His Little Amelia

EPILOGUE | Part 1

"Amelia! You're going to be a wife!"

Kaji's shriek pierced the air, followed by the rhythmic thump-thump of her boots against the pavement as she bounced excitedly in place.

Her neatly twisted dreads danced around her face with every bounce, catching the golden hour sunlight like they were celebrating too.

She looked like a kid who'd just been told Christmas came twice in one week.

I could only giggle, flushed from my cheeks to my chest, my hand instinctively flying up to my face as though trying to hide from her excitement. Her words echoed in my head, slow at first—you're going to be a wife—until they consumed my entire being.

A wife.

I was going to be someone's wife.

But not just anyone's wife—I was going to be the wife of the man who mattered most to me.

Evie's wife.

That last thought hit me, and I felt my heart trip over itself. Everest Simon—my Everest—had knelt on one knee and asked me, with all the seriousness and softness in his

eyes, to be his forever.

Amelia Simon?

I whispered the name internally and nearly lost my footing.

His name would soon be mine. My chest swelled with an emotion so strong, I had to let it out the only way I knew how—by squealing just as loud and just as silly as Kaji, grabbing her hand and jumping alongside her like we were back in high school and I'd just told her I kissed my first crush.

She caught my left wrist mid-jump, halting our bouncing as she brought my hand up to inspect the ring once more. Her mouth dropped open in pure awe, her dark eyes wide with reverence.

"Girl," she whispered dramatically, "This man is right out of a dream.

A pink diamond ring? With those tiny white diamonds hugging it like baby stars?

Who does that? Who even thinks of that?" Her voice was half scandalized, half enchanted.

"You know he's got other men out here looking basic, right? "

I laughed, breathless and light-headed, twirling the ring under the dying sunlight. "I feel like I'm on cloud nine," I said, beaming. "No—cloud ten! Maybe even cloud eleven!"

We squealed again, jumping together—caught in a loop of joy, arms flailing like we were in the middle of a sugar rush. A few passersby cast curious glances at us, but neither of us cared. We were in our bubble, and joy was the only language that mattered in that moment.

When I'd called Kaji after the proposal, I barely got the words out before she screamed in my ear and demanded we meet at Soriné Bakery.

Of course, I complied. Where else to celebrate than the cozy little pastry shop we'd haunted during the nights we spent studying and sulking—where the dreadful hours were comforted by raspberry croissants and good company?

It had been nearly five minutes since I arrived and we hadn't even gone inside. We were still at the door, gushing, squealing, hearts beating loud and high. I'd never been more grateful to have someone to share this moment with.

"I also called Binta," I told her once we caught our breath, the tips of my ears still pink. "She said she's on her way. I told her she didn't have to rush, but she wouldn't even let me finish the sentence!"

Kaji laughed so hard she nearly doubled over. "Girl, even if she were on another continent, Binta would've booked the next flight and brought a gift basket with her! Don't even play."

I rolled my eyes, still smiling. "Don't be ridiculous."

She bumped her shoulder against mine before pushing open the bakery door, and we were immediately hit with a warm wall of sweet smells—vanilla glaze, melting chocolate, baked peaches, and a hint of cinnamon.

The inside of Soriné Bakery was as charming as ever: all warm wood tones, soft lighting, pastel walls, and little potted succulents tucked on each table.

It was the kind of place that always felt like a hug.

We made our way to a three-seater booth in the corner—our favorite spot, just by the window that let in the afternoon light. Kaji collapsed onto the seat like she'd just run a marathon of emotions and threw her hands over her head, sighing dramatically.

"I'm so glad you two worked out," She said softly, her smile more tender now. Her fingers toyed with the rim of her cup after a waitress dropped off two complimentary glasses of water, recognizing us from past visits.

I sat across from her, my hand still hovering protectively over my ring like it might disappear if I looked away too long. "Me too," I said, and it wasn't just a casual reply—it was a truth that settled deep in my bones. "We went through a lot, didn't we?"

My fingers found the ring again.

I didn't even realize I'd started caressing it.

It was like muscle memory now, my thumb brushing softly across the cool, smooth band, the diamond catching the light that filtered in through the bakery window.

Each glint felt like a flash from that magical night—petals scattered like a trail of love, golden fairy lights casting a warm halo around the room, and right at the center. .. Everest.

He looked like he belonged in a dream, standing under a soft shower of chrysanthemum blooms—flowers I never even paid attention to before him. Now, they felt sacred. They were our flowers.

