Page 36 of Kiss me Forever

He shakes his head. “No way. This was for you so I put my heart and soul into it. I normally hate planning parties. I’m gaining a whole new respect for superheroes though. I’ll leave the rest of the events up to you ladies since I did have some help from your bestie with this one anyway.”

“I can’t believe you managed to keep this from me,” I tell Livie. “This better not become a pattern.”

“I agree. You kept the book from me, and I kept this from you. That’s it, though, no more secrets. Besides, trust me, this was dang hard not to talk about,” she says. “I’m glad it’s happened now because I was going to burst.” I imagine she was. We have to share everything with each other. Every person needs someone in their life they can tell the good, bad, ugly, and horrific to without any thoughts of consequences.

“In more ways than one,” I tell her as I pat her stomach. “Thank you for helping him. This is absolute magic.”

The party continues and I love all of the costumes. The kids are taking a lot of pictures with Iron Man, Captain America, the Hulk, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and many others. This party might just continue all night long. I think he also brought enough food to feed the entire town which might just come as more and more people continue showing up. They’re drawn in by the noise and excitement flowing out into the streets.

Magnus doesn’t leave my side, his arm around my waist just where it should always stay. We mingle with everyone and my feeling of walking on water is even greater now. This is a whirlwind of happiness, and I want to remember every second of it. It’s a good thing multiple people are recording the event. I can relive this moment time and time again.

Mrs. Hargrove makes her way through the crowd still sporting her mask. She gives me a big hug. “I’m so happy for you, Piper. You deserve every ounce of happiness with how much joy you’ve given to so many people.”

“Thank you. I’m very happy,” I assure her.

When I see Isabella and Bianca making their way through the crowd, everything’s complete. Bianca is dressed as the sexiest Supergirl I’ve ever seen before, her smile big and bright while Isabella is sporting a Catwoman costume that looks very impressive on her. They engulf us both in their arms.

“Welcome to the family, Piper,” Isabella says. “I couldn’t be happier to have another daughter.” She pauses and gives me a sly smile. “Well, I could be happier if my newest daughter gives me grandchildren very soon.”

I laugh with joy as I embrace her. “That would make me very happy as well,” I assure her, making her smile grow even brighter.

“I’m going to be an auntie,” Bianca shouts, and the whole room cheers, making me blush deeply.

“Not yet,” I tell everyone. “Let’s get married first.” This makes everyone laugh again.

The celebration continues with Magnus, Isabella, Bianca, Livie, Tyler, and all of the people I love, happy and visiting with one another. We have no choice to part as the kids come up to Magnus, and want to take lots of pictures with him posing, assuring him he’s the coolest Spiderman they’ve ever seen. I think we know our costumes this Halloween.

By the time the celebration winds down and we walk from the library hand in hand, I know there’s no possible way this day can be topped. I don’t need a big wedding, the proposal was everything I could ever ask for. I truly am going to get a happily-ever-after, and nothing will shatter how I feel right now. It’s going to be roses and rainbows from this moment forward.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Magnus

The hospital waiting room is a blur of antiseptic smells, hushed voices, and shuffling of feet as people pace back and forth while waiting for news about their loved ones, both good and bad. I’ve never liked being in hospitals. Then again, I don’t know if I’ve met a single person who’s ever said how much they like coming to the hospital. It’s usually for bad reasons. Then again, a lot of people who come in walk out whole again, so that’s certainly good.

Currently Piper’s sitting beside me, her hands twisted in her lap, her eyes darting to the doors every few seconds. She’s a bundle of nerves as she awaits news. She’s been in and out of those doors many times today as her best friend is in labor and about to bring a new baby into the world. It’s about time for the baby to come out, and she left to give Livie and Tyler privacy even though they both insisted she could stay. I really admire the girls deep bond with each other. It’s just one more thing I love about the woman who will soon be my wife.

I reach over and take one of her trembling hands, giving her a reassuring squeeze. “Livie will be just fine,” I assure her for the hundredth time. I’ll do it a million more if it will take away her stress.

“I know women have babies every single day, but things do go wrong. I want to hold my niece, but I also want to hold Livie and know she’s okay. Can you even imagine doing this a hundred years ago at home without all of the modern medicine?” she says in a rush of words.

I chuckle. “There are people all around the world today who are still giving births in those conditions, yet the population still continues to grow. She’ll be just fine. Her blood pressure is good, she’s healthy, and soon you’ll be holding that beautiful baby,” I say,

She leans over and hugs me. “Thank you, Magnus. I’m so glad you’re here with me. I’d be going crazy if I was alone.”

“You’re never going to be alone again unless you want to be,” I assure her. It’s so odd for me, but I don’t need space anymore. I love my time with her, whether we’re having a beautiful discussion or simply sitting side by side in silence. I love her being with me. I’ve always enjoyed my alone time before, but I don’t need it anymore.

We go quiet again and sit in silence as the tension grows in the room, making the air feel so thick it could be cut with a knife. Just when I’m trying to figure out what to say to make her feel better, the double doors burst open, and a beaming Tyler rushes out. Livie and I turn as do his brothers, Blake and Byron. and their wives. Everyone’s holding their breaths.

“It’s a girl!” he announces, his voice cracking with emotion. “Both Livie and Julie are doing great.”

We all erupt into congratulations and cheers as everyone jumps up. Piper rushes forward, tears streaming down her cheeks as she’s the first to hug Tyler. “A girl. I have a niece. I’m so happy for you both,” she says through her tears.

“Congrats, brother,” Blake says.

“I’m going to be the greatest uncle ever,” Byron says.

I stand back and watch it all, feeling relief. I don’t know if Piper would survive something happening to her best friend. It would be worse than losing her arms or legs. We might be soul mates, but there’s no doubt Piper is her other half as well.

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