Extended Epilogue
Blossom
We’ve been planning this family trip to Hersheypark, and the excitement is palpable as we step into Chocolate World.
The kids are running ahead, their energy infectious as they race to see the giant candy bars displayed like monuments in the entrance hall.
The park is bustling with families, the air thick with the sweet scent of chocolate and sugar, and the sound of laughter and joy surrounds us. It’s hard to believe how quickly they’ve grown. My babies are eleven now, no longer the little toddlers I once carried in my arms.
Noah and I exchange a glance, excitement mixed with a little anxiety. Triplets at a theme park? We’re in for a ride, literally. I laugh softly to myself at the thought of trying to corral them all.
“Stay close, okay?” Noah calls out to the kids, his voice firm but affectionate.
They all nod, their faces lit up with excitement. Jackson, ever the daredevil, immediately darts for the nearest rollercoaster, and Theo follows him, laughing. Ruby, ever the peacemaker, tries to rein them in, but she’s too caught up in the thrill of the day to be effective.
Noah pulls me close for a moment, his hand resting on my back. We watch them run off again, and I can’t help but feel proud. They’re growing up so fast, and it’s a little overwhelming, but in the best way possible. We’re here, together, and life feels perfect.
As we stand in line for one of the kids' rides, Noah and I exchange an amused glance.
It’s moments like this that I’m reminded of how different the dynamics are between the three of them. It’s craziness, always. But watching them, I can see how they’ve developed into their own little personalities.
Noah leans in and quietly says, “You ever think about having more kids?”
I glance over at him, a little surprised. “More kids? I mean, I hadn’t really thought about it,” I reply, raising an eyebrow. “We’ve got three, Noah. That’s plenty for now.”
He grins. “Well, yeah, but you know...we make cute kids.”
I can’t help but laugh, the idea of it suddenly seeming so funny.
“Maybe we could have more,” I say, shrugging. “But I’m not ready for three more at once again,” I add, chuckling.
Noah laughs along with me. “I’ll admit, three at a time was a bit of a shock. But...the idea of having more with you? Yeah, I could get behind that.”
We both laugh, the noise of the park swirling around us, and I can’t help but feel that familiar, contented warmth fill me. It’s crazy, the thought of more kids, but with Noah by my side, I know we could handle anything.
We spend the rest of the day running from ride to ride, from rollercoasters to sweet chocolatey experiences, the kids never once slowing down.
Theo insists on riding the biggest rides, Ruby follows him cautiously but with a grin, and Jackson, the wild one, always wants to go faster, higher, and scarier. It’s a whirlwind of laughter, screams of excitement, and the occasional scolding as we try to keep up with them.
As the day winds down and we’re driving home, the car is blessedly quiet. The kids are all asleep in the back of the car, their faces peaceful, exhaustion finally catching up to them. It’s a good tired, the kind that means they’ve had the best day ever.
My hand is resting comfortably in Noah’s. I glance at him, my mind still swirling with the day’s events.
Noah’s eyes flick to me, and he grins, his voice low. “About that thing we talked about earlier… you wanna get started when we get back to the room?”
I raise an eyebrow at him, half-smiling. “You’re always thinking ahead, aren’t you?”
He chuckles, his thumb tracing circles on my hand. “I mean…we’ve got a whole night ahead of us.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “You’re impossible.” But there’s something in his eyes that makes my heart race just a little faster, and I know exactly what he’s suggesting.
Once we’re back at the hotel, the kids shuffle into their room, exhausted from the day.
“Goodnight, Mommy! Goodnight, Daddy!” they shout, waving sleepily as they shut the door behind them. I can hear their little voices fade as they settle into their beds.
I turn to Noah, my heart still full from the day, and before I can say anything, he picks me up, lifting me over his shoulder with ease. I can’t help but laugh as I try to stifle my giggles. “Noah! What are you doing?”
“I’m carrying you to bed,” he grins, slapping my butt playfully as he makes his way to our bedroom.
I let out an embarrassed squeal, trying to hide my laughter. “No! Stop, you’re going to make me laugh too much!”
He shuts the door behind us with a soft thud, still holding me over his shoulder, and I can’t help but feel this warmth spread through me. The chaotic day, the wild kids, the busy park—none of it matters right now.
It’s just us, in this moment. And I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
With one final playful swat, he sets me down gently on the bed, kissing me deeply. “Let’s just enjoy the night, huh?”
I smile, feeling my heart swell. “Sounds perfect.”
The moment Noah sets me down on the bed, everything else fades away. There’s no more chaos, no more schedule, no more expectations. It’s just him and me, and for the first time all day, I feel completely at peace.
He’s smiling at me, his eyes sparkling with that familiar mischief, and before I know it, his lips are on mine.
It’s soft at first, a slow, tender kiss, as if we’re savoring the moment. But then I feel his arms pulling me closer, the warmth of his body sending a shiver down my spine, and the kiss deepens.
He’s always been the kind of man who makes me feel like I’m the only one in the world, and in this moment, that feeling is stronger than ever.
His hands gently brush against my skin as we move closer, melting into each other’s embrace. Our lips meet again, and this time, it’s like we can’t get enough. Each kiss feels more desperate, more urgent, but still just as tender.
We laugh against each other’s lips, the kind of soft, breathless laughter that only comes from a place of comfort and pure joy.
I tug him closer, my hands threading into his hair as he nuzzles my neck, pressing soft kisses against my skin. The world outside this room might as well not exist. It’s just the two of us, tangled up in each other, and I never want this moment to end.
Noah pulls away for a second, his forehead resting against mine.
“I love you,” he whispers, and my heart swells with happiness.
“I love you too,” I reply, my voice full of affection.
I love feeling the way Noah touches me. His hands know exactly where to go to make me come over and over again all night until the sun rises the next morning.
Our life might not be for everyone, but I am positive that this crazy ride is all I will ever need.
The end.