Song for this chapter: Mark Ambor - Belong Together on the multimedia

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It was finally September 9th, Ivy's 5th birthday. The day I had planned down to the last detail, ensuring that every moment would be perfect for her. I had imagined this day for weeks, picturing Ivy's little face lighting up with excitement, surrounded by all the people who mattered to her, and to us. Sapphire Haven was the perfect venue—Juls' restaurant had a magical way of turning special occasions into memories that felt larger than life. The chic atmosphere, velvet seating, and sapphire-colored decor were dressed up even more than usual for today, transforming the restaurant into a whimsical, lively space for Ivy's party.

It was a wonderful Saturday, warm and bright, and as we entered the restaurant, I could already hear the hum of conversation, laughter, and the excited shouts of children from inside. Ivy, wearing a flowy pastel dress with a glittery tiara, clung to my hand, bouncing with energy. Her smile was contagious.

"Oh, Mommy! Look at the balloons! And the cake! Is that for me?" Ivy pointed eagerly at the enormous sapphire-themed cake set up in the center of the room.

"All for you, my little star," I told her, smiling, but my heart squeezed a bit. I couldn't help but think how much my dad would've loved this, how proud he would've been to see his granddaughter turn five today. I wished he could be here to celebrate with us.

As we entered the main dining area, the party was already in full swing. Juls stood near the bar, dressed casually but still effortlessly charming, talking to Tony. Sarrah, John, and Julie were clustered around the kids, helping them organize a game of musical chairs. Ivy's classmates giggled, and Claire's children were right in the middle of it, laughing along with Ivy. Claire and her husband exchanged amused glances, clearly happy to see their kids having so much fun.

I made my way over to Sarrah, giving her a hug. "Everything looks amazing," I said, and she smiled warmly.

"Well, you know Juls, he never does things halfway. Ivy's birthday had to be perfect."

"Perfect indeed," I murmured, taking in the decorations, the sapphire-blue drinks, the edible flowers, and the small touches that only Juls could think of.

Just then, the door opened with a small commotion. Travis walked in with his usual laid-back confidence, and beside him—unexpectedly—was Nat. They were holding hands. The room fell silent for just a second before Tony's sarcastic voice cut through the air.

"Look who decided to show up, and with the leading lady no less!" Tony smirked, tossing a napkin over his shoulder dramatically.

Travis, ever the charmer, shot him a grin. "Wouldn't miss the party of the century, mate. I had to bring some class with me, didn't I?"

Nat rolled her eyes at the banter, but her smile said she enjoyed it. "Class? Is that what you're calling yourself now?" she teased, nudging Travis' shoulder playfully.

"I don't know what's more shocking," Tony said, dramatically raising his hand to his chest, "that you're dating your leading man's manager or that you actually like each other!"

Travis playfully winced, while Nat burst into laughter. "Trust me, no one's more surprised than us," she said, shaking her head. "We only started dating two weeks ago. Neither of us saw it coming, especially since we were always just genuine friends... or mortal enemies, depending on the day."

At that, Linc, who had been standing near Juls, leaned in with a smug grin. "I did warn you," he said to Juls, nudging him in the ribs.

Juls feigned hurt, clutching his chest as if wounded. "Ah, my heart! But really, I'm happy for her," he added quickly, giving Nat a smile that was genuine and warm.

Nat raised an eyebrow. "Sure, sure. I see that hurt," she said, rolling her eyes at both Juls and Linc.

"I'm gonna need a drink for this," Juls muttered, half-seriously, making his way toward the bar.

Tony, as always, couldn't resist the chance to poke fun. "Hey Nat, how's it feel to be dating the enemy?" he quipped, referring to the friendly rivalry between him and Travis. "You know, the whole chef-manager feud?"

Nat laughed, waving a hand dismissively. "Oh, you have no idea. He's just as much of a pain off-set as he is on it. But it turns out, I like it."

Travis looked mock-offended. "Excuse me, I'm a joy to be around."

Tony smirked. "Yeah, a real joy."

The party continued with laughter and teasing, the room alive with energy. Karen, Linc's mom, made her way over to say hello, her usual warm presence lifting my spirits. She adored Ivy and had a way of making everyone feel included.

"Where's the birthday girl?" she asked, scanning the room with a fond smile.

I pointed toward the kids' section, where Ivy was giggling, holding hands with one of her classmates. "Right there. She's having the time of her life."

Karen chuckled softly. "Well, that's what birthdays are for."

As the kids ran around, Julie was orchestrating some kind of impromptu dance-off, clapping her hands as the children twirled and jumped, laughing wildly. It was impossible not to feel the joy radiating through the room.

Despite the lively atmosphere, a small part of me couldn't help but drift back to thoughts of my dad. He would have loved this—loved Ivy, loved seeing her so happy. I squeezed my hands together, trying to push the bittersweet ache away.

Sarrah must have noticed, because she placed a hand on my shoulder. "He would be proud, Sign. Ivy's a special little girl."

