I stare at the completely furnished living room, my insides churning at the numerous memories that have been made here. Over the past year, I've thought about moving out the furniture and redoing everything, but I just couldn't bring myself to change a thing about this house.

"Hon, you alright?" I turn around to see Dad walking down the stairs.

"Yeah, yeah." I force a smile, not wanting to worry him. "Did you guys get settled?"

They took a flight too early this morning and reached couple of hours ago. I left them to rest and catch up on some sleep while I got the last minutes things done. He nods at me, moving to the kitchen and I follow behind him silently.

"Mom's asleep?" I ask, receiving another nod.

"You miss him, huh?" He asks, obviously reading it all over my face.

"It's surreal to believe he's gone." I sigh, trying not to dampen my mood but it's still tormenting to think about. I add on to my words, to lighten the conversation, "Or that he made that will with a sane mind."

Dad chuckles at that, "Of course, he did. He made it years ago, you know that."

I let out a tired breath, staring down at the kitchen island. It seems like yesterday I woke up to a call from Ohana, a sobbing mess on the other end. She could barely form coherent sentences when Odion took the phone from her and broke the news to me.

Granpa passed away in his sleep.

The house-help found him in the morning, pale and no pulse. I rub my temples to not get lost in my thoughts again. I've grieved him over and over again, but it has taken me some time to realise that it's a never-ending process.

The hardest part wasn't processing that news, it was to witness my mother go into a full blown numb mode. She lost the only parent she had, and I didn't expect her to take it well. We were all there for her, as much as she allowed us to be.

But she got better, she always does, if not for herself then for her children. I think I saw her smile for the first time after two weeks of his death when Granpa's lawyer showed up. He announced his will in front of the family members and let's just say, it left us all extremely shocked to know that he had the left house in my name.

I thought it was unfair and everyone else would think so too, but Mom just smiled at me and my siblings hugged me. They thought I deserved it, but I couldn't think why was I worthy of it any more than them.

But then they all were happy for the trust-fund they got each in their name. Our grandparents, both Granny and Granpa had planned that — to leave something for each grandchild. I got the house, others got the money.

If I could trade places with any of my siblings, I wouldn't. Never. I once told Granpa that I wanted to settle down in Larkspur and I think this was his way of ensuring that I follow my dream.

"Millie, why are you not dressed yet? We had to leave ten minutes ago." Ohana shrieks from behind me, easily diverting my attention away from my thoughts.

I turn around to find my sister standing with her hands on her hips. Her natural dark brown hair are now dyed ombre with blonde ends. I wish I could say that it doesn't suit her, but as much as I like to tease her, she pulls it off pretty amazingly.

"Where are you girls headed?" Dad asks, pouring himself a cup of coffee.

"Salon, duh. We have so much to do and we're already late." Ohana comes forward to grab my wrist and pulls me away with her to the front door.

I look back at Dad with wide-eyes for some help but he just laughs with a shrug, "See you later, kids."

"Not to be that kind of person, but I'm still in my pjs." I inform Ohana when we're in the driveway, pointing to my shorts.

"And whose fault is that?" She questions, sound aggravated.

"Clearly not mine." I raise my hands up in defence.

She just passes me a dirty look before opening the passenger door and practically shoving me in. I try not to laugh at her antics when she settles down in the driver's seat of my car and backs out of the driveway.

"Have you talked to Brian or Steve? Why aren't they here yet?" She questions, her eyes fixed on the road.

"No idea." I observe how restless she seems which worries me a little. "Have you talked to him?"

"Him who shall not be named?" She retorts but when I continue to stare at her, she lets out a frustrated sigh. "No, I haven't talked to my asshole boyfriend."

"Brent is anything but an asshole when it comes to you." I feel the need to add and she once again throws me a dirty glare.

"You're supposed to be on my side."

"I have learnt it the hard way that between the two of you, there are no sides. It's either team you two or no team at all." I smile at how adorably she grumbles.

It took me some time to stop calling Brent that Brent kid because of how his friendship with the twins started. Ohana took my advice I gave her about eight years ago, to take things slow because she was too young. Instead of dating him, they became best friends. All three of them.

And now, Ohana and Brent have been dating since a year. For so many years we all saw them trying to push back their feelings so that they could savour the friendship. It was sometimes painful to see the guy staring at my sister like he wanted to kiss the ground she walked on, and to witness my sister sigh at his every action.

Like a lot of things in life, their relationship was inevitable too. It seems surreal to believe that the twins are going to turn eighteen soon. They are both about to graduate and go off to college.

"What was the fight about? It's very unlike you two to fight for days." I ask, my curiosity getting the best of me.

"He's not coming." She doesn't meet my eyes.

"Why?" I scowl, wondering what could be the reason Brent would want to face not just my sister's but my wrath too.

"That's the thing. He just said he cannot make it, some family problem. Like hello, I practically live at your house, I know your parents, what family problem?" She honks the horn too loud for the car in front of us. "C'mon, jackass! Drive faster."

I try to muffle my laugh, "Maybe Odion knows?"

"That idiot is too busy following the bro-code."

This time, I do laugh. "It's not a big deal if he can't make it, you know? It's okay."

She pulls the car in the parking for the salon, turning to me with a serious face, "So, you aren't mad at him?"

"No, O. Of course not. If it's some family problem, I really understand. Plus, it's his loss. He wouldn't get to see you in that beautiful dress." I grin, trying to cheer her up and she finally cracks a smile, nodding.

"You're right." She nods, clicking off her belt and I do the same before we step out of the car. She takes my arms and practically jumps on her feet, "Are you ready?"

"For what?" I frown, suddenly feeling a little lost about this entire situation.

"Well, as your maid of honour, I have taken it upon myself to give you a day of luxury treatment. No contact with the outside world, just some really relaxing spa and massage and whatever else you want."

"Is this more for my benefit or yours?" I tease and she swats my arm.

"It isn't daily your sister gets married, Em." She drags me inside the place. "I think some time off from your fiancé would do you some good too."

"Or," I feel the need to put the point out there, "He would think I've changed my mind and start freaking out."

"Ughh." She groans, pulling out her phone to dial a number. She taps her foot on the ground until she speaks up, "Hey, almost brother-in-law. I'm stealing your almost wife for a day. You'll find her in one piece tomorrow."

I roll my eyes, snatching the phone away from her and make some distance between us to get some privacy. I put the phone on my ear, "Hey."

"Emma?" His voice is raspy which means he was sleeping. "Where are you?"

"Not important. Why are you still sleeping? It's two in the afternoon, hello!"

