Page 32 of Red Rose Cupcake

ROSIE

Tears blur my vision as I watch the nurses clean our daughter, the tiny cries filling the room with the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard. I can’t stop shaking, overwhelmed by the exhaustion and joy swirling inside me.

Knox kisses my forehead, his hand brushing the hair from my face. “You did it, babe. She’s perfect.”

A nurse brings her over, swaddled in a soft blanket, and gently places her in my arms. The moment I look down at her tiny face, my heart completely shatters. She’s perfect. Dark hair, chubby cheeks, and the tiniest fingers I’ve ever seen.

“Hi, baby girl,” I whisper, tears streaming down my face as I cradle her close. “I’m your mommy.”

Knox leans over, his arm wrapped around my shoulders as he looks down at her, his own tears glistening in his eyes. “And I’m your daddy.”

Our daughter’s eyes flutter open, and for a moment, I swear she looks right at us. It’s like she knows. She knows we’re hers. And we’re hers forever.

“She’s so beautiful,” Knox whispers, his voice thick with emotion.

I nod, unable to speak. I never thought I could feel this much love, this much happiness. It’s overwhelming. But it’s everything I’ve ever wanted, and more.

Knox kisses the top of my head, then our daughter’s forehead. “Thank you, Rosie,” he whispers, his voice so soft Ialmost don’t hear it. “Thank you for giving me this family. For giving me everything.”

I look up at him, my heart full to bursting. “We did this together.”

We sit there in silence, the three of us, as the world outside fades away. It’s just us now. Our little family.

And I’ve never felt more at peace.

One Year Later

ROSIE

I’m standing in front of the mirror, smoothing out the fabric of my dress for what feels like the tenth time. The satin clings in all the right places, a deep emerald green that makes my skin glow. My hair is pulled back into an elegant updo, with a few loose curls framing my face.

“You look stunning,” Knox murmurs behind me, his hands sliding over my hips, pulling me back against his broad chest. I catch his reflection in the mirror—tall, muscular, with his dark hair neatly combed back, his green eyes burning with that intensity I know all too well.

“You don’t look too bad yourself,” I tease, turning in his arms to get a full look at him. He’s wearing a tailored suit, charcoal gray, with a white shirt that strains against his muscles. The man is fine enough to stop traffic.

“Let’s not go to the wedding,” he whispers, leaning down to kiss my neck, his breath warm against my skin.

I laugh softly, pushing him away, though my body is already reacting to him. “We can’t bail on Candace’s big day. You know she’d kill me.”

Knox sighs dramatically, stepping back and giving me one last lingering look before he grabs the car keys. “Fine, but you owe me.”

* * *

The wedding is everything you’d expect—beautiful, lavish, and full of joy. Candace looks like she stepped straight out of a bridal magazine, and the ceremony itself is perfect.

But as the reception kicks into high gear, I can’t help but notice the sidelong glances Knox keeps throwing my way. Every time I meet his eyes, I feel a familiar heat coil low in my belly. It’s the same look he gave me on our wedding day, the one that says he’s barely holding himself back.

As the toasts are made, and laughter fills the room, I excuse myself to freshen up. When I return, Knox is waiting for me, leaning casually against the wall near the door.

“What are you up to?” I ask suspiciously.

“Come with me.” He doesn’t wait for a response, just takes my hand and leads me out of the ballroom.

“Knox, we’re going to miss the rest of the reception.”

“Trust me, you won’t miss a thing.” His voice is a low rumble, and it sends a shiver down my spine.

He leads me through a side door, out into the garden. The moonlight bathes everything in a soft, silver glow. It’s quiet, except for the distant hum of music from the reception.

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