Page 110 of From Rivals to I Do

The door bursts open, Alex running in as he calls out, “Grandma!” before he leaps into my mother’s arms. His unreserved affection for her fills the room with warmth, and the atmosphere is suddenly charged with the boundless love of family.

My mother, holding Alex close, begins to sob gently. The tears that have been held back for so long are finally finding their release. I take hold of Derrick’s hand, swinging it slowly with the rhythm of the music that plays in the background.

*****

It’s a few days after the whirlwind of the burial and the emotional proposal, and I find myself alone in the backyard of Derrick’s family home. The setting is serene, with an expanse of large trees and flourishing greenery. The cool breeze rustles the leaves, and the warm sun bathes the landscape in a gentle, golden glow.

While I’m sitting amid this tranquil scene, I think about the recent turn of events in my life. It seems as if all the good things I never expected have been happening in quick succession, and my heart is filled with a sense of contentment that I’d never imagined before.

The day before, my mother, Lisa, had flown back to New York. We had shared a bittersweet farewell, as I promised to come and visit her soon. Last night, I had also placed a video call to my dearest friend, Rose, and eagerly showed her the engagement ring. She had reacted with infectious excitement, her happiness radiating through the screen and warming my heart.

Today, I decided to paint a beautiful landscape of the greenery that stretches before me. As I dip my brush into the vibrant hues of paint, I pour my emotions onto the canvas.

However, my reverie is broken by the sound of approaching footsteps behind me. I turn to see Derrick, a warm smile on his face, and a man next to him. The man appears to be in his fifties, with salt-and-pepper hair and a face that carries a faint look of familiarity, something I can’t quite place my finger on.

I put down my paintbrush, a bit puzzled, and lean over to Derrick for a hug. “Welcome, dear,” I say before turning my attention to the unfamiliar man and greeting him with a polite, “Good evening.”

I shoot Derrick a questioning look, silently asking who this man is and why he’s here.

Derrick takes a moment, his face carrying a hesitant look. He clears his throat, a hint of nervousness in his voice. “Amber, there’s something I’ve been working on for a while,” he begins. “It’s a secret I’ve kept from you, and I hope you’ll forgive me for that.”

My curiosity grows, and my heart beats faster. I listen intently as he explains how he had gone out of his way to uncover hidden truths and make extraordinary discoveries. It’s evident in his eyes that he’s sharing something deeply significant.

Derrick introduces the man, the one I had noticed earlier but couldn’t quite place. “This is Ted,” he says, gesturing toward him. “Ted is your father, Amber.”

Epilogue

We’re out on a beautiful, sunny day, and we’ve decided to have a family picnic. We find a quiet spot in the park, and I sit on a comfortable mat, watching the scene unfold before me.

Derrick, a few feet away, has taken a little distance to make a phone call. His deep voice floats toward me as he engages in a conversation that’s both distant and present at the same time.

My heart warms as I turn my attention to the two most important men in my life. Ted, my father, is pushing Alex on a swing, his laughter ringing through the air. I marvel at how much he’s become a part of our lives. He’s turned out to be a lot better than I ever could have hoped for.

In the past few days that I’ve been with him, we’ve bonded over discussions that go way back—even to before my birth.

As I look at him right now, I see my eyes I never saw in my mother.

I see my warmth.

I see me.

A mega me.

I stand from where I am and walk toward the swing. I give Alex a peck and hold Ted’s hand.

Derrick is still making a call where he stands. He turns and looks at me and we smile at each other. He blows a kiss at me, and I laugh, catching it.

The End.

Thank you

Thank you for your support. I hope you enjoyed this romance novel. As a new Publisher, your support is important and appreciated.

Billionaire Boss & Single Mom is next.

Be Blessed!

Skylar

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