"Geez, woman. Don't shout, I have a hangover."

Well, that suddenly makes so much sense. I realise that Nick, Myra, Sam and Olivia and Celeste came to city yesterday and the realisation dawns upon me.

"So, how was the bachelor's party?" I ask, clicking my tongue.

"Considering you weren't there to give me my lap dance, it was a flop." I smile at his words but then hear some rustling on the other end. "Everyone's crashing at our apartment."

"You could always go to the house." I remind him.

"Nope, gonna wait till tomorrow," he says, "Am I really not going to see you today?"

I look back at my sister who gestures for me to hurry up, "Not if Ohana has anything to say about it."

"Too bad. By the way, her boyfriend's got a tolerance of a tank when it comes to alcohol."

"Wait, what? How do you know that?" I squeal with surprise.

"Did I forgot to mention Caiden, Odion and Brent are here too?"

Oh. He's going to surprise her. What a dumbass. I smile at the thought though I cannot imagine so many people fitting at once in our two bedroom apartment here in Larkspur.

"Em, hurry up!" Ohana urges me on and I nod at her.

"Listen, I gotta go. I'll see you tomorrow?" I rush the conversation.

"I'll be the one waiting at the altar."

His words make me blush as we both hang up. I can't believe that the day I've been looking forward to from so long is coming true. I'm getting married. To Blake Glazier, the love of my life.

When Ohana drags me in to the place, my thoughts go back to the day it became official. After seven agonising years, Blake and I proposed to each other on the same night. The night of his twenty-seventh birthday. It wasn't planned and I think that's what made it more special. We were both so ready for the next step.

After Blake graduated from Columbia six years ago, he wasn't done studying. He wanted to learn more so he enrolled into graduate school when he got the acceptance from Stony Brook University. We struggled with finances for a while because he refused to ask Connor for help, especially because Ella had started her own boutique line which had taken up a lot of investment.

So, we tried to make the ends meet for his tuition fees and cut back on the luxuries to pay his student loan. It was tough, but we made it through everything. Our relationship bloomed throughout.

No one had warned me how overwhelming the attachment to the person you're in love with can be. But it goes both the ways, which is what makes it so worthwhile. The day Blake graduated, I told him I wanted to move. I had outgrown New York so much that I just wanted to get the hell away from there, but not without him.

It wasn't easy, but I asked for help from my parents. I wanted to start my own HR consultancy and I needed investors, lots of sponsorships especially starting a company in a new place. In Larkspur.

At first it was just my dream, but then it came our dream, Blake's and mine. We hit lots of bumpy roads along the way and it has been almost four years that we started Rose HR Services, but it's been worth every penny.

Every damn sleepless night, every argument while forming the blueprints, it's been worth it because the company is growing well today. We still aren't where we want to be, but we're definitely on the right path.

"What are you thinking about?" My sister asks me when I'm getting pedicure done.

"The night I got engaged." I shrug and she smiles at me, getting her own manicure done at the moment.

"I still can't believe you both proposed to each other on the same night." She laughs and I agree with her.

"But doesn't it also make sense? I waited seven years, we both did. He was following Dad's orders and I couldn't care less for that shit." I huff, and she narrows her eyes at me.

"Yeah, but you respected it. That's why you did it on his twenty seventh birthday." She points out.

She isn't wrong. My parents had always teased Blake that he couldn't take the relationship forward until he turned twenty seven, until he was responsible enough. Even when it had been three years since we started our own work, Blake still waited. And I waited alongside him, fulfilling my promise.

Until the day he turned twenty seven. I remember it clear as a day how hard he laughed when I pulled out the ring at our dinner table because he had a ring waiting in his pocket too. It was like we couldn't wait another second.

We had been living in Larkspur for years, had our own apartment. I wish Granpa was alive and so was Blake's Nana so we could share the news with them, but we couldn't. But I'm sure we have their blessings. In the last few of Granpa's years, both Blake and I had grown much more attached to him because we lived in the same city.

Every Friday night we had dinner with him. Blake formed a bond of his own with him and he didn't take his passing away lightly either. But he also became my rock during those days. God, I have so much to be grateful for because I don't know what I'd do without him.

I turn to Ohana, "Hey, O?"

"Yeah?" She blinks up.

"Don't be mad at Brent. He has a good reason, I'm sure."

She looks confused, "Wait, did Odion tell Blake something? Do you know something? That little shit would tell everyone but me."

I laugh at her words, "Hey, that little shit is our brother. He wouldn't do anything to purposely hurt you."

"Sure." She rolls her eyes. "Has he told you about his recent crush?"

"His who?" I gape at her in surprise.

"Crush. Melinda. Bob hair cut." She explains and I frown, trying to place her in my head.

"His lab partner?"

"Yup. He asked her out." She grins proudly. "And she said yes."

"Are you telling me our shy Odion asked a girl out?" I shake my head at how ridiculous it sounds and she nods. "Way to go!"

"Brent and I gave him a huge pep talk before he approached her. Brent was all like, man, you just have to look her in the eye and pretend that you've got your shit together even if you're internally pissing your pants."

I bark out a loud laugh, "I'm sure he's speaking from experience."

"Well, he better not because I was the one who asked him out." She states it matter of factly.

"After he kissed you." I shoot back. "Trust me, he's speaking from experience."

She sighs, and her sigh itself sounds so sad that I want to ruin Brent's surprise. But it wouldn't be fair to her. I don't like seeing her sad especially because Ohana has such a bubbly personality, it's kind of unreal because the rest of us are annoyed assholes, except Odion. He's the tall, lanky, brainy and shy kid who would stay quiet for as long as someone doesn't speak to him directly. So, obviously I'm a little taken aback that he asked a girl out, but it also makes me happy.

Ohana keeps me occupied the entire afternoon to get my hair done and to relax me in any possible way. If I was a woman with any pre-wedding jitters, this day would've done wonders to my nerves. Except, I still found it relaxing even though I can't wait for tomorrow to come soon enough.

When we enter the house, I hear chatter from the living room and Ohana's the first one to literally run inside. I roll my eyes as I silently follow behind her only to find her staring at one particular person with wide eyes.

"Hey munchkin." He grins at her. She doesn't even respond to him, just continues to stare at him in shock. She opens her mouth to speak only to close it again and storms off from the room to the backyard. He gapes at her then turns to me, "Hey, Em."

"Better follow your girl out there, buddy." I snicker and he rubs the back of his neck and nods, going after her.

I roll my eyes at them, wondering if I was ever that dramatic in my relationship. But who am I kidding, Blake has actually tolerated much worse. Relationships are far from a smooth ride. The bumpy roads either drift you apart or make you hold onto each other tighter.

