*Previously on Crazy Stalker Love – Read Chapter 20 HERE

One Year Later…

A clear Summer day. The sun shining. A beautiful, sweet, cozy house with a backyard full of chatting and laughter and some familiar faces.

Hunter stands at the grill. As Henley sits at the picnic table chatting with Alexis, Camila, Brooke and Piper.

“Hey babe,” Parker says walking in with a baby boy in his arms, “Someone decided to finally join the party,” he says with a smile, as Piper beams, “He’s all changed, but I think he’s ready for a bottle,” Parker says as Piper stands, “Oh hello handsome, you woke up from your nap, you must be so hungry,” she says in her best baby voice. She takes her son into her arms, sitting next to Henley as she gets a bottle ready.

“There’s my nephew, hi bug,” Henley says placing a kiss on his forehead.

“He’s so adorable, he’s getting so big already,” Alexis says smiling.

“I know, it’s only been a few weeks and he’s already changed so much, I can’t take it,” Piper says.

The doorbell rings, Henley goes to get up, “I’ve got it,” Parker says as Henley smiles her thanks.

Parker walks back in with Leo.

“Leo, hey man, glad you made it!” Hunter says as he sets a plate of burgers on the red and white checkered table cloth draped over the picnic table.

“Hey, yea work was kind of difficult to get away from, but I’m finally glad I did. Hey everyone,” Leo says smiling with a wave.

**A little while later…

Henley looks at Leo and then glances over at Alexis and suddenly a light bulb idea comes to mind.

“Hey Leo…” Henley says grabbing Alexis’ hand and pulling her over.

“What are you doing, Henley…No…No,” Alexis says dragging behind trying to escape her grasp.

“Shhh…it’s time you get back on the horse…” Henley says.

Leo turns around, “Hey Henley,” he says with a smile.

“Leo…this is Alexis. Alexis this is Leo.”

“Hi,” Leo says with a sweet smile, as he extends his hand.

Alexis smiles, “Hi,” she says shaking his hand as she feels a spark ignite. And this time, it was a real spark.

“And I’ll be going,” Henley says walking away with a bright smile on her face as she walks, over and sits next to Hunter. She takes his hand in hers.

“Oh boy…” he says with a smile following her gaze. “Nicely played,” he say smirking.

“Thank you…I think it’s time for ALL of us to heal. Don’t you?”

“Yea absolutely. That was really nice of you babe,” he says placing a kiss on her cheek.

Henley smiles simply as she looks down at her stomach, she places a hand over it, as you see a wedding band now accompanying her engagement ring.

He notices, “Hey, how are you feeling? You ok?” he says placing his hand over hers. Hunter’s wedding band sitting on his finger as well.

“Yea. I feel really good,” she says smiling.

“Ok well you know what Dr. Ross said about taking it easy…”

“I know, and I am. Remember she said we’re both doing really well. So there’s no reason to suspect that-”

“I know, I just worry,” he says looking down.

“I know. I worry too, but I know that this time, it’s all different. I have you,” she says smiling.

Hunter smiles lovingly at her as he leans in, placing a gentle kiss on her lips.

“Should we tell them?” he whispers.

Henley nods with a smile, “let’s just give those two a minute,” Henley says nodding toward Alexis and Leo.

***

“So I’m sure you’ve heard some terrible things about me,” Alexis says sheepishly looking away.

“Oh please, I’m a cop. I’ve heard worse,” he says laughing. “Besides all that matters is that you’re trying to be a better person now? I mean that’s all we can do as humans, right? Try to be a better person, each day.”

Alexis nods, “I will cheers to that,” she says raising her red plastic cup.

“Cheers to second chances,” Leo says smiling and clinking his cup into hers.

Alexis smiles in awe of the humanity surrounding her.

***

Hunter and Henley both stand, “Um, Hunter and I have a little announcement,” she says as Piper’s eyes lock onto the two of them.

Henley smiles at her husband. “I’m pregnant!” she says excitedly.

Everyone screams.

“AH!!!!! I knew it! I knew it!” Piper says screaming as she jumps up and hugs them.

Henley laughs as everyone says their congratulations and hugs the happy couple.

“Give me this little guy,” Hunter says walking over to Parker who holds his nephew.

“Yes big bro, get all the practice in now,” Piper says smiling happily.

