Page 177 of After Hours

I kissed her softly, feeling like the luckiest man on earth to have her as my partner and to be on the verge of starting a family. Our journey into parenthood was set to be remarkable, with her by my side.

“You’re erasing every bit of damage I’ve ever felt. Every pain caused. Everything bad that went wrong my past is leaving because of you. You are the love of my life,” I placed a kiss on her lips. “The reason I get to have the best family in the world. The reason my heart beats. The reason I’ve been a better person. And I can’t fucking wait to parent our children with you. I can’t wait to marry you and to be with you through it all. I love you and we both know that isn’t enough to express my thoughts, but it’s a good start.”

She started crying. And I joined her. We were absolutely happy.

Our living room was alive with the warmth of friendship and the sound of laughter. We normally did the bi-weekly game and hang-out nights at each other’s houses and tonight’s game was at our house.

I’ve always loved to be alone and in my own space but ever since I’ve met my beautiful wife-to-be, I’ve appreciated the love and company of other people around me.

“This is really good,” Abigail said, taking a bite of the chicken wrap. “Where’d you buy these?”

“I have a fiancé who can cook,” Azzarria said.

Abigail rolled her eyes. “Dillon made these? Was I the only person who didn’t know he could cook?”

Everyone said in unison, “yes.”

She grabbed her glass of scotch and gulped it. “Wow.” Passing the glass to Azzaria, she asked, “Here, want some?” Azzaria glanced at the amber liquid, her eyes reflecting the hesitation within her. Then she shook her head, her gaze locking onto Abigail’s. “I can’t drink.”

Silence settled over the room for a moment. Arnoldo, sharp as ever, overheard Azzaria and couldn’t help but question, “Why can’t you drink?”

I jumped into her defense. “She doesn’t want to drink tonight.”

Simultaneously, the room filled with an electric atmosphere, and the collective gaze of our friends turned toward us. Lucio’s eyes danced between Mikkel and me, trying to figure out what was happening.

Despite the unspoken understanding, Arnoldo pressed on, his curiosity evident. “No, no, no, she didn’t say she doesn’t want a drink, that would be different, she said she can’t drink.”

She rolled her eyes and groaned. “Is it ever that serious guys?”

“No way,” Lucio chimed in, his voice filled with amazement as he looked at Mikkel.

Mikkel nodded with a hearty laugh. “Woah.” Arnoldo raised an eyebrow. “What are they hiding?”

Lucio shared a knowing look with Ronan, who couldn’t help but add, “Not possible.”

Mara, my very unfiltered and loud sister stared with excitement and shock. She burst out, “You two are pregnant! You’re pregnant?”

I couldn’t contain my own excitement, my heart swelling with happiness. Our friends burst into exclamations, surprise and joy evident in their expressions.

Azzaria and I shared a loving look and nodded in unison. “Yes, we’re pregnant.”

“My best friend is pregnant,” Abigail said, tears streaming down her face. “I’m so happy for you two.” She clung her hands around Azzaria and they enveloped in a gentle hug.

“Just as I thought I was about to get out of being a Xander lawyer, there’s one more coming into the family,” Arnoldo said.

He’s such an asshole. But I knew he meant well.

I spoke up. “There’s two more coming in my family.”

Everyone looked up in shock. “You’re having twins?”

“We’re having twins.”

“I better start drafting the contract for the island he’s going to buy you as a push present.” Everyone started laughing but I wasn’t taking this for a joke. That could actually be a good idea.

I was happy and this, being here, was all we needed. I love our life and I love doing and going through life with her.

I’ve spent years upon years shying away from love. I’ve spent years telling myself it would be stupid of me to ever find love and I’ve spent half the time ignoring my feelings for her and the other half trying to control myself around her. And in the end, all those efforts failed and I’m so glad it did.

This was where I was meant to be with her. All the pain of my past and all the grief I felt were washed away the very second she entered my life.

My grandmother was definitely right: “Pridie melius quam ultimo” otherwise known as the day ahead will always be better than the last.

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