I think I would be forever grateful for the latter.

"You're glowing." Ella comments from the couch.

"Mm, I wonder why." I grin and she rolls her eyes.

"Can't believe you're going to be our daughter in-law." Connor pipes in, standing by the bar with Dad.

"Well, it must be easy, considering you've always treated me like your daughter." I shrug and they both smile at me. I turn to my bunch of friends after a beat. "Who do I need to thank for Blake's hangover?"

Caiden chortles, "That'd be me."

He has grown up so much over the years. I can't believe he's almost as tall as Blake now, and just as much buffed. He got into UCLA but after suffering from a hand injury during a match, he couldn't make a career out of football. I think he'll always be bummed about it but he has started working as an associate manager at Adler & McCall now, so he's doing pretty good for himself.

"Well, he better turn up sober tomorrow."

"He will. We're going to be good friends tonight and keep him away from booze." Nick chimes in, Myra nodding along.

They both got married almost five years back. It came as such a surprise because essentially, they eloped but we just never thought it would happen so quickly. But it was definitely less shocking than Celeste and Olivia adopting a kid together two years ago.

"Speaking of tomorrow, where's my flower boy?" I look between the two beautiful woman.

"Kevin's staying with Nick's Mom and Leila." Olivia informs me. "They volunteered to baby-sit."

"That's kind of them." I smile at Nick who shrugs.

"Leila just broke up with her stupid ass boyfriend, I think she can use a little distraction."

That makes sense. I've met Leila multiple times now and she's as beautiful as they come with bombass photography skills which is why we hired her for tomorrow. Blake treats her like a little sister so he suggested her and I immediately agreed.

It really isn't a big event tomorrow. Because my family tree is so never-ending, we already have so many guests from the closed ones coming in and we didn't want to make it a grand event. Just our family and friends we can call family.

When you're in that popular phase of adulting, you realise a lot of things, but mostly importantly you realise who your people are. After moving away from New York, it became tough to keep in loop with everyone with the distance but because my entire family is still there, I visited frequently. Which meant I met my friends frequently, and they made time for me too.

The only two friends I've had since I started working are Sam and Olivia, and they've stuck by my side even if I have FaceTimed them at five in the morning. Myra is someone I met unexpectedly, a friendship I didn't think would last, but it has, in such a beautiful way.

Myra and Nick shifted to San Francisco couple of years ago, for Nick to be closer to his family. Blake had his best friend not very far away, and it just deepened our bond because we could meet every month to catch up.

Blake lost contact with Sara and Audran over the years, but he never seems fazed about it. I asked him if he wanted to invite them to the wedding but he easily shook his head.

"What are you guys doing here, though?" I finally ask the bunch, a face or two missing. "Where's Sam, and Odion, and Mom?"

"Odion is upstairs comforting Mum. She's been a tad-bid moody." Caiden shrugs, earning a glare from Dad. "What? She's a mess that we're all growing up."

"As she has every right to be." Ella interjects, "We'll talk when you have kids, Cay."

He barks out a laugh, "That would be the day."

"Sam's with Blake. Someone had to baby-sit him," Celeste tells me and I smile a little.

"Which is code-word for Sam had a worse hangover than Blake." Myra states, matter-of-factly.

Sam is still single, ironically, because the man refuses to give anyone a chance. He got his heart broken once during his senior year in college and has developed trust issues to last an eternity. But he's been doing well for himself. He's the financial manager at Cox and Bell now.

"We came to meet the bride-to-be before the big day tomorrow." They continue, standing up to come to hug me. "We already drowned in booze with the groom."

"I heard." I return their embrace. "Have you heard from the editor?"

"Not yet, but I'm sure something will turn up." They smile.

Myra has ended up taking the last two years to write a novel that now she has pitched to a few publishing houses. Since they want to base it off locally first, SM publishing was not something they could opt for. Gram's company has been extended to Chicago and Florida but so far, that's about it. Nick is still completing his doctorate at the moment, and has been so kind and supportive towards them, it's hard not to admire their bond.

"We should head back, I guess. We've been here since couple of hours but you were out. I have to some last minute stuff to do." Olivia stands up, stretching out her arms and Celeste joins her.

Both of them give me a tight hug as the latter speaks up, "Can't wait to see you all dolled up tomorrow."

"Or your girlfriend in the bridesmaid dress." I point out and she laughs.

"That too."

"Yeah, I'm headed out as well. Best man duties." Nick looks back at Myra, "You coming, babe?"

"You want me to stay?" They look at me and I shake my head.

"No, go ahead. I'll see you tomorrow." I kiss their cheek when they approach me. "Don't be late tomorrow, both of you."

"Of course." Nick rolls his eyes and gives my hand a gentle squeeze before leaving with the rest of them.

Just as they leave, Brent and Olivia come back to the living room, holding their hands and flushed cheeks. Well, they couldn't have made it less obvious that they just made up and then made out.

"No, I still can't process that both my daughters have guys in their lives. I need something strong." Dad shakes his head, turning to pick up another bottle and Brent immediately leaves Ohana's hand.

It's been a year yet he's still adjusting around Dad's intimidating glares. I don't blame him, it took Blake a couple of years to not get uncomfortable whenever Dad teased him or pulled his leg.

"Count me in." Connor laughs.

"Me too." Caiden sighs. "Brent, you want a drink?"

"No, I think I'll head out actually."

"So, no one's staying for dinner?" I pout a little dramatically.

"Hey, you're the one who opted out of rehearsal dinner. Don't blame it on others now." Ohana shoots me a look.

"What's the need of a rehearsal dinner? Literally, all everyone's have to do is a walk a straight line. That's it. We're saving up the expense."

"She's got a point," Brent tells her.

"Okay, no. I'm sorry but whenever we get married, we're having a rehearsal dinner." Ohana glares at him.

"And that's not happening for another decade." Dad very cutely reminds her, narrowing his eyes at the two of them.

Before she can respond to him, Odion joins us, coming to kiss my cheek, "Hi."

"Hey, kid. How are you? I haven't seen you since you've come here." I complain, because he came back two days ago with Caiden unlike Ohana who's been here for more than a week now.

"Cay's been t-teaching me how to have fun." He looks back at our brother and all of us turn to him.

"Have you been making him drink?" Dad scowls at him and Caiden just wave it off. "God, I miss the days you hated alcohol."

"I was so missing out." He sips on the bourbon which I'm tempted to snatch away from him.