“Hey Pipe, I’m sorry I didn’t tell you, with everything that happened in the past, we wanted to wait…”

“No, hey, I totally understand. You do not need to apologize at all. I am so so happy for you, do you know the sex yet?”

“We do,” she smiles nodding. “It’s a girl,” she whispers as Piper is about to squeal, “But we’re planning a gender reveal so shhh,” Henley says putting a finger to her lips.

“Oh of course, my lips are sealed,” Piper says locking her lips with an imaginary key.

“Can I at least just tell Parker though?” Piper asks excitedly.

“Of course, but that’s it!” Henley says pointing at her.

Piper smiles and she pulls her best friend into a hug.

***

Hunter sits in the house rocking his nephew, watching him doze off to sleep.

Piper walks in, and sees him, she smiles, “You’re a natural.”

Hunter laughs, “Thanks.”

“I’m serious Hunt. Seeing you with Patrick, you remind me so much of Dad. You have his ease. No matter what was going on, when dad was around you just knew you were safe. You’re going to be a great dad.”

Hunter looks up at her and smiles.

“That means the world to me, especially coming from you.” he says.

“I think we’ve done pretty well for ourselves, huh? All things considered,” Piper says sitting next to her brother.

“Yea, I think so. But you know that it was your strength that got us here, right?” he says looking at her.

“It was yours too,” she says.

“No Piper, I’m serious, you’re so much like mom. You take everything on. Sure dad was always there but he was always working like a dog. Mom was the one who kept us all afloat. She was the center of our family. And now, you are. Sometimes I feel like the weight of that, it isn’t fair that I put that on you for so many years. You know when we lost mom and dad, I didn’t know how to handle it. I just wanted to numb the pain. And I know that I was selfish, because I know that you were mourning them too. And I only added to your pain.”

“Hey Hunter, stop, ok it was a long time ago. I’ve forgiven you.” She says smiling at him.

“No, I need to say this…thank you Piper, you saved my life and I know it wasn’t easy for you. I only hope that someday I can repay you.”

“Hey, I don’t regret standing by you, not for a single second. We’re family. And that means trying again. Forgiving. And never giving up on each other. There is no need for repayment. Besides we said it was time we all heal and move on right? I mean I have a son, and you and Henley are finally back together, married and a baby girl on the way,” she says smiling.

“Henley told you it’s a girl?” he says shaking his head.

“Yes, I’m sorry. I asked.” She says, “But I promise Parker and I are the only ones who know and we will not say a word.”

“It’s ok, I should know by now that even though you two are both married now, you’re still gonna have your secrets,” he says laughing.

“But of course,” she says smiling as she bumps her shoulder into his.

“Thank you Pipe, for everything. You truly are my rock and I love you, you’re the best sister a guy could ask for.” He says.

“You’re a pretty damn good brother too, I love you too,” she says hugging him, “I think mom and dad would be really proud of how far we’ve come.”

“Does that mean you’re finally going to exhale?” he says smirking at her knowingly.

“What?” she says confused.

“Come on Pipe, I know you. You’re constantly worried, watching out for everyone, especially me.”

“Well you know, it’s just how I show love,” she says rolling her eyes.

“I know that you have that fear that I could have a relapse, you and Henley both. But I promise you I have not slipped once in my whole recovery and I don’t plan to. Ever. I’m good. Like really good. In fact, I was just asked to be someone’s sponsor,” he says smiling.

“What? Oh my god, Hunter, that’s amazing! I’m so proud of you,” she says tearing up.

“Thank you. But see, that means I’m good, now focus on your family and stop worrying about me.”

“I’ll try,” she says laughing.

Hunter smiles as he pulls her into a hug.

***

Later that night Hunter brings Henley a cup of tea as she sits on the couch in her pajamas, the TV humming in the background.

Hunter lifts each of Henley’s legs and places them on the coffee table, placing a pillow under them.

“Hunter, baby, I’m fine,” she says smiling.

“Just humor me,” he says looking over at her.

“Hey did you ever bring in the mail today,” Henley asks.

“Uh, yea I think so,” he says reaching behind him and grabbing a stack of mail from the cabinet behind the couch.

Hunter flips through, “Junk, junk, junk” he says and then smiles at the next piece of mail.

