Epilogue
Zach
Five Months Later
“Lainey!” Alice’s voice rings out as the door swings open, and she throws her arms around Lainey’s belly.
“Alice!” Lainey laughs, wrapping her in a hug.
I step to the door to greet my sisters. “Ladies,” I say with a grin.
“Uncle Zach!” Alice runs to me next, squeezing me tightly.
Blair is next, pulling Lainey into a warm hug. “How’s my almost sister-in-law doing?”
“Good,” Lainey says with a soft laugh. “Huge, but good.”
“Gorgeous,” Blair corrects, giving her a knowing look.
“I’m ready to pop any day now,” Lainey says, patting her belly.
Cora and Whitney follow, each taking their turn hugging Lainey.
“Everyone else already here?” Cora asks.
“They’re all in the living room,” I reply.
As Blair hugs me, I whisper, “Where’s Dad and Noah?”
“Business meeting,” she answers with a sigh. “Their flight got delayed. They’re stuck at the airport, but they’ll get here as soon as they can.”
Damn. I wanted Dad to be here for this, especially after everything he’s done to make up for how he treated Lainey and me.
Before I can shut the door, another voice calls out. “Hey, don’t close the door on me.”
Mark strides up, carrying a bottle of champagne.
I shake my head, grinning. “Great timing, as always.”
“Wouldn’t miss it,” he says, clapping me on the back as he walks in.
The living room is buzzing with life. Chloe and Wyatt are chatting with Anna and Ron, while Joshua and Jasper build a fort out of couch cushions, and Janelle is laughing with them over some exaggerated story. Whitney, Cora, Blair, and Alice add to the noise as they join the group.
I hang back for a moment, letting it all sink in. A house full of laughter, family, and love—this is everything I’ve ever wanted.
“Zach, this was such a great idea,” Anna says, coming into the kitchen.
“She’s been so happy today,” she adds as she leans against the counter.
“Happy Lainey is the goal,” I reply with a smirk, grabbing a soda.
Anna folds her arms and narrows her eyes at me. “I wasn’t your biggest fan at first,” she says bluntly.
“I figured,” I say, managing a small smile.
“When Lainey called me months ago, crying about you… I wanted to fly out here and wring your neck,” she admits.
I rub the back of my neck, guilt twisting in my chest. “I deserved that.”
“But,” she continues, her tone softening, “you’ve proven me wrong. You’ve shown up for her in ways I didn’t expect, and it’s clear how much you love her.”
“Thank you for giving me another chance,” I reply sincerely. “Thanks for agreeing to come out here on such short notice.”
I’d flown Anna, Ron, and Joshua in as a surprise, playing it off like they’d decided to visit on a whim, but it’s all part of my plan. Tonight’s the night I ask Lainey to marry me.
“Of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” She smiles. “Take care of her, Zach. That’s all I ask.”
“I will,” I promise.
Wyatt walks in as Anna heads back to the living room. He hands me an envelope.
What’s this?” I ask.
“Drew’s wedding invitation for Lainey,” Wyatt says with a smirk. “Got it last week.”
“Good for him,” I say, and I mean it.
“Figured I’d give it to you to avoid any jealousy drama,” Wyatt teases. “Chloe debated giving it to Lainey herself.”
“Thanks, man. I’ll give it to her. I trust her,” I reply.
Wyatt grins. “You ready for the next game? We’re definitely making it to the Stanley Cup again.”
“Always ready. And yeah, we’re winning the Cup again this year.”
“Hell yeah, we are.”
Lainey walks into the kitchen, her belly leading the way. “What are you two plotting?”
“Just hockey stuff,” Wyatt says with a wink before heading back out.
I walk over to Lainey and kiss her. She’s adding snacks to her plate when her phone pings.
“What’s that?” I ask.
She shows me her phone. “Guess who just friended me on social media?”
“Who?”
“Clarissa,” she says, holding up a picture. It’s Clarissa overseas with a man.
“She apologized for everything,” Lainey continues. “And that she’s learning how to love herself one step at a time.”
