EPILOGUE NATHAN

A breeze carries the scent of blooming flowers and freshly cut grass, mingling with the distant laughter of children on the playground.

We spread our picnic blanket, a patchwork quilt handed down from Amelia’s grandmother, beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak tree.

Dylan races across the open field, his dark curls bouncing with each step. A kite trails behind him in a vibrant streak of red and blue. Amelia watches, her eyes sparkling with joy, a soft smile playing on her lips.

“He’s going to sleep well tonight,” she remarks, sprawling out beside me on the blanket.

“Yeah, he will.” I reach for her hand, marveling at how perfectly it fits in mine. Her skin, warm and soft, contrasts against my rough, calloused palm.

She shifts, her gaze locking on mine, curiosity lacing her voice. “You’ve been distracted all afternoon. What’s on your mind?”

My heart pounds. I’ve been planning this moment for weeks, and the time has come. “Amelia, I—”

“Daddy! Mommy! Look how high it’s going!” Dylan’s eager shout interrupts me. His face beams as he points to the kite soaring above.

“That’s amazing, buddy! You’re a natural!”

Amelia squeezes my hand, an apology in her eyes. I shake my head, smiling. This is our life now—beautiful, chaotic, and filled with moments of joy.

“Why don’t you bring it in, sweetheart?” she calls out. “It’s time to eat.”

Dylan nods, his little tongue poking out as he concentrates on reeling in the kite. I take a deep breath, knowing this might be my only chance before he comes barreling back to us.

“Amelia.” I slip my hand into my pocket and pull out a small velvet box. Her eyes widen as realization dawns.

“Nathan, what are you—”

I flip open the box, revealing the ring I’d chosen for her so long ago before everything fell apart. The diamond catches the sunlight, casting tiny rainbows across her face.

“I’ve loved you since the first time I saw you, stumbling into that business class with an armful of books and the most beautiful smile I’d ever seen. These past few months—watching you with Dylan, seeing the family we’ve built—it’s more than I ever imagined.”

Her eyes well, and tears spill. I reach up to brush them away, my thumb grazing her soft skin.

“I know we’ve been through hell and back. But I swear, Amelia, I’ll spend every day of my life making up for lost time. Will you marry me?”

For a heartbeat, everything is still. Then, with a choked sob, she nods. “Yes. God, yes.”

I slip the ring onto her finger, and she wraps her arms around my neck, our lips meeting in a kiss that tastes of happiness and promises.

“Eww!” Dylan’s voice brings us back, laughing as we break apart to find him standing next to us, his nose scrunched up in childish disgust.

Amelia hugs him. “Guess what, baby? Daddy and I are getting married.”

His brow furrows, his little voice confused. “But…I don’t understand?”

I ruffle his hair and grin. “It means we’re going to have a big party to celebrate how much we love each other. And you get to wear a fancy suit.”

His face lights up at the mention of a party, and all thoughts of Eww! kisses disappear. As he bombards us with questions about cake and balloons, I glance at Amelia. She’s never looked happier.

***

The backyard of my parents’ estate is a vision of elegance. Twinkling lights strung between oak trees reflect off the koi pond while white chairs are arranged in neat rows facing an arch covered in delicate roses and ivy. I stand beneath it and tug at my collar.

Dad places a hand on my shoulder, his voice full of reassurance. “Relax, son. She’ll be here.”

I nod and take a deep breath as the music starts. The small gathering of friends and family turns toward the aisle. My heart stutters when I see her. Amelia stands at the end, holding Dylan’s hand. She’s radiant in her cream-colored gown, her hair swept up in a soft chignon. Her eyes, filled with love, shine like beacons.

Dylan tugs at his tiny tuxedo, his face scrunched in discomfort. His loud whisper draws a ripple of laughter from the guests. “Mommy, it’s itchy!”

Amelia stoops and smooths his unruly curls. “Just a little longer, baby. Then you can change, okay?”

He squares his shoulders and takes his responsibility seriously, matching her pace as they walk toward me.

When they reach the arch, I kneel and whisper, “You did a super job, buddy. Why don’t you go sit with Grandma and Grandpa now?”

Dylan gives Amelia’s leg a quick hug before scampering to the front row. I stand and take her trembling hands and give them a gentle squeeze.

I lean in, my voice soft against her ear. “If you take off this time, I’ll come after you.”

She laughs, and her eyes sparkle. “I’m not running anywhere.”

We turn to face the officiant, but all I can focus on is her—Amelia, the love of my life, the woman I never want to lose again.

Before I know it, we’re exchanging rings, simple gold bands that feel like promises made tangible. And then those magical words: “You may kiss the bride.”

***

The reception is a joyous celebration. Tables laden with food are scattered across the lawn and laughter and music fill the air. Dylan, now in comfortable clothes, bounces between guests, intent on sampling every cupcake from the tower in the center.

Amelia and I find a moment and sit beneath the twinkling lights as the sun sets. She leans into me, her head resting on my shoulder, and I hold her close, savoring the peace.

“I have a surprise for you,” she murmurs and presses a small gold-wrapped box into my hand.

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. “What’s this?”

“Open it and see.”

Inside, nestled in tissue paper, is a delicate silver rattle. For a moment, I just stare, confused. Then it hits me, and my gaze snaps to her face.

“Are you…?”

She nods, her smile trembling. “I’m pregnant.”

A wave of joy rushes over me, and I pull her into my arms, spinning her around in pure delight. Her laughter rings out, catching the attention of everyone around us.

“We’re having a baby!” I announce, my excitement contagious as our friends and family cheer.

Dylan runs over, his face smeared with frosting. “What’s happening?”

Amelia crouches down and pulls him close. “You’re going to be a big brother, sweetheart.”

His eyes grow wide. “There’s a baby in your tummy?”

Amelia nods, her smile radiant. “That’s right.”

“Can we name it Optimus Prime?”

Laughter ripples through the crowd and I kiss Dylan’s head, my heart overflowing with love for this incredible life we’ve built.

As the stars twinkle overhead, I look around—my beautiful wife, our son, so full of wonder. This is everything I ever dreamed of—and more.