Page 167 of Wild Tangled Hearts

If you relish the journey, every single moment you live becomes your 'happily ever after,' for life's true beauty lies not just in reaching the destination, but in savoring every step along the way.

Chapter79

Damien

5 YEARS LATER

"Mommy, watch me!" Jackson exclaims, his sandy hair flying as he zips down the slide in our backyard. I applaud his daring feat, a proud smile on my face.

“Well done,” I cheer.

Damien joins me, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "You know he gets his fearlessness from his old man."

I chuckle. "That's true. And I’m terrified for the teenage years.”

“One day at a time, beautiful.” Damien leans in and kisses me, his lips warm and familiar. "I love you," he murmurs against my mouth.

“Yuck,” Jackson shouts before running over to his sister Ashlyn, who looks up at him with the adoring eyes of a two-year-old.

Our life is a whirlwind of diapers, playdates, and bedtime stories. I still teach art, but now it's part-time so I can be home for our kids while they're young. It’s not everyone’s idea of a happily ever after, but it’s mine and Damien’s. And every day, I treasure the little things, knowing that it’s not just who you pick to spend your life with but the love and effort you give back.

In the quiet moments, when I watch our children sleep, I'm reminded that the real magic lies in the ordinary, in the everyday acts of love and devotion. It's in the way Damien and I steal glances and share secret smiles when the chaos of parenthood surrounds us. It's in the feeling of our hands entwined as we face each day's challenges together, knowing we are stronger as a team.

Our love has evolved and deepened, woven into the fabric of our family. The late-night cuddles on the couch after the kids are asleep, the stolen kisses in the kitchen amidst cooking dinner, and the shared dreams whispered in the dark.

Our happily ever after may not be filled with grand gestures or extravagant adventures, but it's a life rich with love, laughter, and unwavering support. The warmth of home and the sanctuary of our love make every day a chapter in our unique fairy tale. And I wouldn't have it any other way.

As the sun sets and casts a warm, golden glow over our backyard, we gather around the picnic table for dinner. Damien grills some burgers, and the delicious aroma fills the air. Jackson and Ashlyn eagerly munch on their food, their faces smeared with ketchup and smiles.

After dinner, we clean up the backyard, and Damien and I take turns giving the kids their baths. Ashlyn giggles as she splashes water while Jackson insists on telling us his adventurous tales from the day.

Once the kids are tucked into bed with their favorite bedtime stories, Damien and I find a moment of quiet on the porch. We sit side by side, gazing at the stars above.

"It's amazing how our lives have changed," Damien says, his voice filled with contentment.

I nod, resting my head on his shoulder. "Yes, but it's a beautiful change."

Damien wraps his arm around me, and we sit in companionable silence, relishing the peace of the evening. The fireflies dance in the distance, and the world feels perfect in its imperfection.

Our life may be a whirlwind of chaos and love, but it's the most beautiful whirlwind I could ever imagine.

Reader’s Choice:

What would you like to do next?

End your journey and go to the Afterward. Turn to this page.

Go back to the beginning and start a new journey with Bella. Turn to this page.

Chapter80

Alex

LIFE IN FULL BLOOM

It’s been five years since Alex and I said “I do,” and life has never been the same since. Our love has grown, our family has grown, and every day feels like an adventure. We’re now the proud parents of a rambunctious four-year-old, Matthew, as well as the mischievous two-year-old twin boys, Tristan and Owen. And, to top it all off, I’m pregnant again.

I feel Alex’s warmth as he comes up from behind, his hands gently resting on my baby bump. I smile, knowing he loves feeling our growing child move within me. His breath tickles my ear as he whispers, “You know, you’re the sexiest woman in the world.”

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