Epilogue Two
Evie
Four Years Later
“Mom, Ben keeps saying the gifts are only for him.” Caleb whines as he pulls on my pant leg. I roll my eyes because these two are going to be the death of me. The party hasn’t even started and they’re already fighting.
“Ben, this birthday is for you both meaning the presents are for both of you.” I tell my other son, who just huffs and walks away.
“That’s not fair. Shiloh and Hayes have their own parties and get their own presents.” Ben shouts.
“Well that’s because me and Hayes aren’t twins.
” Shiloh tells his brother from the table.
He’s been sitting there reading a book for the last hour.
He got into reading this year and he’s currently making his way through some sort of dragon series.
As a fellow reader, I support this one hundred percent.
“Okay Loh, time to put that book away, guests are beginning to arrive.” Josie says as she walks through the living room with presents in her arms. I walk over and help her put them down on the table we set up to hold them.
When I spin around, Elodie comes barging into the room with Hayes quick on her heels. I try to hide the smirk on my face as I watch our boy follow everything that she tells him. Dalton comes in a few seconds later and he’s not alone.
His partner walks in with an air of confidence, and I can’t help but clock the dopey love struck look on Dalton’s face as he watches them greet everyone.
They got together last year, and I’ve watched Dalton turn into an entirely different person, and it has everything to do with the person he chose to spend his time with.
He’s not as closed off as he used to be, and I actually get along with him a lot better now.
The sound of children laughing, and conversation flows through the living room as I come in with a fresh bowl of chips.
People are scattered everywhere both inside and outside.
Monty rented a bouncy obstacle course for the kids to go through, but I think I’ve seen him go in it with Xavier more than the boys.
I walk over and join my bestie on the couch, “Kids birthday parties are so exhausting.” I groan as I lay my head on her shoulder.
Harper just chuckles as she holds their newborn, Ophelia, in her arms. Their daughter lays fast asleep, unbothered by all the noise happening around her.
Harper had their first daughter a month after I had the boys.
Margot was born two weeks late, and Harper was miserable those two weeks.
We were all so happy when she came and she was such a gentle child.
As if she knew I was thinking about her she comes running into the room with a smile on her face. She comes over and crawls into my lap, wrapping her arms round me. She’s a kid of few words, but she tells you how she feels through actions.
“Oh hello sweet girl, auntie missed you so much.” I squeeze her back and when she pulls back she stays on my lap. “Are you having fun at the party?” She nods her head and then looks around the area.
We sit there and just watch as everyone enjoys the party. A few minutes later Caleb comes up and holds his hand out to Margot.
“Come on Margot, I wanna show you the new flowers I planted for you.” Margot lights up at the mention of flowers and is quick to shuffle off me and follow my boy into the backyard.
I don’t know what it is about those two, but they have this inseparable bond.
Caleb knows exactly what she wants and she doesn’t have to say a word.
“I think we’re going to be in trouble when they are in their teens.” I mumble to Harper
She groans, “don’t say that just yet. I’m not ready for any of that.”
I laugh, and then sigh. “We’ll figure it out. We always do.”
“Damn straight.” She agrees.
The rest of the party was busy, but a success. The boys are all in their beds asleep and the three of us are sitting on the sectional with drinks in our hands.
“Well, I have to say that was one successful party.” Monty boasts, stretching his arms above his head as a yawn breaks free. “I’m exhausted.”
“Exhausted doesn’t even begin to explain it. I need three business days to recover from the kids' parties.” Josie groans, as she tries to rub out a kink in her neck.
“Jojo come here and let me get that kink out.” I tell her, spreading my legs so she can sit on the ground in front of me. She settles down on the ground and I efficiently begin to work the knot out of her shoulder. She groans in appreciation.
“Did you guys get a look at Ophelia tonight?” I ask them both, with the business of the party I don’t know if they fully got a chance to see her.
We all met her after she was born a week after Harper had her, but we’ve been busy trying to get the boys party together, I wasn’t sure if they had the chance.
“Josie managed to sneak over and see her, but I was keeping the boys from killing each other. Ben kept telling Caleb the presents weren’t his.” Monty says while shaking his head.
“He’s just like his father, always up to the theatrics.” Josie teases, and a snort leaves me.
“I don’t think he got that from me.” He deadpans. “I wish I had a chance to hold Ophelia, I miss the newborn phase.”
Josie hums her agreement, and the conversation fades out as we sit and enjoy each other's company.
“What if we could do that again?” I ask, feeling like I’m about to explode if I don’t get this off my chest.
“Do what again? Another baby?” Josie asks, turning to look at me. I nod my head, and then look over at Monty to gauge his response.
“I would love to, I wish we could have a bunch of little ones running around.” Monty replies.
“Well, what if I told you guys that it’s something that can be a reality in about nine months.” I say.
There’s silence and then Monty jumps out of his seat with a huge smile on his face.
“Are you pregnant, little minx?” He asks.
Josie has now turned around and is kneeling in front of me. “Are we having another baby?” She begins to smile, and I can’t help it and my smile finally breaks free too.
I nod my head, “Yeah, I just took a test this morning.”
“We’re having another baby!”