Page 109 of Then Came You

“Hey!” she shouts, cupping her hands to make a makeshift microphone.

Our guests are still murmuring, so Xan whistles loudly, capturing everyone’s attention.

When it quiets, Hav tries again, standing on her tippy toes so she can see everyone.

“Row’s having a baby!” She screams, jumping up and down.

Blade’s fingertips dig into the side of my hip, holding onto me so he doesn’t falter and fall at her words. “What?” he croaks, staring down at me.

I shrug, peering up at him, smiling. “Yep. Twelve weeks.”

Suddenly, my new husband dips me and spears his tongue into my mouth, pouring every ounce of affection and emotion in one swift movement. Heaven.

My love for Blade defies all reason and logic.

Science has provided valuable insights into various aspects of love, but it still can’t explain the emotional, spiritual, all-encompassing love that I have for Blade.

It’s one that transcends time and space and can’t be replicated or explained.

Extended epilogue

Blade

Six years later

The big 5-0.

"Dad!!!" Haven screeches, stomping over to the lounge chair I'm trying to relax in. We're in Maui, celebrating my milestone birthday.

It's idyllic. For the next week, we'll be surrounded by tropical flowers and fish, lush greenery, and panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

Our very own private opulent oasis.

The white sand is only eclipsed by the crystal-clear shoreline that's dotted with vibrant coral reef.

I've overspent on indulgence, with every amenity offered to me - some I didn't even know existed, like my own food stylist to make sure all the food looks pretty. I find it absurd, but Haven is addicted to recording every meal we eat for her social media.

This holiday is paradise so far.

The ambiance has been tranquil up until this moment.

"Dad! Zee took my phone away."

God help me.

How did I get here? How did I end up with a hormonally-raged monster for a teenager?

Row says it's normal, but this attitude is anything but normal. Zee was never like this. I stare at my beautiful daughter, who is huffing and puffing, making a scene. Her hands are on her hips, outraged I'm taking my time to respond.

If Zee took her phone away, there must be a plausible reason.

"What happened?" I catch a glimpse of her far too revealing bikini and know exactly why he would have confiscated it.

"I was on BeReal posting, and he snatched it out of my hand!"

"She was two seconds away from posting a picture of herself half-naked." Zee saunters over with his girlfriend, Barbra. They met at work. She’s a first-year nurse, and he’s halfway through his residency.

"I was not!" Haven defends herself, whipping around to glare at her older brother.

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