Page 97 of The Wrong Bride

"It's a girl," the doctor announced, holding up the tiny, squirming bundle.

Duncan cut the umbilical cord, and I began to laugh. I'd never been this happy in my life before.

Tears of joy and relief flowed freely as they placed our daughter on my chest. She was perfect, with a shock of dark hair and tiny fingers that curled around mine. "Hello, little one," I whispered, my voice choked with emotion. "Welcome to the world, Solène Marcella Archer."

Duncan kissed our daughter's cheek. "I love you, baby girl."

Then he dropped a kiss on my mouth. "Thank you,ma douce, for making my life so fucking sweet."

I grinned despite my fatigue. "I'm a baker,mon chéri; that's what we do."

Epilogue

Duncan

One year later

The Archer Estate in San Francisco was a sprawling expanse of lush gardens, elegant terraces, and opulent rooms, all teeming with life and laughter.

The California sun cast a golden glow over everything, making the day feel almost magical. Balloons and streamers decorated the gardens, a delightful combination of pinks and blues to celebrate the first birthdays of Solène and her cousin, Leo—Damian and Emilia's son, my nephew, who I loved as much as I did my daughter.

I stood on the terrace, looking out at the sea of happy faces. It was a week-long celebration, and today was the grand finale—a party that Emilia and Elsa had meticulously planned toperfection. Tables were set up under the shade of oak trees, laden with an array of delicious food and drinks. A long table was covered in an assortment of cakes and desserts, including a stunningcroquembouchethat Thierry and I had recreated, much to Elsa's amusement.

Solène was toddling around, her little hands reaching for anything within grasp, her bright eyes taking in the surrounding wonders. Every time I looked at her, my heart swelled with an emotion so profound it almost took my breath away. With her dark curls and sparkling eyes, she was the spitting image of her mother.

"Papa!" she called, her voice a sweet melody as she tottered towards me. I scooped her up, spinning her around as she giggled with delight.

"Having fun, sweetheart?" I asked, kissing her chubby cheek.

She babbled something in response, pointing toward the cluster of children gathered around a colorful puppet show.

I looked over to where Elsa was standing with Emilia, both women radiant and laughing. Emilia held baby Leo, who was a few days younger than Solène, in her arms. Damian stood beside them, his arm around his wife.

Our families were mingling, laughter and conversations flowing as effortlessly as the champagne.

Thierry and Angelique were talking to Mom and Dad. Dean had not been able to make it; but he'd be in Paris in a few days with his woman anddefinitelyhis better half. I knew Mom and Dad were delighted as fuck that not only were all their three sons settled, but they also had two grandbabies to play with.

"Duncan, bring Solène!" Elsa called, waving me over. "We're about to cut the cakes!"

I carried our daughter, placing her on my hip as we joined the gathering crowd around the dessert table. Emilia handed Leo to Damian, and the two babies were placed in their high chairs,their eyes wide with wonder at the colorful cakes in front of them.

"Happy birthday, Solène and Leo!" Everyone cheered, and the joy in the air was loud and palpable.

Elsa and I helped Solène cut her cake, her tiny hands gripping the plastic knife with our assistance. Frosting smeared her face almost immediately, and her delighted squeals filled the air.

Leo, who had cut another cake with his parents, had grabbed handfuls of cake and stuffed them into his mouth.

As the celebration went on, I took a moment to take it all in. My family was here, happy and doing well. Emilia and Elsa's idea to combine the Archer babies’ birthdays had brought us all closer, turning a simple party into a week of good memories.

I wrapped an arm around Elsa, pulling her close as we watched our daughter play with her cousin.

"Thank you," I whispered in her ear. "Thank you for giving me this life. Thank you for being everything I never knew I needed."

She looked up at me, her eyes shimmering with love. "You're everything and more I ever dreamed of having."

I pressed my lips to hers, placing a slow, tender kiss that held all the promises and dreams I was confident we would fulfill together.

After I kissed my wife thoroughly, I held up my glass of champagne. "À votre santé," I called out.

Everyone raised their glasses. "Cheers."

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