Page 65 of Sold To My Ex's Dad

I chuckle; the sound is a bit rough around the edges. “It might be too late for that,” I admit, my laugh turning into a soft, incredulous shake of my head.

“It’s a whole new chapter, isn’t it?” I ask, my voice a whisper as if speaking too loudly might disturb the profound peace of the moment.

“It is,” Allie agrees softly. “And it’s going to be an amazing one.”

As I stand by the window, basking in the quiet joy of the moment, a knock at the door pulls me from my reverie. I open it to find Caleb and Stacy on the threshold, their faces bright with excitement and anticipation.

"Hey, Dad," Caleb says, stepping into the room with a cautious smile, his eyes quickly moving to the bundles in our arms.

Stacy, ever the vibrant one, rushes in with less restraint, her voice a delighted squeal. "Oh my God, they’re here! Can I see them?"

Allie laughs, then nods. "Of course, Stace," she says, her arms carefully cradling Samuel. "Meet your new godson."

I hand Shannon to Caleb, watching closely as he takes his sister with a gentleness I hadn't expected from him. It's a moment that tightens my throat, seeing him so tender, so immediately protective.

"They’re beautiful," Caleb says, his voice thick with emotion as he looks down at Shannon, who blinks back with wide, curious eyes.

"Yeah, they’re something, aren't they?" I manage to say, my usual composure a bit shaken by the sheer beauty of the moment.

Stacy, holding Samuel now, coos at him, making soft, silly faces that have Samuel blinking sleepily.

"They’re absolutely perfect, Allie. You did good," she says, then her eyes flick up to me. "You both did."

This is what life's about—these moments of pure, unfiltered joy. Watching my son bond with his new siblings and watching Allie’s best friend embrace her role as godmother, I know we’re on the right path. A path that’s just beginning for Shannon and Samuel Spellman under the watchful eyes of their family.

There’s nothing but love in this room. And I’ve got no doubt that love is only going to grow.

Epilogue II

Allie

Two years later…

The morning buzzes with the kind of electric excitement you’d expect before a big opening night, only today, it's for Shannon and Samuel’s second birthday party at our restaurant.

Stacy and I are in my bedroom, a hurricane of preparation as we chat and laugh, getting dolled up for the day. It feels a bit like pre-kid days, except now our conversations revolve more around nap schedules than nightclub escapades.

"Oh, please, Al," she teases, her tone playful yet pointed. "Don’t pretend you haven’t thought about Patrick popping the question. It’s about time, isn’t it?"

"I swear, between the restaurant and these two little whirlwinds, my brain has no room left for thoughts of wedding plans," I confess, attempting a somewhat sophisticated updo in front of the mirror. Stacy watches with an amused smirk, applying her mascara with practiced ease.

A laugh escapes me as I secure a hair tie. "If I have thought about it, it was while I was half asleep and dreaming! But honestly, we're swamped. The new place is booming; the kids are a handful. Where would a wedding fit into all that?"

"Just think about it," Stacy insists, her eyes twinkling as she turns to face me fully. "Patrick’s basically dream husband material."

"That’s true," I admit, adjusting my earrings. "He’s been incredible. With the restaurant, with Shannon and Sam ... I really hit the jackpot with him."

We continue our prep, transitioning from the bedroom cluttered with beauty products to the living room overrun with last-minute party supplies that need to be taken to the restaurant.

A chime sounds on my phone. I open the text to find a picture of Patrick and the kids putting up decorations.

"Looks like the birthday duo is getting antsy," I say.

Stacy hands me my purse, a thoughtful look on her face. "You two are amazing together. He’d be crazy not to lock this down officially."

Gathering the party favors, I nod. "Maybe after today’s chaos settles, we'll talk about it. Who knows? Today might be full of surprises after all."

We step out, locking the door behind us, ready to join Patrick and the twins.

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