11. Epilogue: Jake

FOUR YEARS LATER

I lean back on the couch, surveying the colorful chaos that's taken over our living room. Toys are strewn everywhere, a testament to the whirlwind that is our three-year-old daughter, Suzie. She's currently engaged in an intense conversation with her toy horse, her tiny brows furrowed in concentration.

"You need to gallop faster!" Suzie commands, her voice surprisingly authoritative for someone barely out of diapers.

I chuckle and catch Leta's eye. She shakes her head, a bemused smile on her lips.

"I think we've got a little CEO in the making," Leta murmurs softly to me. "She's already bossing around her toys like a pro."

"Wonder where she gets that from," I muse.

Leta swats my arm playfully. "Oh, please. We both know she's got your commanding presence."

"Think the next one will be just as bossy?" I ask, nodding at Leta's full, round belly.

My wife's expression softens as she rubs her belly. "Nah. Something tells me this little guy is going to be much more chill."

I watch as Suzie redirects her attention to a pile of blocks, immediately starting to arrange them in a specific order only she understands. It's fascinating to see how her little mind works. She's always busy, always in charge.

"Daddy!" Suzie demands. "Help me build a castle!"

If someone had told me a few years ago that I'd be sitting here, surrounded by stuffed animals and building blocks, taking orders from a three-year-old, I would have scoffed.

But now? I can't imagine my life any other way.

I glance at Leta, who gives me an amused you're up look. With a mock groan that makes Suzie giggle, I slide off the couch and onto the floor.

"As you command, Princess Suzie," I say, bowing my head dramatically.

I settle onto the floor, helping my little girl stack blocks into a castle. Her tiny hands fumble with the larger pieces, but she's determined to accomplish what she set out to do.

"Like this, Daddy," she says, balancing a rectangular block precariously on top.

"Perfect, sweetheart," I say, steadying it before it topples.

Suzie grabs her toy horse. She gallops it around the castle, making neighing sounds.

"I want to see a real horse!" she suddenly exclaims.

An idea strikes me. I glance over at my wife. "You know, we could visit Cousin Logan in Montana. He's got horses."

Leta smiles. "That would be fun. Is it still just him out there all by himself?"

"He's still single, as far as I know," I say. "I don't know if he'll ever get over the fact that he used to date someone who went on to be a pop princess."

Leta shakes her head sympathetically. "I can't even imagine. That must be so strange. Well, if he's up for it, it would be great to visit him."

I mentally scan through my work schedule, trying to pinpoint a good window for a trip to Montana. My work schedule isn't as jam-packed as it used to be—gone are the eighty-hour work weeks and constant client dinners. Family time is sacred, and I make sure to carve out substantial chunks of my week for Leta, Suzie, and our life together.

"What about the last week of next month?" I suggest, looking at Leta. "The merger should be wrapped up by then, and I can delegate the follow-up to Diego."

Leta nods, her hand still resting on her belly. "That works for me. I'm sure Sarah can easily cover my days that week at the tutoring center."

It still amazes me how seamlessly Leta transitioned into motherhood. She's scaled back her hours at the tutoring center, focusing more on being a mom while still being involved in the non-profit that she's so passionate about. I do everything I can to support her, including working from home to watch Suzie when Leta is at work.

"Great, I'll give Logan a call and see if that timing works for him," I say.

My daughter tugs on my sleeve, demanding my attention again.

It's amazing to me now that I was so convinced I wouldn't be any good at this, that I'd somehow mess up this tiny human entrusted to my care. But here I am, completely enamored with this little girl.

I catch Leta's eye over Suzie's head, and the love I see there makes my heart swell. This, right here, is true happiness. Not closing million-dollar deals or seeing my face on the cover of a magazine, but these simple, precious moments with my family.

"Yes, sweetie?" I ask Suzie.

"Listen to this ," my daughter declares, then launches into an impromptu performance, using her toy horse as a microphone. Her voice, high-pitched and off-key, fills the room as she belts out a song of her own creation.

I burst into laughter, the sheer adorableness of the moment overwhelming me. Leta joins in, her melodious laughter mixing with mine and Suzie's enthusiastic singing.

Our daughter, encouraged by our reaction, only sings louder. She prances around the living room, still clutching her horse-microphone, adding dramatic arm movements to her performance.

"I'm going to see a real horse! A big, big horse! With a fluffy tail and big teeth!" she sings, spinning in circles.

Leta and I exchange glances, our eyes tearing up from laughter. Without a word, we both join in, adding our own off-key harmonies to Suzie's song.

As our impromptu concert reaches its crescendo, I pull my wife close, wrapping an arm around her gorgeous curves. Suzie rushes over to join in, wedging herself between us and wrapping her little arms around our legs.

In this moment, surrounded by the warmth of my family, I feel a surge of love so strong it nearly takes my breath away.

Leta leans in, her lips close to my ear.

"As bossy as our kiddo is," she whispers, her voice filled with endless love, "I wouldn't want it any other way."