"Okay, well, this has been fun. I'm going to check up on Mom," I tell everyone, "And someone please call Brian or Steve. Why aren't they here yet?"

"Hon, they'll directly come to the wedding tomorrow. Steve got flight-sick apparently so they're resting at the hotel." Dad explains and I groan.

"If Steve doesn't get well, ask Brian to still drag his ass down here please." I give him a desperate look and he smiles amusedly.

I make my way upstairs to my favourite room in this house. There are four bedroom upstairs, one of them being a master bedroom, similar to the one downstairs which was Granpa's room. After much deliberation and not wanting to change much, Blake and I settled on turning the room downstairs into another guest bedroom.

We've kept the living room intact, not changing a thing about it and another thing we didn't touch at all is my mother's childhood bedroom adorned with all those photographs. Rest, we've turned the master bedroom upstairs into our bedroom and renovated the guest bedrooms as well.

We do own an apartment in Larkspur but since I will never sell this house, after a lot of mental debate, we have decided to move in here after the wedding.

I knock on the door before opening it only to find my mother staring at the wall of memories, as Blake likes to call it. She turns around to look at me, a slow smile taking over her face.

"Ohana finally let you out of her sight?" She asks and I laugh, nodding.

"Yeah. She still wouldn't let me see Blake though, says it's bad luck." I shrug, not believing in it at all but it's just one more night. I have the rest of my life to make up for it.

"Are you nervous?" She asks and I shake my head, taking a seat by her side on the bed.

"Nope. Is that weird?" I question, resting my head on her shoulder.

Her hand comes to rest on my cheek as she pats it a little, "It's subjective. Why do you think you're not nervous?"

"Because I'm so sure this is what I want. Like this was written somewhere in that book of fate that I was destined to get married to him." I try to put it into words of how natural all of this feels to me.

"That makes sense." I can tell she's smiling from her voice itself. "He's a good man."

"Yeah, he really is." I sigh, swallowing a little at where my mind goes.

"Thinking about satan?" She asks, reading my thoughts and I chuckle a little but don't respond to her. "It's okay, sweetheart."

A sudden wave of sadness hits me even though I promised myself that I wouldn't think about him. But sometimes I just can't help it.

"He still hasn't given up. Sends me a card every holiday, every birthday," I tell her, an information I've only ever shared with Blake.

"I want to say that surprises me but it doesn't. You're his only daughter." She sighs and I let out an exasperated breath, leaning away from her shoulder to dab on my eyes.

"Why couldn't he just be a normal father who could be on decent terms with Dad? That way at least he could've attended my wedding. But nope, Nathaniel Miller had to go all psychopath."

I try to hold back my tears but they spill nonetheless. After years of being at odds with him, I should've made my peace with things, forgiven him for what he did. A part of me knows that I have, I have forgiven him but I cannot let him know that. I cannot let him come into my life again. I have to keep him at an arm's distance.

"It's always comforting to know you didn't get the psychopath gene." Mom teases and I snort. "You know I would never hold you back."

She wouldn't, but I would hold myself back, always. Because I cannot trust him. I shake it off, the topic dampening my mood more than I thought was possible. I don't want to think about him for at least another month.

"Is it okay for you that Blake and I have decided to move in?" I implore, picking up on the thread from the bedsheet.

"Of course. Dad left you this house for a reason. I think the Rose legacy here should continue." She smiles, and I think she's absolutely right.

"It's so weird though." My voice is almost a whisper. "This is a huge ass house. We would've never been able to afford it ourselves."

"Consider it your wedding gift." She winks at me and I laugh, more grateful than I've ever felt before. "It seems like yesterday I was holding you in my arms."

"Oh, Mom. I'm just getting married, I'm still your daughter. Nothing's going to change." I hug her and she visibly swallows.

"Yeah, but the twins are going to move out too." She shrugs and I smile. "The house will be empty."

"I don't think that's possible. One of us will keep visiting." I remind her.

"Listen, I didn't want to bring this up until later but your Dad's company is extending a new branch altogether in Florida, so we've been thinking about moving."

My eyes widen from surprise, "For real?"

She shrugs, "We're considering. It makes sense. I can look over the florida branch of SM publishing like Marcel has been pestering me to and Aaron seems really excited about it."

"Dad has spent his entire life in New York, of course it excites him." I laugh at how unbelievable it sounds. "That would be amazing, Mom."

"Yeah, you think so?" She sounds a little surprised and I nod. "We're going to wait until the twins are off to college, of course."

"Of course." I agree. "But wow, oh god. I like the idea of you two being in a new place. I'll finally have more states to visit."

"Yes, you will." She chuckles, shaking her head.

"I think we should head downstairs and order some food. Pretty sure everyone's a little buzzed." I get up from the bed. "You alright?"

"Yeah." She follows my actions but pulls me back to give me a hug. "I'm so damn proud of you for how well you've established your life."

"Thanks, Mum." I kiss her cheek.

___

"Oh, gosh!" I peek from one eye to find Brian with a hand on his chest. "Why do you look so pale?"

"Because I still haven't d-done her entire make-up. Get out!" Odion scowls at him, and I snicker under my breath.

Did I mention? Odion loves doing make-up almost as much as Blake loves brownies. Which is a lot. When he first found Mom's contour make-up, he was fifteen and was immediately fascinated by it. He then asked Mom to demonstrate how it worked, and ever since then he started experimenting with products.

Sometimes on his own face, sometimes on Mom's face and most times, on Ohana's and mine. He even made Blake look more beautiful once, which I never thought was possible because he's already so gorgeous. But that's the magic of make-up.

Over the years he has learnt to form sentences slowly and not stutter at all but there's still a little bit of it evident at times. He doesn't struggle with it anymore, I think he has learnt to accept it as a part of himself.

I remember Caiden once asked him if he was gay because he was into make-up which earned him a lot of scolding and a pep talk from yours truly. Just because the guy likes make-up does not mean he's gay. In what world does that sound fair? Odion was offended as well, not because he was assumed to be gay, but because he never looked at this hobby something which is fixed to a certain gender.

"Well, you need to hurry up. I think Blake's gonna piss his pants." Brian mentions and I scowl.

"I'm sorry, but Blake's nervous?" I almost laugh at the idea because I can count on my fingers the amount of time I've witnessed that guy being nervous.

"He thinks you're going to realise you deserve better and run off." Steve adds, coming to stand behind his husband.

"Well, good to know he thinks that highly of me." I laugh and Odion shushes me up. "God, aren't you a demanding queen."

"I just want to make you look pretty." He dabs underneath my eyes. "It isn't m-much to ask for."