“Good for her,” I say honestly.
I pull the envelope from my pocket and hand it to Lainey.
“What’s this?”
“Drew’s wedding invitation. Wyatt gave it to me; said it was my call whether you saw it.”
She opens it, scanning the details. “Aww, I’m happy for him. I guess he finally found the one.”
“Are you going to go?”
“No,” she says, smiling up at me. “It wouldn’t feel right. Thanks for giving it to me, though.”
“Of course, baby. I trust you.” I kiss her again, letting my lips linger on hers.
“All right, everyone,” Lainey announces as we step back into the living room, her hand resting on her belly. “It’s time for charades!”
“Yes!” Jasper and Joshua shout in unison, their excitement infectious. “We’re teaming up with our dads!”
“I call Anna!” Chloe chimes in, raising her hand like it’s a classroom roll call.
“I’m with Alice!” Janelle declares, giving the teenager a playful wink.
“We’re partners!” Whitney and Cora yell at the same time, grinning like they’ve already won.
“I’m teaming up with Mark!” Blair adds with a smirk, throwing a victorious glance toward the rest of us.
Chloe crosses her arms, feigning deep thought before turning her gaze to Lainey. “Looks like you’re stuck with Zach.”
Lainey laughs, oblivious to the knowing smiles being exchanged around the room. “That’s fine by me,” she says cheerfully.
“We’re the best team anyway, right, baby?” I add, brushing a kiss to her cheek as I wrap an arm around her.
Blair shoots me a teasing glare. “You wish, Zach!”
The room erupts in laughter.
The game starts, and the laughter carries straight into it. Jasper’s awkward dinosaur impression has everyone in stitches, and Alice’s overly dramatic queen bee performance gets a standing ovation.
When it’s my turn, I draw the slip I planted earlier. Perfect. I grab the marker and start drawing.
Lainey squints at the image. “A ring?”
I nod, adding more details.
“A wedding?” she guesses.
Hints fly from every direction. “Think bigger, Lainey!” Anna yells.
Her eyes widen, and she gasps. “Oh my God.”
Dropping the marker, I turn to Lainey and sink to one knee. The room falls silent, anticipation thick in the air.
“Lainey,” I begin, my voice steady despite the hammering of my heart.
“From the moment you barged into my life with your color-coded schedules and impossible expectations, you turned everything upside down—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
You’ve given me love, a home, and soon, our son. I can’t imagine my life without you.”
Her hands fly to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears as I reach for her hand. Just then, her face contorts, and she grips her belly with a sharp gasp.
“Lainey?” My heart pounds. “You okay?”
She nods weakly, a mix of laughter and panic in her eyes. “Zach, you’re proposing now? While I’m like this?”
“You’re stunning,” I say, but her expression shifts again, and her grip on my hand tightens—so tight that I drop to my knees beside her.
“Zach…” she says through gritted teeth. “I think my water just broke.”
For a second, no one moves. Then chaos erupts.
“Hospital! Now!” Chloe shouts.
“Don’t panic!” Anna yells, even though she’s clearly panicking herself.
I wrap an arm around Lainey and guide her to the car. “Breathe, baby. I’ve got you.”
An hour later, Lainey is in the delivery room, clutching my hand with a death grip.
“This is all your fault, Zach,” she growls.
“I know, baby. I know,” I soothe, brushing her hair back.
Moments later, our son enters the world. The doctor hands him to Lainey, and I swear I’ve never seen anything so beautiful.
“Elijah,” she whispers, her voice filled with awe.
“Elijah Darling,” I say, tears in my eyes. “He’s perfect.”
Our family trickles in to meet him. Anna cries as she cradles her nephew, her hands gentle but trembling with emotion. Ron stands nearby, snapping pictures while Joshua beams, bouncing on his toes. “He’s so tiny!” Joshua exclaims, staring at Elijah’s little hands.
Wyatt and Chloe are next, Jasper peeking over their shoulders as they lean in to admire the baby. “He’s got your nose, Lainey,” Chloe says, her voice warm.
