Page 74 of Justice

"Elle, my love, my heart," he says softly, reaching up to brush away my tears. "What happened to you… it broke my heart. Notbecause I saw you as damaged or broken, but because I couldn't bear the thought of anyone hurting you.

“But, Elle, it never changed how I felt about you. Not for a single second."

Christopher's eyes burn with intensity as he continues. "You are the strongest, bravest person I've ever known. How could I not love you even more for that?"

He brings Miracle’s little hand to his lips, pressing a tender kiss to her knuckles. "As for Miracle… Elle, she's ours. In every way that matters. Biology doesn't make a family—love does. And I love that little girl with every fiber of my being, just as I love you."

Christopher's voice grows fierce, passionate. "I don't care what anyone else thinks or says. You and Miracle are my world, my everything. "You're my ole lady, Elle.

“You decided to keep this baby, you did something so selfless, and look at the gift you’ve given me? You made me a daddy.”

He leans in, resting his forehead against mine. "You've given me everything I never knew I needed, Elle. A family, a home, a purpose beyond the club. You've made me a better man, a man worthy of your love."

He pulls back slightly, his gaze intense as it locks with mine. "You are my forever, Elle. You and Miracle.”

A year ago, I never thought this would be my life, but I wouldn’t change a single thing, even the horrible parts.

Because I have everything I dreamed of and more.

Epilogue

ONE YEAR LATER

Elle

The sun streamsthrough the bedroom window, casting a warm glow across the room. I stir slowly, blinking away the remnants of sleep as I become aware of the tiny body snuggled against my side. Miracle, now a year old, is curled up next to me, her dark curls splayed across the pillow.

I smile, watching her peaceful slumber for a moment before carefully extracting myself from the bed. As I pad quietly to the bathroom, I catch sight of my reflection in the mirror. My hand drifts to the slight swell of my stomach, a thrill of excitement running through me at the thought of the new life growing within.

After showering and dressing, I make my way downstairs, the aroma of fresh coffee guiding me to the kitchen. Christopher stands at the counter, his back to me as he pours a cup. I wrap my arms around him from behind, pressing a kiss between his shoulder blades.

"Good morning, handsome," I murmur against his skin.

He turns in my embrace, a soft smile playing on his lips as he leans down to kiss me properly. "Morning, beautiful," he says, his voice still rough with sleep. "How are my girls doing today?"

I grin, taking the offered cup of decaf coffee. "We're good. Your son, on the other hand, seems determined to use my bladder as a punching bag."

Christopher's hand comes to rest on my belly, his eyes shining with pride and love. "That's my boy," he chuckles, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

The sound of little feet pattering down the hallway interrupts our moment. Miracle toddles into the kitchen, her face lighting up when she sees us. "Mama! Dada!" she exclaims, arms outstretched.

Christopher scoops her up, peppering her chubby cheeks with kisses as she giggles. "There's my little princess," he coos, settling her on his hip.

As I watch them together, my heart swells with love and gratitude. The past year hasn't been easy, there were still nightmares, still moments of fear and doubt. But we faced them together, our love growing stronger with each challenge we overcame.

The club has been our rock through it all. They've become more than just Christopher's brothers, they're our family, our support system. Miracle has a small army of doting uncles wrapped around her little finger, each one fiercely protective of their youngest members.

We're interrupted by a knock at the door. Christopher hands Miracle to me, pressing a quick kiss to both our cheeks before going to answer it. Moments later, he returns with my dad in tow.

"There're my girls," Dad says warmly, embracing me carefully before taking Miracle from my arms. She squeals in delight, always happy to see her grandpa.

We sit down for breakfast, the conversation flowing easily between all of us.

Christopher catches my eye across the table, reaching out and taking my hand in his, his thumb brushing over my wedding ring. The simple gold band is a constant reminder of the vows we made six months ago, surrounded by our family and friends.

I’m taken back to our wedding day.I can't help but smile at the memory. The rustic lodge that was transformed into a fairytale setting, with twinkling lights and wildflowers adorning every surface.

My dad was wearing a tux like the rest of the guys; it took some convincing, but I wanted this wedding to be what I dreamed of.

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