"You do look awfully pale." Steve points out.

They both came to the house at eight in the morning, working like an alarm clock because all of us were literally passed out. After having dinner last night, everyone went to their separate rooms. Ella and Connor, my parents, and my siblings were all staying at the house, including me. I didn't sleep in the master bedroom, instead Ohana and I had a sleepover.

"Odion, I don't want to look like a vampire on my wedding. Please put some colour in my cheeks." I smile at him politely and he rolls his eyes at me.

"I know what I'm doing, okay?"

I nod at him, turning to my favourite pair of uncles, "Are the oldies here yet?"

"Marcel and Shelly arrived a few years ago and they're getting ready right now." Steve informs me.

"Yeah, same for Mom and Dad. They're at the hotel." Brian nods along, talking about Pops and Mimi, my adoptive step-father's biological parents. The irony isn't lost upon me.

"What about Granddad and Grandmom?" I question, worried that they would cancel last minute.

I don't meet with them often, in fact I haven't seen them since a year now but I don't want them to miss my wedding. With Granpa not being here, I realise the value of life and time.

"Dad mentioned they'll be here." Odion assures me, their favourite kid and I nod.

"Grandpa Will?" I ask and Brian rolls his eyes.

"Everyone's going to be here, Emily. Calm down." He acts out how to take a deep breath and I do just that. "Are you nervous?"

I smile, shaking my head. "I'm so beyond excited."

"Atta girl." Steve grins.

Caiden and Ohana enter the room, both dressed up perfectly. Both my brothers are groomsmen because of how close of bond they share with Blake. The man I love is loved by my family and loves my family. I couldn't have asked for anything more perfect.

"Why aren't you dressed yet?" Ohana gapes at me. "Odion, hurry up."

"Oh, chill out. You know how these things go." Caiden gives her a sideway glance.

"No, I don't know. Enlighten me." She snaps at him.

"Okay, kids. No sibling drama today." I give them both a serious look.

Caiden and her sometimes argue more than he and I do, and that's saying something. We for love each other to death but we never miss an opportunity to snap at each other.

"Fine." Caiden grumbles.

Just as he responds, Leila steps into the room. We're in one of the guest bedrooms. Since it isn't a grand event and I wanted to keep it very personalised, I couldn't think of a better place than getting married in the backyard of our new home.

She looks taken aback by so many people in the room but turns to me regardless, "I'm supposed to take your solos, so spare me some time?"

She's wearing a beautiful peach dress and I don't miss the way my brother's practically ogling at her. I ignore him and smile at her.

"Of course. Did you already take Blake's?" I ask and she grins.

"Oh yeah. He makes a good model, very cooperative." I don't miss the sarcasm in her tone. "Please tell me you're better."

"She is." Caiden speaks up, surprising all of us. "I don't think we've met before. I'm Caiden, her brother."

Leila seems surprised but shakes his hand, "Leila. Nick's sister."

"Our Nick?" Caiden looks back at me.

"Our?" Leila laughs. "I didn't know you guys adopted him or something."

"Sorry." Caiden's cheek flush instantly. "I was just surprised that I'm on such good terms with him and have never met you."

"Well, shame." Leila clicks her tongue and turns to me. "Give me a call when you're done? I'll go shoot the backyard."

"I'll help you find your way." Caiden looks at her, almost too desperately and all of us just stare at the situation unfolding in front of us.

"Do I get a say in the matter?" She asks him and I hold back my laugh.

"I'm afraid not." He smirks at her before he leads her out of the room.

"Well..." Ohana drawls, looking between everyone. "That was something."

"I don't think we're going to see Caiden for the rest of the day." Steve laughs to himself.

"I think that ship will sail." Brian states and I try not to frown because Odion keeps telling me to keep a straight face.

"How do you know?"

"Gut." He shrugs, turning to me completely. "Anyway, we're going downstairs to make sure arrangements for the reception are done. See you after the ceremony, kiddo. Love you."

"Don't trip." Steve feels the need to mention.

"Thanks, now all I can think about is that." I glare at him, earning a laugh in return before they leave the room.

"I'm going to go find Brent," Ohana tells us before leaving as well.

A silence falls over after they leave. Odion's not much of a talker so I've taken years to fall my peace with the silence. He concentrates on doing my make up while I try to contain my excitement to see my man. I haven't seen Blake in two days now and I'm going absolutely crazy.

"How do you feel?" Odion's voice surprises me.

"Pretty good. You?"

"Like time's flying." He puts on mascara on my lashes. "I'm r-really happy for you."

"Thanks, Odion. I heard about your upcoming date, I'm happy about that too," I smile at him.

"Ohana can't hide anything from you, c-can she?" He laughs under his breath and I shake my head.

"Don't think it's possible."

And it's true. Ohana's still the same even years later that she cannot keep a lid on things. Even if she tries, it's so visible on her face that I just have to give her a nudge. The minute Brent kissed her, she texted me ten times to announce that her dream came true. It was at a party at one in the morning to which she had sneaked at from our parents.

Her texts woke both Blake and I up and then he called her only to tell her to go straight home and stay on the line with him. As if one over protective brother in form of Caiden wasn't enough, she also has to endure Blake.

Odion finishes doing my make up and even does my hair for me. I don't go over the top with anything. Minimal make-up with loose curls. The perfect Emily McCall look.

"You should get dressed." He informs me, packing up the stuff and I nod but move to hug him. "Aw, Millie. I love you too."

"I do love you," I tell him. "And I'm so proud of you. Thank you for doing this for me."

"Of course." He nods at me before leaving the room.

I change into the dress and turn to look at myself in the mirror. I might have gone minimalist on every other thing about this wedding, except my wedding gown. It has a wide-neck revealing a little bit of cleavage with the sleeves covering the sides of my shoulders. The material hugs my every curve till the waist and then it opens into an a-line dress. It has such beautiful, detailed laced designed on the upper half with the same lace following in patterns waist-down.

I call Leila and she immediately comes upstairs, probably grateful to be rescued from Caiden. She's takes a few shots in the room before we go on the roof which is also very beautifully decorated, courtesy to Ohana because she thinks the entire house should be flawless. People should be able to party anywhere.

"I had forgotten how beautiful that dress was."

I gasp, turning around to find Sam leaning against the roof door. He grins at me, his beard making him look at least five years older than he actually is.

"What are you doing here?"

"Everyone got to meet you yesterday. Wanted to catch you before the ceremony." He grins, entering the room. "Shit, you're looking so gorgeous. Have you always been this beautiful?"

"Yes." I laugh, shaking my head.

"Blake's a lucky dude."