Wyatt grins, ruffling Jasper’s hair. “Look at those little toes. What do you think, buddy?”
Jasper gasps. “They’re so small!” His awe earns a round of laughter from the room.
My sisters crowd around Lainey, each taking turns gushing over Elijah. “You’re amazing, Lainey,” Whitney says, her voice soft. “And he’s absolutely perfect.”
Blair leans in, brushing a strand of Lainey’s hair back. “You should’ve told me pregnancy looks this good on you. I’d have been jealous months ago.”
“Stop,” Lainey protests, her cheeks pink but smiling. “I’ve been ready to pop for weeks. I’m just glad it’s over.”
Cora laughs. “And now you’ve got this little miracle. We’re so proud of you.”
Janelle and Alice hover near the bed. They exchange whispers as Alice lightly brushes Elijah’s tiny fingers, her expression full of wonder. “He’s so cute,” Alice whispers. “Like, unreal cute.”
“Careful, you’ll make me cry again,” Lainey says with a soft laugh, her exhaustion clear but overshadowed by her joy.
As the excitement begins to settle, Mark steps forward, his usual easy grin in place. “Alright, I’m heading out. You guys are in good hands.”
“Thanks, Mark,” Lainey says, her voice sincere.
Janelle straightens, brushing a hand over Lainey’s shoulder. “He’s beautiful, Lainey. Rest up, and I’ll stop by to check on you later.”
Lainey smiles warmly. “Thanks, Janelle. Drive safe.”
Janelle waves, following Mark out as the room begins to clear.
Anna leans down to kiss Lainey’s cheek before standing. “We’ll see you tomorrow, okay? Call me if you need anything—anything at all.”
“We will,” I assure her, shaking Ron’s hand as Joshua waves goodbye.
Wyatt and Chloe linger a moment longer, Jasper still talking about baby toes. “Alright, we’re off,” Chloe says, giving Lainey a hug.
“Take care of him, buddy,” Wyatt says, clapping my shoulder. “We’ll catch up soon.”
The door closes behind them, and the room finally grows quiet. Lainey exhales deeply, leaning back against the pillows. “That was a whirlwind,” she murmurs.
Before I can respond, a knock echoes through the hallway. I look up, and a familiar voice calls out. “Finally made it!”
Dad steps in, Noah right behind him, both of them looking travel-worn but smiling.
“Dad, Noah,” I say, relief washing over me. “You made it.”
Dad crosses the room quickly, his eyes softening as he looks down at Elijah. “He’s perfect,” he says quietly. His voice carries a reverence I’ve only heard a handful of times in my life.
Noah leans in next, a rare grin spreading across his face. “He’s got the Darling charm already.”
Lainey smiles up at them, her exhaustion momentarily fading. “Thanks for coming.”
Dad places a hand on Lainey’s shoulder. “I wouldn’t have missed this. You’ve done an incredible job, Lainey. We’re so proud of you.”
Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she thanks him. I catch her gaze, and in that moment, everything feels complete.
Dad and Noah stay a while longer, taking turns holding Elijah and snapping a few photos. When they finally say their goodbyes, Dad clasps my shoulder. “You’ve got a good thing here, Zach. Hold on to it.”
“I will,” I promise, my voice steady.
When the door closes behind them, it’s just the three of us again. I reach into my pocket, the weight of the ring grounding me. “Lainey,” I say softly, my voice breaking the silence.
Her eyes lift to mine, curious but warm.
“Earlier was… chaotic,” I start, a wry smile tugging at my lips. “But I still need to ask.”
Her eyes widen as I kneel beside the bed, holding out the ring. “Will you marry me?”
Her eyes brim with tears as she looks at me, then at Elijah. “Yes,” she whispers.
I slip the ring onto her finger, leaning in to kiss her softly, carefully. “I love you, Lainey.”
“I love you too, Zach.”
I settle beside her, my arm around her shoulders as we both gaze down at Elijah.
This day, this moment—it’s everything.
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