“What?” Henley says looking over at him.

Hunter hands her a postcard, the cover- a picture of Elena and her new European beau, as she holds her hand up showing off an engagement ring!

Turning it over, Henley reads, “Hello from Europe! I guess you’re right. It all happens for a reason. I found my forever. Thank you for not marrying me. Wishing you and Henley all the best! xoxo Elena and Emilio.”

“Wow! That’s really great! They look so happy, and he is very handsome,” she says as Hunter’s eyebrows raise, “Really?” he says.

“Oh well, I mean not as handsome as you, of course,” she says smiling.

Hunter laughs, “I’m really happy for her,”

“Me too, we should write her back,” she says smiling, “Maybe send them a little something.”

Hunter smiles, “I have to say you’re being very cool about this,” he says surprised.

“Oh honey, I’ve got a ring on my finger, and your bun in my oven, I’m not worried. I’ve got you locked in for life,” She says shaking her head with a laugh.

Hunter laughs, “That you do,” he says leaning in and kissing her slowly and softly.

Henley moans against his lips, “Mmm, you know what we haven’t done in a while,” she says looking up at him as she starts to pull at his pajama strings.

“Henley,” he says stopping her.

“What?” she says pouting.

“I just don’t think we should be doing that, you know because of the baby. I don’t want to risk anything bad happening,” he says nervously.

“Hunter, we spoke to Dr. Ross about this ok, she said it was fine. I’m ok, I promise you.” She says cupping his face.

“You swear,” he says worry etched all over his face.

“No, I’m actually not doing the best. Because I haven’t made love to my husband in months. So yea there’s a whole lot of hormonal frustration going on here…but other than that…yea just peachy.” She says that sass showing through.

Hunter rolls his eyes, “you act like it’s something I want to avoid,” he says, “not being with you these last few months has been torture.”

“For me too,” she says climbing onto his lap, straddling him.

“Henley,” he says cautiously, his hands finding her stomach.

“Hunter, come on, I miss you,” she says pulling him into a kiss.

Hunter stops her as she gives him a pout, he looks at her longingly, sighing he pulls her into a passionate kiss, “I miss you too,” he whispers against her lips as he lifts her in his arms carrying her up the stairs and into their bedroom as he lays her gently on the bed.

***

Their bodies tangled up in each other, under crisp, cotton, white sheets, as Hunter moves above her, his lips trailing kisses down her neck as she gasps, her hands wrapping around his neck.

“Are you ok?” he whispers looking into her eyes.

“Perfect,” she says her lips crashing onto his.

“No I’m serious, are you feeling ok?” he says pulling away again.

Henley sighs, “Hunter yes, I am fine. I will let you know if anything. Now I love you, but shut up,” she says pulling him back into a kiss.

Hunter laughs against her lips.

“This pregnancy makes you bossy in bed,” he whispers, his voice raspy.

“Oh you haven’t seen anything yet,” Henley says raising her eyebrow with a sexy smirk.

“Oh,” he says his eyebrows raising as she closes the distance between them. She kisses him passionately, flipping them over, she places kisses on his chest.

Hunter pulls her back into a kiss as they continue to make love into the night.

***

Hunter wakes up to an empty bed and the smell of blueberry pancakes.

He smiles as he pulls his Pajamas on and makes his way downstairs.

Henley is grooving slowly to some soft music as she cooks, her back toward him, as her hips sway from side to side, Hunter’s t-shirt hanging on her, just slightly more snug since her pregnancy bump decided to show within the last few days.

Hunter smirks as he quietly walks over to her, sliding his hands around her waist.

“Good morning sleepy head,” Henley says looking over at him, as he places a kiss on her lips.

“Morning,” he says as she hands him a glass of orange juice. “Here, so you can keep up your strength. Seems I might have worn you out a bit,” she says smiling.

“Maybe a little,” he says with a laugh as he takes a sip of his juice.

“Sorry,” she says scrunching up her nose.

“No no, don’t ever apologize for that,” he says smirking up at her from his stool at the kitchen island. “You can wear me out anytime,” he says.

“Oh, likewise,” Henley says smiling at him as she reaches over and gives him a kiss.

“Hmm, syrup,” he says licking her lips, as she laughs, “Babe! Stop!” she says pulling away as he laughs.