I part my lips to respond but there's two another presences which distract us. I turn to see my parents. Dad's wearing a dark blue tux and Mom's wearing an very light blur coloured dress.

Their eyes fill up as soon as they land on me, Dad's arms going around Mom's shoulder as he gives it a light squeeze.

"Wasn't it just yesterday we were at Charlotte's wedding and you told me it would be a very long time before she'll walk down the aisle?" Mom asks him and he chuckles, shaking his head.

"She was just a flower girl."

"She can hear you." I smile at them before moving forward and hugging them both. "Please don't cry, because then I'll cry and it'll ruin my make-up even though it is very much water proof. Odion made sure of that."

"Oh, Em." Mom hugs me tighter.

"You look so beautiful, darling." Dad compliments me, parting away and I let out a very content sigh.

"Can you take the rest after the ceremony?" I turn to ask Leila and she nods.

"Of course. I'll see you later. You look really pretty, Em." She grins at me before leaving the roof.

"I'll be downstairs too. See you, Em." Sam gives my arm a nudge, following Leila's steps.

"Do you think it's time?" I ask my parents and Dad pulls out his phone.

"Millie! I've been searching everywhere for you. Do you want to get married or not?" Ohana's heavy pants hint me. "All three of you, downstairs, now!"

I walk up to her, give her a tight hug before following her instructions. I look at all the wedding attendants — Myra and Caiden, Olivia and Odion and then the Nick and Ohana and the beautiful kiddo Kevin. I'm kissing his cheek, making him giggle when my brother speaks up.

"Just a heads up, Millie. Your husband's up to some funny business. Don't fall for it." Caiden warns me before all of them scurry off.

I turn to my parents with wide eyes, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It's Cay, it isn't supposed to mean anything." Dad assures me.

If Blake pulls off some shit, I will cut off his balls. But he wouldn't, because he knows I will cut off his balls. This day is too precious for us, both of us. He has spent just as many days to figure out the seating arrangements as I have.

I'm lost in my thoughts when I hear the song play. I turn to my Mom nervously and she offers me her arm, Dad doing the same. I take a deep breath before nodding to myself and entangling my arms with theirs. I couldn't have asked just one of them to walk me down the aisle — that would've been unfair as hell so I asked both of them.

"Let's do this." Mom looks at Dad and they both nod at each other. It makes me wonder if this is my big moment, or theirs.

My breath hitches when we step out in the backyard because that's when I see him. My whole world falls into place when I realise how intently he's staring at me, how much my body is yearning to be next to his because I haven't seen him in two days and this moment, this moment is more perfect than I could've imagined.

I don't think people would appreciate me running down the aisle so I can skip all the parts and just kiss him. So, I walk slowly, taking in every inch of him. As we grow closer, it feels so natural that my body is taking one step after another. But then I see it, his face and the love shining all over it.

When I reach him, Mom kisses my forehead and Dad gives me a tight hug. I return their gestures with affection, my heart feeling overwhelmed to see the emotional expressions they are wearing. But then I turn to him and I feel so many emotions of my own, all at once.

He extends his hand forward and I take it, his skin warm and so beautifully familiar against mine. I pass the bouquet I was holding to Ohana, but my entire attention is on Blake. He's in a black tuxedo, gorgeous enough for me to rip him away any prying eyes.

"You look breath-taking." He whispers, his orbs still taking me in just like I'm doing the same. His words make me blush, my insides elated at his compliment.

"You shaved."

I almost feel embarrassed as soon as I say that but it was a whisper, so I'm sure no one heard me. I haven't even looked at anyone. How can I? The most beautiful view is in front of me.

Blake is in this new phase where he likes to grow stubble but I'm so in love with his entire face that I continue to bug him to keep it clean-shaven. I told him I wanted him to do it for the big day but he told me he wouldn't, that this day is as much about him as it about him.

He chuckles under his breath, shaking his head, "That's the first thing you have to say to me?"

"Yeah. You shaved." I whisper, still feeling a little out of breath because of how much unrealistic getting married feels like. My heart's beating too loud in my chest and I wonder if he feels the same way.

"Of course, I did. It's one thing you asked of me for this day." He grins at me and I try not to swoon in front of our families at that dimple on his cheek.

"Well, kids, shall we start?" Grandpa Will asks, catching my attention for the first time.

Blake wanted his grandfather to perform our ceremony and who was I to object to that? We signed him up online so he could do this today. I smile at him, nodding as Blake does the same, giving my hands a gentle squeeze.

"Thank you all for joining us today for this special occasion where two hearts unite for the rest of their lives." Grandpa Will acknowledges the guests but I'm too lost, my attention on Blake's thumb on my knuckles.

I feel like he's touching me for the first time, like every cell in my body is ignited from a slight graze. His eyes are equally fixed on me, his lips slightly parted and eyes dark.

"Would you both like to recite your own vows?" Grandpa asks.

"I'll go first." Blake clears his throat, his voice loud enough that everyone can hear him. He turns to me, looking slightly flushed when he tightens his grip on my hand. "I wish I could start this with the incident of how we met and I immediately knew that you were the one. But I can't, because I met you the day I was born and my brain wasn't developed enough to process emotions. If this were a fantasy, maybe I would've known the moment you touched me as a kid that I was destined to be with you but we both didn't.

"Instead, we grew up together and I slowly discovered how stunning you are. It was years later it hit me that your beauty ran deep and I fell in love with you the moment we kissed for the first time. That's when I knew that there was no one else in this universe who could make me feel the way you do.

"You're funny, smart, so easy to tease, so so gorgeous and my partner in all the silly things I continue to do. In last twenty eight years of my existence, I've spent five years admiring you from a distance, and almost eight years being so madly in love with you. So, in a way, my life has pretty much been dedicated to you, Emma. I promise to spend the rest of my life cherishing you, being with you and loving you until you're annoyed because we're just adorable like that."

I smile through my tears that burn my eyes. I tried so hard to hold back but I couldn't, not when my heart feels like it would explode from all the emotions rushing through me right now. I feel happy, so incredibly happy that I understand where does the phrase being on cloud nine comes from.

"Blake," I start, his hand coming forward to wipe away the spilled tears. I suck in a deep breath before continuing, "I've spent good part of my life thinking that love was a vague notion, that it was something that wasn't meant for me. Until you came along with your annoying grin, charming personality and gorgeous face. But what made me fall in love with you was your beautiful heart. No matter what I did or how hard I pushed, you refused to give up on me. Your heart is so kind that you always see the best in people, and by god's grace, you saw something in me to stick by.

