Epilogue One
EPILOGUE ONE
Annabelle
It's been a year since that night in the kitchen, the night when everything changed and nothing changed all at once. Ashlynn twirls around the living room in her princess dress, her laughter like wind chimes on a summer breeze, while I fold laundry on the couch. The routine is familiar, comforting even, but something is different today. There's a subtle shift in the air, an anticipation I can't quite place.
"Anna." Ashlynn calls out, using the nickname she created when she couldn't say 'Annabelle' properly. "Can we have ice cream after lunch?"
I smile at her, this beautiful child who stole my heart the moment I met her. "Maybe. Let's see how well you eat your sandwich first."
The doorbell rings, interrupting our negotiation. I smooth down my casual sundress and head to the door, Ashlynn's little footsteps pattering behind me.
A delivery man stands there with an elegant bouquet of white roses and pink peonies, my favorites. I don't remember ever telling Nolan that, but somehow, he knew.
"Delivery for Annabelle and Miss Ashlynn King," the man says, handing me the arrangement.
"Thank you," I murmur, taking the flowers, their sweet scent immediately filling the air around us.
"Pretty." Ashlynn exclaims, dancing around me as I carry them to the kitchen counter.
I find the small envelope nestled among the blooms and open it with trembling fingers.
Ladies of the house. Please dress in your finest attire for dinner tonight. A special evening awaits.- Nolan
My heart skips a beat, then races to catch up. Ashlynn peers up at me, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
"What does it say, Anna? What does it say?"
I kneel down to her level, showing her the card. "Your daddy wants us to dress up for dinner tonight."
She giggles, covering her mouth with her tiny hands. "I know a secret."
"You do?" I ask, my curiosity piqued.
"Daddy has a surprise for you," she says in a sing-song voice, twirling away before I can question her further.
All afternoon, I try to coax more information from her, but she just dissolves into fits of giggles every time I ask. By the time five o'clock rolls around, my nerves are frayed with anticipation.
"Come on, sweet girl," I say, taking Ashlynn's hand. "Let's get you ready first."
I help her into the pale blue dress we bought for her cousin's wedding, brushing her curls until they shine. She looks so much like Nolan, it makes my heart ache with tenderness.
"Your turn, Anna." she declares once I've secured the butterfly clip in her hair.
In my room, I stand before the closet, indecisive. I finally settle on a simple emerald silk dress that I've been saving for a special occasion. It hugs my curves in a way that makes me feel beautiful, the color bringing out the green flecks in my hazel eyes.
The doorbell rings again just as I'm sliding my feet into silver heels.
"I'll get it." Ashlynn's voice rings through the house, but I hurry after her, knowing she can't reach the lock.
When I open the door, a different delivery person stands there with several insulated bags.
"Dinner delivery for the King residence," he announces.
"But I didn't order," I begin, then realize this must be part of Nolan's plan.
As the delivery man sets up containers of what smells like my favorite Italian dishes on the dining table, headlights flash through the front window. Nolan's truck pulls into the driveway.
"Daddy's home." Ashlynn squeals, running to the door.
I thank the delivery man and tip him, my mind racing with possibilities. What is Nolan planning?
He walks in, Ashlynn already in his arms, and my breath catches at the sight of him. Even covered in concrete dust, with his dark hair mussed and his jeans and t-shirt work-worn, he's devastatingly handsome. His eyes find mine immediately, and that same electricity from a year ago crackles between us. Only this time, it's familiar. This time, it's welcome.
"You look beautiful," he says, his voice low and warm. "Both of you."
I blush, suddenly self-conscious in my fancy dress. "And you look like you've been working hard. Dinner's here, but maybe you want to clean up first?"
He nods, setting Ashlynn down. "Give me ten minutes."
I busy myself with arranging the food, setting out the plates and silverware, lighting the candles I found in the cabinet. Ashlynn helps, placing the napkins just so, her excitement bubbling over.
"Is it time yet?" she asks for the hundredth time.
"Almost, baby. Let's wait for your dad."
When Nolan returns, the transformation steals my breath away. He's wearing a crisp blue button-down shirt that makes his eyes impossibly bluer, and dark slacks that fit him perfectly. His hair is still damp from the shower, and the scent of his cologne, woodsy and masculine, drifts toward me.
"This looks amazing," he says, taking in the candlelit table.
We sit down to eat, Ashlynn chattering excitedly between bites. I can barely taste the food, though I know it's delicious. There's something in Nolan's gaze, something intense and purposeful that has my stomach in knots.
Finally, as we finish our meal, I can't stand the suspense any longer.
"So, what's the occasion?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.
Nolan reaches across the table, taking my hand in his. His palm is warm against mine, calloused from years of hard work.
"This is for you, Annabelle," he says. "Because there's something I need to ask you."
Before I can process his words, Ashlynn slides off her chair, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Will you be my mommy?" she blurts out, her eyes wide and hopeful.
My gaze snaps to Nolan, who is now kneeling on the floor beside his daughter, a small velvet box in his hand. When he opens it, a diamond ring catches the candlelight, sending prisms dancing across the walls.
"Annabelle," he begins, his voice thick with emotion, "this past year has been the best of my life. What started in that kitchen that night, it was real. It's always been real for me. I was just afraid to admit how much I needed you, how much we both need you."
Tears fill my eyes, blurring my vision.
"You're not just the woman who takes care of my daughter. You're the woman who filled our home with laughter again, who taught me it was okay to open my heart. I love you, Annabelle. We love you. Will you marry me? Will you be my wife and Ashlynn's mom?"
The tears spill over now, tracking warm paths down my cheeks. This moment, this beautiful, perfect moment ,is everything I've dreamed of and more.
"Yes," I whisper, then louder, "Yes."
Nolan slides the ring onto my finger, then stands, pulling me into his arms. His kiss is nothing like that hesitant one a year ago. This one is sure, passionate, full of promise. Ashlynn wraps her arms around our legs, squealing with delight.
When we break apart, both breathless, I look down at the little girl who will soon be my daughter in every way that matters.
"I would be honored to be your mommy," I tell her, kneeling down to her level.
She throws her arms around my neck, and over her shoulder, I meet Nolan's gaze. The love I see there makes my heart feel too big for my chest.
"I love you," I mouth to him.
"I love you more," he mouths back.
And in this moment, surrounded by the two people who have become my world, I know that sometimes the most beautiful beginnings come from the most uncertain starts. Sometimes all it takes is time, patience, and the courage to say yes when love finally asks the question.