Page 45 of Nolan

"I've been thinking," I say finally, breaking the comfortable silence. "About us. About the future."

She turns slightly to look at me. "That sounds serious."

"It is." I take a deep breath. "I know things are moving fast between us. On paper, anyway. But the truth is, this has been years in the making, hasn't it?"

Her smile is soft in the twilight. "Apparently everyone but us could see it."

"I saw it," I admit. "I just didn't think I was allowed to want it. To want you."

She takes my hand, tracing the lines of my palm with her fingertip. "And now?"

"Now I know better." I bring her hand to my lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles. "I know that what we have is real and rare and worth fighting for. I know that Ashlynn adores you, and that you've loved her like your own from the beginning."

Annabelle's eyes glisten in the porch light. "I have. I couldn't help it."

"I know that I want to build a life with you, not as Ashlynn's nanny, but as my partner. In every way." My heart pounds sohard I wonder if she can hear it. "It's too soon to talk about forever, I know that. But I need you to know that's where I'm heading. Where I hope we're both heading."

A tear slips down her cheek, but she's smiling. "I thought I was the only one thinking that far ahead."

Relief floods through me. I pull her closer, brushing the tear away with my thumb. "So we're on the same page?"

"We're reading the same book," she confirms, leaning in until her lips are a breath away from mine. "And I can't wait to find out how our story unfolds."

I close the distance between us, pouring everything I can't yet say into the kiss. The night wraps around us like a promise, the distant sounds of crickets and rustling leaves providing the soundtrack to this moment, this beginning.

When we finally pull apart, I rest my forehead against hers. "Stay with me tonight?"

Her answer is a whispered "Always" against my lips, and I know with absolute certainty that whatever challenges lie ahead, we'll face them together, me, Annabelle, and Ashlynn. A family forged not by obligation or circumstance, but by choice. By love.

And for now, that's more than enough.

EPILOGUE ONE

Annabelle

It's been a year since that night in the kitchen, the night when everything changed and nothing changed all at once. Ashlynn twirls around the living room in her princess dress, her laughter like wind chimes on a summer breeze, while I fold laundry on the couch. The routine is familiar, comforting even, but something is different today. There's a subtle shift in the air, an anticipation I can't quite place.

"Anna." Ashlynn calls out, using the nickname she created when she couldn't say 'Annabelle' properly. "Can we have ice cream after lunch?"

I smile at her, this beautiful child who stole my heart the moment I met her. "Maybe. Let's see how well you eat your sandwich first."

The doorbell rings, interrupting our negotiation. I smooth down my casual sundress and head to the door, Ashlynn's little footsteps pattering behind me.

A delivery man stands there with an elegant bouquet of white roses and pink peonies, my favorites. I don't remember ever telling Nolan that, but somehow, he knew.

"Delivery for Annabelle and Miss Ashlynn King," the man says, handing me the arrangement.

"Thank you," I murmur, taking the flowers, their sweet scent immediately filling the air around us.

"Pretty." Ashlynn exclaims, dancing around me as I carry them to the kitchen counter.

I find the small envelope nestled among the blooms and open it with trembling fingers.

Ladies of the house. Please dress in your finest attire for dinner tonight. A special evening awaits.- Nolan

My heart skips a beat, then races to catch up. Ashlynn peers up at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

"What does it say, Anna? What does it say?"

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