"I would eternally be grateful for how annoying you are, because as much as you enjoy to tease me, it's what made me realise how much I love you. You do annoy me but what annoys me more is when you don't do it. You've taught how to love, how to be loved and how to embrace every emotion that comes along the way. I've never felt more grateful for another person as I do for you. You're my voice of sanity on the darkest of days and fantasy or not, our destined fate together was inevitable."

Blake Glazier has tears in his eyes from love. I swallow at the sight, giving his hand a tight squeeze as he smiles at me with so much love it almost knock me off. He brings up my hand to kiss and I know he's just as desperate to kiss me as I am.

My heart feels full, the most content I've ever felt in my entire life. Grandpa Will speaks up again, turning to Blake and winking at him, "Do you Blake, take thee Emily as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I take thee Rachel—"

Oh no. He didn't. There are multiple confused stares and some gasps between the guests. But my hand flies to my mouth to control that immediate laughter that bursts through me. I stare at his face and it's pulled into an amused grin.

"Seriously?" I continue to laugh and he actually ends up laughing himself.

"It was just there. Do you know how long I've been planning to do this?" He looks so incredibly proud of himself. This is what Caiden must be talking about.

I can't believe we both had emotional tears in our eyes and now we are laughing like idiots. This is what the reality of our relationship is. There's truly never a dull moment between us because we're both basically clowns who are stuck with each other.

The amount of times Blake and I have watched that friends episode and discussed it is uncountable. It makes sense why he would want to pull this off. Our guests look a little confused but our parents look beyond amused, obviously understanding the joke. My mom's the one who introduced me to the show.

"For those of you didn't understand, it was a healthy prank." Grandpa announces, chuckling himself before starting over again. Blake and I take our rings from Nick and Ohana. "Do you Blake, take Emily as your lawfully wedded wife?"

"I do." His smile is contagious when he slides the ring on my finger. I can practically hear my heart beat loudly in my ears.

"Do you Emily, take Blake to be your lawfully wedded husband?"

"I do." I slide the wedding band on his finger, sealing a promise of forever.

"I now pronounce you both husband and wife. Well, you may—"

He doesn't even wait for him to complete before smashing his lips against mine. I gasp against his mouth, my arms going around his neck as I kiss him with all my might. My heart, soul and body feels thrilled as we embrace each other. My husband.

Reluctantly, aware of others clapping around us and a few whistles, we part away, almost breathless. He presses a peck again only to part away and taking my hand in his.

We walk away from the altar, holding everyone's hand and I look at so many familiar faces, some I haven't seen from a year. Blake leads the way to the reception area but pulls me away from everyone for a few seconds.

He leans down to brush his lips against mine, "I want to be alone with you so badly. Can we ditch this entire thing?"

"I think our Moms will kill us if we do." I tell him honestly and he groans.

"You look so fucking beautiful." His eyes roam down my body, and I do the same with him. "Can't wait for it to come off."

I blush at his comment, "Right back at you, Mr. Tuxedo. You look so gorgeously handsome."

"Why, thank you, Emma. It was insurance policy so that you don't run away." He smirks and I roll my eyes, leaning up to kiss him.

"I think you've got plenty of time to do that." I hear a familiar voice, making me pull away and I turn around to find Derek with a cocky smile on his face. "What does a man have to do meet his niece around here?"

I immediately rush to hug him, "You made it."

"Of course, we did." Fate speaks from behind him and I squeal, pulling her in a hug too. "Congratulations, Em."

"Yes, congrats kid. Both of you."

I see as Derek shakes Blake's hand and shares a smile and a nod with Fate before speaking up, "Where's Ted?"

"Oh, he couldn't make it. Stuck at college and all." Fate rolls her eyes.

"I'm sorry, but Ted missed my wedding?" I gasp dramatically. "I'm so holding this against him."

"As you should." Derek clicks his tongue. "Oh, have you guys decided to move in here?"

"Yeah. After a lot of thought, it felt like the best thing." Blake nods along with me.

"I think that's great way to honour David." Fate gives my arm a gentle squeeze and I smile at her, agreeing.

About the same time, Granddad and Grandmom join us. I let out a happy squeal, "I almost thought you guys would miss it."

"Never, Emily." Granddad pats my head affectionately and Grandmom takes my hand in hers.

"Look how beautiful you look."

"Aw, so do you." I kiss her cheek, noticing that Blake's gotten busy talking to Granddad about work. "Nooo. Please, this is one day we don't discuss that."

"Fine, fine." Blake rolls his eyes, pulling me by his side. "Whatever you say."

"I see it's a family reunion." Gramps says, approaching us all.

He walks with a slight limp now with the old age and the pain in his knees. Gram pulls me into a hug, "I can't believe how grown up you are."

"Right? I feel like yesterday Aaron and Diana were getting married, and now it's you two. You all kids need to stop growing up," Gramps grumbles and I let out a laugh.

"Look at those two." Granddad gestures towards Brent and Ohana. "In no time she'll be walking the aisle too."

"Like Aaron very subtly reminds her, it won't be for another decade." Blake speaks up, his arm around my waist and another hand in his pocket.

I can't wait to be alone with him. We spend some time talking to everyone, one after another people moving around us. It feels weird to have an entire day to honour your relationship this way, but it's also such a beautiful feeling that courses through me.

Soon, my parents are joining us when it's just the two of us. We even met Aunt Amelia who brought a date, which was way too surprising for all of us because ever since her divorce, she swore off men.

"Congrats, you two." Dad smiles at us, patting Blake on the back.

"Thanks, Dad." I beam at him, my mother looks like epitome of joy right now. "Have you been slipping her champagne?"

"Ouch. That's offensive." Mom mockingly glares at me. "I'm just really happy for you, sweetheart."

"Us too."

I turn around to find Connor and Ella grinning at us. They come to stand with my parents, all of them wearing matching smiles. Ella has a glass of champagne in her hand that she sips on.

"Okay, who forgot that Mom's an emotional drunk?" Blake laughs, leaning forward to take it away from but she snatches it back.

"Hey, it's not everyday your only kid gets married. We deserve to have some booze." Ella scolds him and he shakes his head at her.

"I second that." Connor smiles, picking up glasses of his own from a waiter passing by.

He passes one to everyone, even Blake and I. Blake sips on the drink and I lean my head against his shoulder, feeling so delighted with the prospect of us finally being married.

"Who all are giving a toast?" Mom asks.

"Ideally it should've been just Nick and Ohana but Caiden and Odion took offence." Blake shrugs, "So, they are both taking the public opportunity to embarrass us."

