Chapter 010.

November was great. Thanksgiving with the family was everything. We had gathered at my parents' house in that cozy, nostalgic way we always did, complete with the sound of laughter ringing through the kitchen and the scent of my mom's apple pie hanging in the air.

I'd spent the day surrounded by the people I loved most—my siblings, nieces and nephews, step-children, and, of course, Jon and Nashira.

It was like the holiday spirit seeped into every corner of my heart, making me appreciate the warmth of home even more. But it wasn't just Thanksgiving that made last month unforgettable. No, my 37th birthday had been even better.

It was the kind of celebration that makes you feel seen and cherished, where every detail is perfect and every person there reminds you of how lucky you are. Friends and family had gathered at an upscale rooftop restaurant, and there were champagne toasts, a live band, and laughter that echoed under the city lights.

Jonathan and Nashira had outdone themselves, as usual, planning every part of it and making sure there were no details overlooked. I felt a love so deep that night, it made my heart swell.

But now, in December, I was ready to end the year on a high note. The cold, crisp air seemed to hold that promise. Christmas was around the corner, and while I loved Thanksgiving, Christmas was where Nashira's true spirit shone. She was already busy planning. She had decided that this year, she would host Christmas for all three families—hers, mine, and Jon's—in the new house.

Jon thought she was a little crazy to want so many people packed into one space, but Nashira loved Christmas. Always had. Since the first time I met her, she'd gone all out for the holiday, every year more elaborate than the last. It was in her nature, and I loved her for it.

This year was going to be even more special, though. Nashira had a reason to make it count. With her trying to get pregnant, she wanted this Christmas to be more than just festive—it had to be magical.

We were at Target when she brought it up, standing in the home goods section. I was pushing the shopping cart, half-heartedly glancing at the items on the shelves while Nashira sifted through stacks of towels, her eyes scanning the different options. "Baby, should we do all white or get some colored towels?" she asked, turning to look at me with that hopeful, determined smile of hers.

I chuckled. "I think we should get both, we have Jon's black card." It was a little joke we had.

Jon had a taste for luxury that bordered on the extravagant, but he didn't mind spending when it came to the people he loved. And Nashira? Well, she was an expert at spending it wisely.

Nashira laughed, a sound so light and carefree, that it made my heart warm. She nodded and started picking up towels in every color imaginable. "Oh, by the way, the house is done," she said, her voice tinged with excitement as she kept her focus on the towels.

I froze mid-push of the cart. "Really? When can we see it?" The idea of stepping foot into our dream home made my chest tighten with anticipation. I knew Jon would be thrilled too, especially since Nashira had made sure his man cave was included in the design—complete with a massive closet that looked like a mini men's department store. The thought made me laugh; Jon had so many clothes.

"We can go today if you want. I think they should have all the furniture and stuff moved in," Nashira said, giving me a smile that was all excitement and nerves. I nodded immediately, already reaching for my phone.

"Let me call Jon and let him know to meet us at the new house," I said, heart thumping as I dialed his number.

After we paid for everything, we headed toward the new house, the drive filled with anticipation and Nashira's excited rambling about the details she'd meticulously planned. It was like she was recounting a fairy tale she'd been living out over the past year and a half—one that finally had its happy ending.

The house itself was nothing short of extraordinary. Perched atop a five-acre promontory, it looked like something from a dream. The sprawling estate overlooked the mountains, their peaks touched with frost that sparkled in the light. Double gates stood at the entrance, a symbol of the privacy and security that Nashira had wanted. Inside, it was a blend of cutting-edge technology and timeless elegance.

It was hard to believe it was real as we pulled into the driveway, stepping out and looking at the sheer scale of the place. The main residence spanned 46,000 square feet under the roof, with 38,000 square feet under air conditioning.

There were 18 bedrooms and 24 bathrooms, more than enough space to feel like I was walking through my private world. And it wasn't just the house—it was the guest penthouse, the caretaker's house, and the guardhouse, too. The whole place seemed built for indulgence.

We were met by Jon and Joshua when we arrived. Joshua took a moment to look around with wide eyes before turning to Nashira. "This is paradise. I'm moving in," he said, half-joking and half-serious, and Nashira beamed at him.

Nashira gave us the tour, taking us through the grand entryway with its marble floors and sweeping staircase. She led us to the living room, where floor-to-ceiling windows framed the mountain view, then to the dining area that could easily seat 20.

My favorite part of the house was the glam room, which Nashira unveiled with a flourish. It was a room so over-the-top that it could've been mistaken for a luxury salon. There were stations for washing hair, doing makeup, and even a space for our glam team. The walls were a pristine white, with sherpa seating in the corners and a bouquet of roses that brought a touch of warmth to the space.

"You have to see this," Nashira said, reaching for a button on the wall.

It dinged, and a hidden elevator opened, revealing a private ride to the second floor. We stepped inside, the air electric with excitement.

When the doors opened, we were greeted with the sight of our closets. It was a massive multi-room space, the whole thing an oasis of white with designer clothing on display. There were rows of Christian Louboutin heels, shelves filled with Hermès Birkin bags, and more pieces than I could even begin to name.

"It's just so great to finally see this be a tangible house," Nashira said, the emotion thick in her voice. She looked around as if to convince herself that it was real. "I'm so excited that this is where we get to create all our memories and put our roots down. This is ours." I couldn't help but nod, my throat tight with the weight of it all. This house was a testament to Nashira's vision, her hard work, and her unwavering belief that she could create something beautiful.

Joshua applauded her, clapping his hands and shouting, "You did it, Nashira!" Jon pulled her into a hug.

As Jon stood there, his arms around both Nashira and me, smiling that smile of his that made you feel like everything was going to be okay, he said, "Me and my babies are living good." I couldn't help but smile back, the truth of his words sinking in.

We were living good, and not just in the material sense. It was more than that. It was knowing that we had each other, that we were creating a life together that was more than just the sum of its parts. It was a home where we could finally take root, where we could dream and plan and grow old together.

And as the year wound down, I knew that December was going to be exactly what I'd hoped for.