Epilogue
Christian
SIX MONTHS LATER
I t's been six months since everything with Theresa blew up, and I can’t remember the last time I felt this much peace. It’s like I’ve finally been able to breathe again. Haven and I are stronger than ever, and Theresa? She’s gone. She gave up her pursuit of custody, just like she promised—probably because she knew we had her cornered. After that, it was radio silence. We haven’t heard from her in months. And just in case, the recording was sent to David for safe keeping. She really won’t be a problem anymore.
Oliver is thriving. He laughs more now, and every time he calls Haven “mom,” my heart does this weird, happy twist. He’s happier, we’re happier, and things feel… settled in a way they never have before.
Tonight, Haven’s planned something. She’s been secretive all day, sneaking around with this knowing smile that’s driving me crazy in the best way. She told me to be ready by seven, but I have no idea what she’s up to.
Sitting in the living room, sipping on a glass of wine, I can’t help but let the entire past year roll through my mind. Recalling where I was to where I am now.
"Christian, can you come in here?" Haven calls out from the kitchen, pulling me from my thoughts.
Setting down my glass, I stand and head toward the kitchen, my curiosity piqued. As I walk in, I’m hit with the smell of something delicious—garlic, rosemary, and a hint of lemon. The lights are dimmed, and the table is set for two with candles flickering between two plates. Haven stands in the middle of it all, a soft smile on her face, looking more beautiful than ever in this flowy dress that skims her curves in all the right places.
"You’ve been busy," I say, grinning as I walk over to her, wrapping my arms around her waist.
She leans into me, her hands resting on my chest. "I wanted to do something special. We have a lot to celebrate."
"Do we now?" I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "And what are we celebrating?"
Her smile widens, and she steps back, leading me to the table. She pulls out a chair, and I sit, the suspense nearly killing me. She pours me another glass of wine, but when I offer to pour hers, she shakes her head.
I tilt my head, slightly confused by her behavior. She always has a drink with me at dinner. "You’re not having any?"
Haven sits down across from me, biting her bottom lip in that way she does when she’s excited about something but trying not to give it away too soon. My mind starts to race, connecting dots I didn’t realize were there before, but I wait for her to speak.
"There’s something I’ve been wanting to tell you, but I wanted it to be the right moment," she says softly, reaching across the table to take my hands.
“What is it? Did something happen?” I ask, hesitantly.
She takes a deep breath, her smile growing softer, more tender. "I’m pregnant, Christian."
For a second, I can’t breathe. The words hit me like a tidal wave, crashing over me in the best possible way. I stare at her, my mind racing to catch up with what she just said.
"Pregnant?" I repeat, my voice barely above a whisper. "We’re… we’re having a baby?"
She nods, her eyes shining. "Yeah. We are."
A flood of emotion washes over me—joy, disbelief, pure happiness—and I can’t stop the grin that spreads across my face.
"We’re having a baby," I say again, this time louder, my voice full of awe. I stand up, pulling her into my arms, laughing as I spin her around, her laughter joining mine. "Haven, this is… this is incredible."
She laughs, her arms wrapping around my neck as I hold her close. "I wanted to surprise you."
"You did more than that," I murmur, kissing her forehead, then her lips. "You just made me the happiest man alive."
We stay like that for a moment, wrapped up in each other, the reality of what’s happening settling in. We’re starting a family—together. The thought fills me with a kind of joy I can’t even describe. Everything we’ve been through, every obstacle we’ve overcome, has led us here, to this perfect moment.
I pull back slightly, cupping her face in my hands. "You’re going to be an amazing mom to this new baby. You already are to Oliver."
"No… we’re going to be an amazing team," she says softly, her eyes full of love.
I kiss her again, longer this time, letting the warmth of her love fill me completely. The past is behind us, and the future is something I can’t wait to dive into. With Haven by my side, with our baby on the way, everything feels right—like we’re exactly where we’re meant to be.
As we sit back down to eat, I can’t stop smiling. We talk about baby names, about Oliver being a big brother, and about what our future looks like now that we’re expanding our family. I never thought I’d get here, never thought I’d find this kind of happiness after everything that’s happened, but here we are, and it’s more than I ever dreamed possible.
This is the life I’ve been waiting for—the life I never knew I needed, and with Haven by my side, I know I’ll never have to face anything alone again.
We’re building something beautiful, and I can’t wait to see where this next chapter takes us.