"Oh, god. I'm going to be mortified if Caiden tries to spill all our childhood secrets." I stare at him in horror and he laughs, kissing my forehead.

"It wouldn't be so bad. Relax."

After our parents leave to meet others and it's just the two of us, Blake takes the still full glass of champagne from my hand and keeps it aside, doing the same for his. He entangles our fingers only to lead us to the backyard entrance of the house.

I don't object to it even for a second because I just wish to be alone with him now. I have waited for two days to see him and I just wish for it to be the two of us.

"You two slipping away already?" Pops's voice stops us and I turn around with flushed cheeks.

"I was wondering when you two will find us." Blake rolls his eyes, stepping forward to hug Mimi.

"We wanted to give you some space to breathe." She moves to hug me and I return her embrace.

"It was a beautiful ceremony," Pops tells us and I hug him. "Aww, kid. I've missed you too. You both need to visit us more."

"We will. I have to make a family holiday plan so we can spend some time with everyone every year," I say, dead serious and both of them arch a confirming brow at Blake.

"She's onto it." Blake chuckles.

"Okay, off you go. We just wanted to congratulate you. Carry on with your escape plan." Mimi smiles at us and I give her a grateful look.

"Thank you." I give them both a flying kiss.

Blake tightens his hold to drag me inside the house, and once we're inside, away from the reception, he lets out a huge breath. He makes his way to the kitchen and I follow behind him silently.

"Okay, no one warned me that it will be so much of everything." He loosens his tie a little and I laugh, stepping closer to him.

Since I'm wearing heels, it helps slightly with our heights and I pull him down to kiss me, "Hi, Mr. Glazier."

"Hi, Ms. McCall." He grins against my lips before capturing them with his and kissing me like it's the first time.

I was never going to change my name, ever. It's still Emily Vivianna Rose McCall. Huge-ass name, but it's going to be just that. As much as I'd like to crumble under the pressure of society to wear Mrs. and conform to the norms, it's not just me. The world is going to know Blake just like he was before the marriage, no change of name so I don't understand why do I have to bring that change in mine.

After he proposed to us and we decided on getting married here, I told him, "You know I'm not going to take your name, right?"

"I wouldn't let you even if you wanted it." He responded that with an eye roll. Every step of the way Blake has proven to me how right we are for each other. Even if we defy against the rules, we do it together.

His lips feel familiar against mine, like I've walked into a house that was always supposed to be my home. That's how I feel around him, in his presence. Breathlessly, we part away and my skin feels like it's on fire because of how much I've craved him.

"I got you something." He whispers, caressing my cheek with his thumb.

"What?" I look at him with surprise. "Why?"

"Consider it a wedding gift. I told Caiden to keep it here." He moves away from me, opening one of the cabinets and I stare at him with curiosity.

"You asked my brother to store a gift in the kitchen?" I laugh at how ridiculous that sounds.

"Yup." He winks at me before presenting me a perfectly wrapped gift and I narrow my eyes at him with curiosity. "Go on, open it."

I keep it on the counter and carefully unwrap it. It seems like a wooden slab before I turn it around and look at the engraved words. My fingers move around it and I blink up at him with teary eyes.

"It's for the the house." He states nervously.

McCall's

That's what it says. We already have a plate outside which reads Rose's and this is a perfect addition to it. I keep it down and close the distance between us, wrapping my arms around him tightly.

"Thank you, thank you," I breathe, trying not to cry because today has been such an overwhelming day as it is and I know it's going to turn even more emotional in a few seconds. "It's incomplete, though."

"What, why?" He tries to pick it up but I hold his wrist.

"We need one that says Glazier's as well," I tell him and he seems surprised.

"Baby, no, this is your Grandpa's house."

"No. This is our home now, Blake." I admit those words out aloud for the first time along with the next ones. "We're going to raise a kid here, start a family, both of us. Not just me. It's as much yours as it's mine."

He breathes out with astonishment clear on his face, "What did I do to deserve you?"

"Fell in love with me, duh." I kiss him and he does the same until his hand comes on my shoulder. He abruptly creates some distance between us, like he's processing something serious.

"Did you just say we're going to raise a kid?" His frown is so deep that it almost makes me nervous as I bite down on my bottom lip. His eyes widen when he studies my face. "You mean in future?"

"Or now." My voice is barely a whisper.

"Emma!" He exclaims in surprise. "Oh my god, are you—?"

I nod feebly, "Pregnant? Yeah."

"Oh my god." His eyes are so wide I'm afraid they're going to bulge out. He moves hand on my belly, pressing his palm on my belly. "Oh my god."

"Please say something else." I beg, wanting to know how he feels.

"Am I going to be a Dad? Oh my god. I'm going to be a Dad, we're having a baby. I'm going to have a baby with you, with you, Emma." His gaze is fixed on my belly but then he slowly looks up, his face splitting into a huge grin. "That little shit is going to be so beautiful."

I let out a breathy laugh, both relieved and beyond amused, "First rule of being a Dad, don't call your kid little shit."

"Yes, I will. I will call him or her or them, or whatever, whatever I want. That's the first rule." His dimples are so prominent right now that I can't hold myself back from leaning forward to kiss his cheek. "Why didn't you tell me? How long have you known? Oh fuck, does anyone else know?"

I shake my head, "I found out couple of days ago and I didn't want to freak you out or anyone else. I wanted you to be the first one to know."

We have discussed having kids in the past and Blake has always been elated at the idea but I didn't know what his reaction would be when it actually happens. I missed my period almost two weeks ago so I had to take a test and when three of those came positive, I just knew.

"Aaron's going to kill me." He lets out a low chuckle and I join him.

"You're worried about that?"

"A little bit." He shakes his head, his eyes still a little wide. "We're going to be parents."

"Yes, we are." I cup his cheeks, our eyes fixed on each other's. "I love you sooo much. It's almost unbelievable."

"That's what's unbelievable?" He brushes my hair aside, "I'm in love with the woman of my dreams, we just got married and now we're going to have a baby."

"I think we should get some applesauce ready." I grin teasingly and his head falls back a little as he laughs loudly.

"I think we should." He kisses me and just like that, my heart feels complete.

•••

i can't believe i've finished writing two long ass stories in past six months, lol. but i'm so happy with all of my characters and this book. i hope you enjoyed it because i had a lot of fun writing it. thank you for reading, for sticking by. don't forget to vote and comment. <3

until next story ;)

jk. i'm going on a creative break now (at least that's the plan). i'm working on something but wouldn't be posting it for a while at least. lots of love to everyone who's reading this. have a good dayyy!