“So I do have something serious to discuss with you though,” he says looking at her.

“Oh, ok,” she says putting on her serious face.

“Well it’s not that serious,” he says laughing.

“Well do tell, so that I can put on the appropriate serious face.” She says.

“I think we should make a list, of everything we still need for the nursery, you know because this baby has a timeline, and she’ll be here before we know it. So…”

Henley smiles, “I think that’s a perfect idea, I’ll get the pen and paper,” She says smiling.

***

Henley and Hunter sit on the couch as Henley’s legs lay across Hunter’s. She’s holding a list as she and Hunter chat and mark things down.

“I definitely think we should get a humidifier, Piper said Patrick sleeps so much better with one,” Henley says.

“Yes, definitely, I read an article about which were the best ones, and there was one specific brand that- here I saved it, let me show you,” he says picking up his phone as he flips through it.

Henley stares at him, smiling brightly.

“What?” he says noticing her eyes on him.

“Nothing I was just having a moment,” she says smiling.

“Aw ok,” he says smiling as he drapes his arm around her shoulders, “tell me about it.”

“I was just thinking about how amazing it is to be here with you right now. I mean we’re married, and we have this beautiful big house, and we’re having a baby. I just feel so happy to be here with you. Sometimes I feel like it’s all a dream I’m going to wake up from. Like it’s too good to be true.”

“I know the feeling,” he says smirking. “But we’re here babe. We made it. And I always knew we would,” he says starring at her lovingly.

“Thank you for never giving up on us. I know it wasn’t always easy. And I wasn’t always on board because I so scared. But I always hoped we’d get here. I may not have always been sure. But you were. And I’m grateful for that every day. I’m so grateful for you, every day,” she whispers as she cups his face and he places a kiss on her lips.

“I love you so much, I’m grateful for you and for you,” he says placing a hand on her stomach.

“I’m grateful for you too little girl,” Henley says looking down at her stomach, as they both feel a kick, their eyes jolting up at each other.

“Did you just feel that,” Henley says.

“Was that a kick?” Hunter asks excitedly.

“A big one, I’ve felt a few fluttery ones but never like that,” Henley says smiling.

“Oh my god,” Hunter says pulling her into a kiss.

“We can’t wait to meet you little one,” Henley says as they feel another kick.

“She hears you,” Hunter says smiling.

“That’s our baby in there,” Henley says smiling up at him, tears in her eyes.

“Our baby,” he says smiling happily as he leans into another kiss.

***

“So what do you wanna watch,” Henley says turning the TV on and looking over at Hunter.

“How about we watch our wedding video?” he says.

“Aw that’s a great idea,” Henley says smiling as Hunter gets up to put in the DVD.

The gold doors open as Henley walks down the center aisle. Her dress simple and elegant, her bouquet-red roses. The wedding march playing as her father holds her arm gently. Piper and the girls smiling from up front, as her eyes lock onto Hunter’s.

“I remember feeling so nervous waiting for you to come down,” Hunter says laughing.

“You looked nervous,” Henley says smiling, “But I just thought it was so cute,” she says.

“You weren’t nervous?” Hunter asks surprised.

“About the wedding, yes. The party planner in me was worried about the details. But marrying you. No. I knew it was finally our time, and when I saw you it was like everything just made sense.” She says shrugging.

“Yea, I remember feeling this instant calm once your hand was in mine,” Hunter says smiling over at her.

“It was a beautiful day,” Henley says smiling.

“It was, and you looked beautiful, but if it’s even possible I think you look even more beautiful now than you did that day. And I think I love you even more too.” He says looking into her eyes.

Henley smiles as she pulls him into a kiss, “I feel the exact same way, sometimes so much, that I feel like my heart is going to burst.” She says smiling.

Hunter smiles happily as he kisses her again, as the priest says “You may now kiss the bride,” Hunter and Henley kiss on screen.

“I love you Mrs. Stone,” he says.

“I love you Mr. Stone,” she says.

They kiss, snuggling together as they watch the rest of their wedding video. Their love story growing more and more with each passing moment.

Character Slideshow below… 🙂

-The End-

*I do not take credit for any images used in my edits or otherwise.*

I hope you enjoyed!

Thank you for reading!

For more updates on my writer’s journey follow my writer’s instagram @michelleleighwrites_blog