eat." I smiled slinging my arm over her shoulders.

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"Goodnight you two." I smiled at Andrew and Abby, as Marley and I stood in the doorway. "Goodnight dad!" They said sleepily as a chorus causing Marley and I to laugh at the two.

We stepped out of the room, pulling the door shut behind us, and peeked into the nursery to see Lila sound asleep. Walking past Kendra’s room, we could hear her on the phone through the door, so we just let her be. "Let’s go to bed babe, who knew a kid's birthday could be so exhausting." I grumbled and towed Marley with me toward our room a floor below all the kids. Looking into Marley’s eyes, I notice that same sparkle that was there the first time we met. The same beauty in her face, that she’s always had. She’ll always be beautiful to me. Sure we fight, but it’s still perfect. She’s supportive of whatever I want to do, and she’s great with me living all the time. I couldn’t ask for anything more. Five terrific kids, a dog, and the perfect wife. This is exactly how I picture Marley and I in high school.