Page 47 of Nolan

"This is for you, Annabelle," he says. "Because there's something I need to ask you."

Before I can process his words, Ashlynn slides off her chair, practically vibrating with excitement.

"Will you be my mommy?" she blurts out, her eyes wide and hopeful.

My gaze snaps to Nolan, who is now kneeling on the floor beside his daughter, a small velvet box in his hand. When he opens it, a diamond ring catches the candlelight, sending prisms dancing across the walls.

"Annabelle," he begins, his voice thick with emotion, "this past year has been the best of my life. What started in that kitchen that night, it was real. It's always been real for me. I was just afraid to admit how much I needed you, how much we both need you."

Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision.

"You're not just the woman who takes care of my daughter. You're the woman who filled our home with laughter again, who taught me it was okay to open my heart. I love you, Annabelle. We love you. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife and Ashlynn's mom?"

The tears spill over now, tracking warm paths down my cheeks. This moment, this beautiful, perfect moment ,is everything I've dreamed of and more.

"Yes," I whisper, then louder, "Yes."

Nolan slides the ring onto my finger, then stands, pulling me into his arms. His kiss is nothing like that hesitant one a year ago. This one is sure, passionate, full of promise. Ashlynn wraps her arms around our legs, squealing with delight.

When we break apart, both breathless, I look down at the little girl who will soon be my daughter in every way that matters.

"I would be honored to be your mommy," I tell her, kneeling down to her level.

She throws her arms around my neck, and over her shoulder, I meet Nolan's gaze. The love I see there makes my heart feel too big for my chest.

"I love you," I mouth to him.

"I love you more," he mouths back.

And in this moment, surrounded by the two people who have become my world, I know that sometimes the most beautiful beginnings come from the most uncertain starts. Sometimes all it takes is time, patience, and the courage to say yes when love finally asks the question.

EPILOGUE TWO

Colt

"Dad, where are my cleats?" Jake hollers from his bedroom. His voice cracks mid-sentence, a reminder that my baby boy is growing up faster than I'm ready for.

"Check under your bed." I shout back, knowing full well he won't find them there. I spotted them in the hallway last night and tucked them into the shoe rack by the front door. "Actually, I put them away. Front door."

The frantic sounds of Jake's rummaging stop. At eleven years old, my son is the spitting image of me, dark hair, perpetually untamed, and the same brooding eyes my mother always said could get me out of trouble as quickly as they got me into it.

I check the time on my phone and sigh. Sarah will be here in twenty minutes to pick him up, and my apartment feels emptier already. Two weekends a month and Wednesday evenings just isn't enough. Even when we're bickering about homework or his obsession with video games, I'd rather have him here than anywhere else.

My phone buzzes with a text from Nolan.

N: Did you text her yet?

I roll my eyes. He's been hounding me about texting the real estate agent, but I've been nervous.

Three dots appear.

N: You're being a pussy. Text her. She's a great real estate agent and you need a real house if you're going to convince the court to give you more custody.

I hate when he's right. My apartment is fine for the current arrangement, but if I want more time with Jake, which I desperately do,I need more space. A room that's actually his, not a pullout sofa in what passes for my home office.

C: Fine. I'll text her. Now leave me alone.

Jake appears in the living room, backpack slung over one shoulder. "Dad, can I have ten bucks for lunch?"

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