I could still hear his voice—deep but tender, trembling just slightly—when he said he wanted forever with me. My chest bloomed like those petals all over again at the memory.

I pressed my palm gently to my chest, warmth spreading all over.

My face flushed.

Kaji raised an eyebrow, her chin propped in her hand as she stared me down across the café table. "Alright," She said, drawing out the words like a silk ribbon, "Give it to me in two words. Just two. How was the proposal?"

I blinked.

Then blinked again.

I let out a breathless laugh, one hand coming up to shield my burning face.

"Emotional," I said finally, voice soft like candlelight.

"He took my breath away. But not like that—not like that," I added quickly, swatting her when she wiggled her brows.

Kaji hummed, tapping her chin with her index finger in a steady rhythm, eyeing me suspiciously with that contagious smirk of hers.

"You look like you spent the night inside a dream and haven't come back down."

"Because I haven't," I whispered, giggling right after. Gosh, was this the engaged effect? Everything seemed so light and feathery.

I was definitely on cloud nine and I hadn't come down.

Evie had looked at me, eyes burning with that quiet intensity, as he said he wanted forever with me.

"He's amazing..." I recalled with a smile.

"Oh my gosh, you almost gave me cooties," She groaned dramatically, waving her hands like I had sneezed glitter on her.

I leaned forward, chin on my hand, watching her like a hawk. "Speaking of cooties..." I tilted my head. "How's your man?"

The change was instantaneous. Her mouth opened in mock protest, but her face betrayed her. The grin. The blush. The way her eyes softened before she could blink it away.

"He's not... my man," Kaji muttered under her breath, her voice barely audible. Her gaze dropped to the table, fingers suddenly busy with the hem of her sleeve, twisting it around and around like it might help her stay calm. "But...we talked, about us. Yesterday."

I gasped, one hand flying to my mouth, the other to my chest as if I needed to physically hold in the squeal fighting to escape. "You did?!" I breathed, wide-eyed.

"Yeah, we did. It started out as a normal conversation then it smoothly sailed into our relationship and what it was. He told me he wants to take it to the next step—if I'm fine with that."

I sat up, curious.

"But I told him I'd have to think about it a bit more. I don't want us to move too fast," She ended with a sigh.

I hummed, leaning back as well.

"I guess I do understand what you mean."

"Yeah, and being with him means also one day being with his kid as well, you know? So, it's kind of a big deal."

I hummed, pursing my lips in thought.

Just then, a voice called out, drawing our attention from the conversation we were having.

"Sorry to interrupt. Can I get your order?"

We turned, seeing a teenage girl with a small notebook. She had her hair up in a bun, a butterfly tattoo peeking from her neck. I smiled, being the first to answer.

"Yes, you can. I would like...a chocolate cake, with caramel ice cream."

She nodded, noting it down. Kaji began to order as well.

Chocolate cake had been a dessert I'd ordered whenever I felt a bit blue, but now, it reminded me of Evie. It made my tummy flutter and brought back memories of meeting him for the first time.

I had never met a man like him. And whenever my mind went back to that day, my face got hot and my heart warmed.

I wondered—why did he come all the way back just to get my number?

Did I look like someone he knew? It was beyond my comprehension, especially when I had been satisfied with the idea that I might never get a boyfriend—at least not one that looked or behaved the way he did.

Then, when he asked us to go on a date, I almost lost it. It felt like he was playing tricks on me. But the more I observed him, the more I realized how genuine his feelings were.

Everest Simon loved me.

And I loved him too.

"Do you think you'll be ready to take that step any time soon?" I asked, watching her.

Kaji hummed, resting her chin on her palm in thought. "Honestly? I think it would be pretty soon. I'm just cautious, you know? Not wanting to move too fast."

Kaji groaned, holding her cheeks. "Marcus isn't like any guy I've met before. How couldn't I want to be with him? I just... dating him would mean I'm looking toward marriage, and it's kind of scary—marrying and immediately becoming a mom. You know?"

I nodded, taking a hold of her hand. I could only imagine.

Being a wife was already scary enough, not to mention being a mother.

"But his son Matthew is such a darling! It's not like he hates me or anything. In fact, he whispered that he loves me. Who's even teaching the kid those words? It literally melted me, Amelia!" She whined, squeezing my hands.

"Have you told him this—your fears?"

She slumped her shoulders. "No... I don't want him to think I want a relationship without his son."

