Page 88 of When Our Stars Aligned

“Oh, you know, the normal stuff. My academic accomplishments, getting married, starting a family, stuff like that.”

“What’s the next thing on your list?” I ask and watch her face break into a giant smile.

“Living happily ever after.”

Bonus Epilogue

Aly, Five Years Later

“Alyssa Ann Winters Parker, what are you doing standing on that chair in your condition?” my best friend, Jess, scolds me while holding her son, Reece, on her hip.

“My condition?” I snort. “I’m trying to hang the birthday banner,” I respond while holding up the superhero-themed decoration. Today is the birthday of our son, Christopher. “And I’m pregnant, not completely incapacitated.” Although I realize that it might be a bit harder than expected to climb down since I can’t see past my rapidly growing belly. I’ve learned that you start showing faster with each pregnancy, and thanks to Jax (okay, obviously I’m a willing participant too), I’ve had four back-to-back pregnancies.

“Didn’t you learn anything from what happened to me a few years ago? You need to slow down.” Jess taps her foot in frustration. “Stay there. I’m getting Jax.”

“Mommy! Mommy! Look what Uncle Travis got us!” JJ and Christopher come running into the kitchen holding water guns.

“Oh, yay. More messy things,” I say sarcastically. “You can only use them outside!” I yell as the two boys run after each other. Elton and Tony, our two rescue dogs, gallop on by, hot on the kids’ heels. I always wanted a large family, but sometimes I feel like I ended up with a small zoo instead.

“Special delivery!” I hear Carter’s voice from the front door.

“I’m in the kitchen,” I yell to him.

“Hey, Aly!” Carter appears holding what is presumably Christopher’s birthday cake. He places it on the kitchen counter and turns to look up at me. “Should you be standing on a chair in your condition?”

“I’m fine.” I roll my eyes and look around him. “Where’s Michelle?”

“She’s on her way. She sent me in with the cake but mentioned something about running back to get some kiwi bars she forgot.”

“Ohh! She’s the best!” I rub my hands together, almost losing my balance. I’ve been craving tropical fruit throughout this whole pregnancy. Funny how I had different cravings with each kid. I craved ice cream and gummy bears with JJ, tacos with Christopher, and anything and everything with peanut butter during my pregnancy with Weston.

“Watch yourself there, Legs.” Alex appears out of nowhere and grabs my hips to steady me on the chair. A moment later, I’m weightless as he places one arm around my lower back and the other under my knees, lifting me bridal style.

“Get your hands off my wife,” Jax says from somewhere behind me.

“Stop knocking up your wife.” Alex walks over to him and unceremoniously dumps me in Jax’s arms. “Seriously, dude, I don’t remember what Aly looks like not pregnant. Give her a break.”

“She doesn’t mind!” he calls after Alex as he walks towards our backyard where the party is being held. “You don’t mind, do you?” He looks down at me with concern.

“You know I love our growing family.” I give him a quick kiss.

“Knock! Knock!” Gabby calls through our screen door.

“In the kitchen!” Jax and I yell in unison.

“I’m not late, am I? I swear I felt like my shift would never end. Then everyone kept stopping to ask me questions when I was trying to leave…” Gabby’s voice trails off as walks into the kitchen holding several balloons. She looks at Jax, who is still holding me, and lets out a loud sigh. “Seriously, Jax, I know you get extra overprotective when Aly is pregnant, but she can walk on her own.”

I throw my head back in laughter as Jax sheepishly puts my feet back on the floor and turns towards our backyard.

“Umm, Gabby, you know this is a birthday party for Christopher, right?” I look curiously at one of the balloons that says, “Congratulations!”

“I know, but how can wenotacknowledge your promotion?” She hands me the balloon. “Congrats, Dean Parker.”

“Oh, thank you!” I give her a hug. “You’re the sweetest.”

“Hey! I thought I was the sweetest!” Amelia says, coming up from behind Gabby and playfully nudging her shoulder. “I still can’t believe you’re my boss now.”

“I still can’t believe you live here now, and I’m not directly your boss.” I shake my head at her. “If you remember, once upon a time, I was your team leader in Beaute.”

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