Epilogue

EPILOGUE

STASSI

Three Years Later

It’s hard to believe I found my forever agreeing to be a nanny. I know how cliche it may sound but now, married to John-Paul for a year and being seven months pregnant, well it doesn’t seem like reality.

I feel arms come around me, “Stassi, are you ready for the gender reveal party today?” John-Paul asks as he kisses my neck.

I lean back into his embrace, the familiar strength in his arms wrapping me in comfort. "I think so," I murmur, placing my hands over his.

Just then I hear our three year old Avalynn, “Momma, Daddy, where is you?” Her voice, a sweet mixture of curiosity and impatience, echoes through the hallway.

"There we are!" he exclaims, lifting her high above his head, eliciting giggles that fill the room with joy. He brings her down to eye level. "Are you excited to find out if you're getting a baby brother or sister?"

Avalynn nods vigorously, her red curls bouncing like her father's. "I want a sister," she declares with the certainty only a three-year-old can muster.

"We'll see, pumpkin," I say, ruffling her hair. John-Paul sets her down, and she immediately begins to twirl, her tiny tiara sparkling under the kitchen lights.

John-Paul joins her in a mock twirl, his large frame surprisingly graceful. "Daddy's got the moves too," he says, and Avalynn laughs, clapping her hands in delight.

The doorbell rings, snapping me out of my reverie. John-Paul winks at me and scoops up Avalynn. "Let's go see who it is. Race you there!" he challenges, jogging towards the front door with our daughter squealing in his arms.

At the door, John-Paul swings it open to reveal Naomi and Heather, each bearing gifts and wide smiles. "Where do you want this monster?" Naomi asks, struggling to get the balloon through the doorway without letting it fly away.

"Just there by the fireplace will do until we take it outside to pop it," I say, pointing out a spot.

Heather eyes Avalynn's tiara and winks. "Looking like a true princess today, aren't you?"

Avalynn nods, taking her role very seriously as she adjusts her tiara and strikes a regal pose. "I am Princess Avalynn," she announces, making everyone chuckle.

John-Paul leans down to her level, his face splitting into one of his signature grins. "And I'm your loyal knight, ready to serve," he plays along, bowing dramatically which only makes Avalynn giggle more.

Naomi sets the balloon carefully by the fireplace and then gives me a gentle hug. "How are you holding up, mama?" she asks.

"I'm hanging in there," I reply, smoothing down my dress over my belly. "Excited but nervous. Cannot wait to find out what we are having."

Heather joins in with a comforting smile. "Everything's going to be great, Stassi. You've got the best team."

As guests trickle in, the backyard fills with laughter and the air with the scent of grilled food. John-Paul has taken over the grill, insisting on cooking despite everyone's offers to help.

Avalynn flits between the guests, showing off her tiara and occasionally returning to tug at my hand, asking when we're going to discover the secret of the big, mysterious balloon.

"Soon, baby, very soon," I reassure her each time, my heart swelling with love for this little being who has already brought so much joy into our lives.

As the afternoon sun begins to dip lower in the sky, signaling it was time for the main event, John-Paul wipes his hands on a towel and announces, "All right, everyone! It's time to find out if Avalynn is getting a baby brother or sister."

Excitement buzzes through the crowd as we all gather outside. John-Paul stands beside me, his hand finding mine and squeezing gently. Naomi and Heather stand close by, their cameras ready to capture the moment.

"Okay, Avalynn," John-Paul says, handing her a small dart. "Mommy's going to help you pop the balloon, but I have to tell you that I already know what we are having.”

I look at him surprised. "You do?" I whisper, my curiosity piqued.

He nods, “But I was on social media a few months ago and seen a meme. It really made me think of a unique gender reveal besides colors.” His smile is so big it almost makes me nervous.

Avalynn takes the dart confidently, her eyes wide with the seriousness of her mission. John-Paul kneels beside her, guiding her hand gently. "Whenever you're ready, princess," he murmurs.

Avalynn aims, then throws. The dart hits the balloon bursts with a loud pop, releasing not pink or blue confetti, but a shower of white squiggly pieces of glitter.

Liam moves forward and picks up some of the pieces on the ground, his voice filled with surprise as he asks, “Is this….”

John-Paul interrupts him, “WE’RE HAVING A BOY!” Their friends break out into cheers and applause for them.

He pulls me into a hug and I whisper into his ear, “Please tell me that there isn’t a bunch of glittery sperm all over the back yard.”

John-Paul chuckles, a deep, rumbling sound that vibrates against my cheek. "Well, technically, yes. But think of it as festive and educational glitter." His eyes twinkle with mischief as he pulls back to look at me.

I shake my head, laughing despite myself. "Only you would think of something like this for a gender reveal."

He grins, wrapping an arm around my waist and pulling me closer. "I wanted it to be memorable," he admits, then kisses the top of my head gently.

I shake my head, amused and slightly exasperated by his creativity. Avalynn, meanwhile, is jumping up and down in excitement. "A brother! I get a brother!" she exclaims, her joy infectious.

"Yes, baby girl, you do," I respond, John-Paul bends down to scoop her up.

Avalynn wraps her little arms around my neck, her excitement palpable. "Can we name him Prince? Since I'm a princess," she suggests with a hopeful gaze.

John-Paul laughs, his eyes crinkling at the corners. "We might just consider it, pumpkin."

The afternoon wanes into evening, the sky painting itself in hues of orange and pink as our friends and family mingle, sharing stories and laughter. Naomi captures moments with her camera while Heather helps coordinate the food, ensuring everyone is well-fed and happy.

As the party begins to wind down, John-Paul pulls me aside, his expression tender. "How are you feeling?" he asks, his hand resting lightly on my belly.

"I'm overwhelmed," I admit, "but in the best way possible. I can't believe we're going to have a boy."

He smiles, his thumb caressing my hand softly. "I know. It's going to be an adventure," he says. "But as long as we're together, we can handle anything."

I nod, leaning into his solid warmth. "Together," I echo, feeling the truth of the words deep in my bones.

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