"I think you should talk to him. If he's as awesome as you say, I'm sure he'll understand and find a way around it."

She sighed, placing her head on our interlocked hands. "When did you become so wise, Amelia? Is this the wifey effect?" she mumbled, pouting.

I laughed, flicking her forehead. "It's called therapy, girl."

Kaji chuckled. "I guess I will have to bring it up sooner than later. Before we get in too deep."

I grinned, patting her shoulders. "That's my Kaji!"

Our pastries came a minute later. My chocolate cake was warm, just the way I liked it, the swirl of caramel ice cream beside it in a cup. I hummed in delight, taking a picture of it to send to my fiancé.

Hehe, he sounded so good with that title.

I giggled to myself, sending the message. Kaji hummed, leaning in. "How dare you text your man on our solo date." She seethed. I scoffed, sticking my tongue at her. "I know you want to take a picture and send to Marcus." Kaji pouted, "Already did." She said with a snicker.

Before I could seethe at the lady, my phone buzzed, taking my attention away.

He replied!

I nearly squealed reading that. I could definitely get used to that. Heat flooded my cheeks as I reread his message. He was so sweet! Hovering my fingers over the keyboard.

I immediately closed our conversation, too embarrassed to see if he replied or not. "Gosh, married people," Kaji scoffed, munching on her pain au chocolat. I gasped, "We're not married just yet!"

"Mhm, sure," She mused.

I scoffed, rolling my eyes.

The bell above the bakery door jingled.

I turned just in time to see Binta striding in, a wide grin on her glossy lips and a bouquet of velvety red roses in her hand.

Her dark skin shimmered under the bakery lights, and her curvy frame was draped in an orange two-piece that made her look like walking joy.

She spotted me and let out a delighted squeal.

"There she is! The newest bride in town!" She sang, rushing over with a small skip in her step.

I gasped, clasping my mouth. Did she get the bouquet for me?

"Binta!" I laughed, standing to meet her just as she flung her arms around me, hugging me so tight I felt like my feet left the ground for a second.

"These are for you, baby," She said, pulling back and thrusting the bouquet into my arms. "Because if anyone deserves fresh roses, it's a girl who just got snatched by Mr. Military man. "

I grinned, cheeks already sore from smiling. "You didn't have to—"

"Oh, but I wanted to. Please. You're engaged! This is your moment."

Kaji clapped behind me. "Binta! Look at you in that color! You're beaming!"

"Thank you, darling cousin!" She teased, hugging Kaji as well. We all sat down and I kept the bouquet next to my bag.

I leaned back into the velvet bench, the roses tucked between my elbow and the table, their petals brushing against the leather of my bag.

Binta dipped her spoon into my melting caramel ice cream, eyes dancing.

"I still can't believe you're really doing this," she said, licking the frosting from her lip.

Her thick fingers drummed on the table, the gold of her rings catching the light.

"This is the part where you start telling us all the juicy details—like how he got down on one knee. "

"I was so stunned, absolutely mesmerized.

He had me thinking he was in trouble in the restaurant.

" The memory of the proposal flooded me—chrysanthemum petals drifting down, fairy lights haloing his stormy eyes, the hush before he spoke that felt louder than any crowd.

I watched Binta's face soften, her dark eyes shimmering with excitement.

"That man's really a romantic." She cooed.

"I know, right? I mean, I could tell from the birthday party he set up." Kaji replied, tapping Binta's shoulder as though prompting her to remember. "Right? That too! Girl, aren't you a lucky woman,"

"Soon to be lucky wife."

They laughed, nudging each other.

"I mean, he's also a lucky man," I sassed playfully, shrugging my shoulders. They gasped, "That's the spirit! You're so right," We all giggled at this.

"It's so nice hanging out with you both. My favorite ladies!" I cooed, stretching out my hands to touch theirs. The both of them giggled, holding on to each palm.

"I can't wait for the wedding," Kaji uttered with a grin.

"I mean, that's not until I graduate, but...would you two like to be my bridesmaid when that time comes?"

They smirked, squeezing my palm. "Of course, we would. Right Binta?" Kaji turned to Binta who nodded, "Girl, even if you didn't ask I still would."

I snickered at her words, squeezing her hand as well.

I glanced at them—Kaji's knowing smirk, Binta's proud eyes—and knew with that no matter how uncertain the road ahead might be, I wasn't walking it alone.

And honestly? That made everything sweeter, and my heart fuller.