I nodded, my throat tightening for a second. "She really is."

Just then, Ivy ran up to me, out of breath but smiling from ear to ear. "Mommy, Mommy! We're going to open presents soon, right?"

I laughed, brushing a few stray hairs from her face. "Of course, sweetie. Let's make sure everyone's ready."

Soon enough, the entire group gathered around Ivy as she carefully opened her gifts, the room filled with more laughter and cheers. Her eyes sparkled as she unwrapped a dollhouse from Claire's family, and she squealed with delight at the sight of a large stuffed animal from Julie.

As I stood back, watching Ivy bask in the love and attention, I realized how full this room was—full of life, full of love, full of the people who made our lives rich. It wasn't just a birthday party. It was a celebration of all the connections, all the laughter, and all the moments that had brought us together.

And though the memory of my dad lingered, it was accompanied by a deep sense of gratitude for everyone here. This was Ivy's day, and I was so glad that it had turned out to be everything I had hoped for—and more.

After all the gifts had been opened and the laughter had softened into a comfortable hum, I found a quiet moment. Ivy was playing with her new dollhouse, surrounded by her friends, and the adults were either mingling or watching the kids from a distance. I took this chance to slip away from the crowd and sat down beside Sarrah, who had been quietly observing everything with a soft smile.

"Sarrah," I began, catching her attention. She looked at me with her usual warmth, her eyes twinkling beneath the restaurant's soft lighting. "I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate you and your whole family being here today. It really means the world to me and Ivy."

Sarrah smiled and patted my hand gently. "You don't have to thank me, dear. Of course we're here. Ivy's a part of this family too, and I wouldn't miss her birthday for the world."

I nodded, feeling the weight of what I had wanted to say for so long. "I know we didn't get a chance to talk properly last time... at my wedding," I said quietly, referring to the day when I had married Ivy's father, a day that was now more of a bittersweet memory. Sarrah had been there, but everything had felt rushed, and we never really spoke the way we should have.

Her expression softened with understanding as I continued. "I've been meaning to tell you... how grateful I am. For everything. For always treating me like one of your own, even before I dated Juls. You were like a mother to me when I didn't have one."

Sarrah's eyes softened, and I could see the memories reflecting in them. "Oh, Sign..."

I swallowed, pushing through the emotions. "You know my mom left when I was just a kid. It was always just me and my dad. But you... you made it feel like I had a mother again. I never told you how much that meant to me."

Sarrah squeezed my hand, her grip firm yet gentle. "Sign, you didn't have to tell me. I always knew. You were a part of our family, and you still are."

I smiled at that, feeling a wave of warmth. It had taken me so long to truly move on from the abandonment I felt when my mom left. But Sarrah had always been there for me, filling the gap in ways I hadn't fully appreciated back then.

For a moment, we sat in silence, the distant sounds of the party fading into the background as the weight of the years passed between us.

Then Sarrah sighed, her smile fading just a bit. "I have to be honest with you, Sign," she said, her voice quieter now. "When you left Juls after the breakup... I took it hard. Harder than I should have, probably. I didn't realize at the time that I was holding it against you. I'm sorry for that."

I blinked, surprised by her apology. "Sarrah, you don't have to—"

"No, I do," she said, shaking her head. "You were such a big part of our lives, not just Juls' life. Losing you felt like losing a daughter. And it hurt to see Juls so heartbroken."

I could feel the weight of her words. "I never wanted to hurt anyone. Especially not Juls, or your family. I loved him, but I had to leave for me. I was so lost back then... I didn't know how to stay."

"I know that now," she said softly. "And I understand it more than I did back then. But it was hard for me to accept at the time because you'd become such an important part of us, not just Juls. I felt like I lost both of you when you left."

I bit my lip, emotions swirling in my chest. "I wish things could've been different," I whispered.

Sarrah smiled again, though there was a trace of sadness there. "Don't we all, darling. But life takes us down roads we don't always expect. The important thing is that you've found your way. And look at you now—strong, raising Ivy, and still part of our lives."

"I've never stopped feeling like part of your family," I admitted. "Even when things got complicated... with Juls, or after I got married. You were always in my heart."

Sarrah squeezed my hand again, her eyes glistening a little as she smiled warmly. "And you were always in mine."

For a while, we just sat there, sharing the silence, the unspoken understanding between us settling like a gentle wave. It wasn't awkward or tense. It was a moment of closure, of peace, of old wounds healing.

I glanced toward Ivy, who was happily playing with her friends, her laughter echoing through the room. "Ivy's lucky to have you in her life too," I added, my heart full. "Thank you for loving her like your own."

Sarrah chuckled softly, a twinkle returning to her eyes. "That little girl's got all of us wrapped around her finger, doesn't she?"

I laughed, wiping at a stray tear that had slipped down my cheek. "She sure does."

Sarrah leaned in and whispered conspiratorially, "She gets it from you."

I laughed again, shaking my head. "I don't know about that."

