Page 76 of Justice

Christopher's thrusts are deep and measured, hitting all the right spots to send waves of pleasure coursing through me.

"Chris… Christopher," I moan, my nails raking down his back as I climb higher toward my peak. "Oh God, don't stop…"

"Never," he grunts, his pace increasing. "Come for me, baby. Let me feel you."

With a cry of ecstasy, I shatter around him, my inner walls clenching as bliss washes over me. Christopher follows soon after, burying his face in my neck as he finds his own release.

We lay tangled together in the afterglow, our breathing slowly returning to normal. Christopher's hand rests protectively over my belly, a contented smile on his face.

"I love you," he murmurs, pressing a soft kiss to my temple. "Both of you."

I snuggle closer, basking in his embrace. "We love you too."

After everything we've been through, we've found our happily ever after. And I wouldn't change a single moment of our journey for anything in the world.

A few years later

Elle

The sound of laughter fills the backyard as I watch our children play. Miracle, now five years old, is chasing her little brother Jax around the swing set. At three years old, Jax's chubby legs can barely keep up with his big sister, but he giggles with delight as she pretends to be a monster running after him.

I rest my hand on my swollen belly, feeling the kicks of our third child—another little girl we plan to name Emma.Christopher comes up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist and resting his chin on my shoulder.

"How are my girls doing?" he asks, his voice warm with love.

"We're good," I reply, leaning back into his embrace. "Your daughter seems to be practicing her kickboxing moves today."

Christopher chuckles, his hand joining mine on my belly. "That's my girl. She'll be a little badass just like her mama."

I turn in his arms, meeting his gaze. The love I see there still takes my breath away, even after all these years. "I love you," I murmur, stretching up to press a soft kiss to his lips.

"I love you too," he replies, his forehead resting against mine. "More than anything in this world."

Our moment is interrupted by excited shrieks as Miracle and Jax spot their uncles arriving. The backyard is soon filled with the boisterous sounds of the club members and their families gathering for our weekly Sunday barbecue.

As I watch our extended family interact—my dad teaching Jax how to throw a football, Mason and Zach taking turns pushing Miracle on the swing, Meadow and Tiana comparing notes on their pregnancies—I'm overwhelmed by a sense of gratitude.

The path that led us here wasn't easy. There were moments of darkness, of fear and pain that I thought would break me. But we emerged stronger, our love deeper and more resilient than ever.

Christopher squeezes my hand, drawing my attention back to him. His eyes shine with understanding, as if he knows exactly what I'm thinking.

"We made it, Elle," he says softly. "Against all odds, we built this beautiful life together."

I nod, tears of joy pricking at my eyes. "We did. And I wouldn't change a single moment of our journey."

As the sun begins to set, casting a warm glow over our gathered family, I know with absolute certainty that this is where I'm meant to be. Surrounded by love, laughter, and the unbreakable bonds of family—both blood and chosen.

This is our happily ever after, hard-earned and precious. And I'll cherish every moment of it for the rest of my days.

Christopher leaves my side to chase our children around the yard, pretending to be a monster as they squeal with delight. Miracle leads the charge, her dark curls bouncing as she runs. Close behind is our son,the spitting image of his father, giggling uncontrollably as Christopher scoops him up and spins him around.

"Okay, monsters," I call out, grabbing the tray of lemonade and snacks and setting it on the patio table. "Time for a snack break!"

The kids come running, faces flushed with exertion and joy. Christopher follows at a more sedate pace, Jax perched on his shoulders.

As we settle around the table, passing out cups of lemonade and cookies, I can't help but marvel at this life I have. The shadows of the past have faded, replaced by the warm glow of love and family.

Christopher catches my eye, a knowing smile playing on his lips. He reaches across the table, taking my hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze. In that simple gesture, I feel all the love and support that has carried us through the darkest of times.

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