Sarrah smiled, her eyes full of warmth and affection. "Oh, trust me. I do."

And in that moment, I felt lighter—like the past had finally settled in its place, no longer something I carried with pain, but with understanding. Sarrah had been a mother to me when I needed one most, and now, I realized she always would be.

After my talk with Sarrah, I looked around the restaurant, expecting to see Linc somewhere amidst the crowd. But he wasn't there. The room was full of joy, laughter, and warmth, and yet, something felt incomplete without him by my side.

I stepped outside into the crisp evening air, and that's when I spotted him. He was leaning casually against the wall near the entrance, his hands in his pockets, looking as relaxed as ever. It made me smile, seeing him like that.

I walked over, chuckling softly to myself. "You know, seeing you like that reminds me of the first time we met."

Linc turned his head slightly, a small smile playing on his lips. "Leaning on that giant stone?"

"Exactly!" I laughed. "You looked so unbothered, like the world could collapse around you, and you'd still be cool as a cucumber."

He raised an eyebrow, his smile widening. "Well, I had to make an impression."

I shook my head, leaning beside him. "You did. Clearly. I still remember it."

He chuckled softly, and for a moment, we stood there in a comfortable silence, just the two of us. The soft buzz of the party inside faded into the background.

I glanced at him, feeling the weight of a question I had been holding onto for a while. "Are you really sure about this?" I asked quietly. "About retiring?"

Linc looked down at me, his eyes softening. "Yeah, I'm sure, Sign. I've had enough of the spotlight. It's time for something different."

I studied his face, searching for any sign of doubt, but all I saw was contentment. "You don't miss it? The fame, the lights, the thrill of it all?"

He shook his head, smiling gently. "No, not anymore. I'm happier now, spending time with you, with Ivy, with the family. I've done enough in the industry, more than I ever thought I would."

I couldn't help but smile back at him, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I'm glad you're happy, Linc."

He shrugged, but there was a teasing glint in his eyes. "Besides, I've already earned more than enough to sustain us for... well, God knows how long."

I rolled my eyes, but I couldn't help laughing. "Oh, so now you're just going to brag about how rich you are?"

He smirked, playfully bumping his shoulder against mine. "What can I say? I'm a man of many talents."

I shook my head again, smiling at his playful arrogance. "Well, I hope one of those talents involves knowing how to start a business. Because if you're serious about that, I might have some ideas."

He chuckled, leaning a little closer. "Oh, I'm serious. I think it's time for a new challenge."

"Good," I said, nodding. "Because I've got a lot of ideas. And you'll be putting that money to good use."

Linc laughed, his eyes twinkling in the dim light. "I wouldn't expect anything less from you."

I smiled up at him, feeling lighter and more at peace. The world around us had shifted, but we were still here, together. And that was all that mattered.

As we stood there leaning against the wall, the warmth of the party inside seemed to drift outside with us. We glanced through the window, watching the scene unfold inside the restaurant. Ivy was laughing joyfully, her little face lit up with delight as Juls lifted her into the air, spinning her around. The sight of them together, so happy and carefree, made my heart swell with affection.

Linc watched them for a moment, a thoughtful expression on his face. "You know," he said quietly, "I'm actually pretty impressed with Juls. I remember when he was just that guy you dated. I never would have imagined he'd end up being so successful and caring, especially after everything that happened."

I nodded, keeping my gaze on Juls and Ivy. "Yeah, me too. It's like he's become this incredible person who genuinely cares about Ivy and has built a great life for himself."

Linc's gaze softened as he continued. "He really seems to be doing well. It's surprising, considering the kind of ex-boyfriend he was back then. But he's come a long way."

I chuckled, shaking my head slightly. "He's definitely changed a lot since then. I'm proud of him. I'm happy that he's still a part of my life, and now, a part of Ivy's life."

Linc looked over at me, his expression sincere. "It's nice to see that. Despite everything, it's good that there's still a sense of family and connection."

I sighed contentedly, feeling a warmth inside as I watched Juls and Ivy. "It is. I'm glad Juls is here, and that we've been able to make things work for Ivy's sake. It feels like... like things are right where they're supposed to be."

Linc nodded, his eyes never leaving the window. "It does look that way. And it's good to see that even with all the changes and challenges, there's still a lot of love and support."

I smiled, leaning a bit closer to Linc. "Yeah, it really is. Sometimes, life surprises us with how things turn out. And I'm grateful for the way things have settled."

He glanced at me with a gentle smile. "I'm glad to see you happy, Sign."

I looked back at him, feeling a deep sense of contentment. "I am happy. And I'm grateful for you being here, too."

We stood there together, the joy and laughter from inside the restaurant creating a comforting backdrop to our conversation. It felt like a moment of reflection and gratitude, a reminder of how far we had all come and how much we had to be thankful for. As I watched Ivy's radiant smile and heard her laughter echoing through the room, I knew without a doubt—it was indeed a happy birthday for my daughter.