Page 155 of Wild Tangled Hearts

“I always want to make you happy, Bella,” Sebastian whispers, his fingers tenderly brushing my cheek.

I sigh contentedly, reveling in the sensation of his touch.

“I spoke with a urologist a few days ago,” he says, tilting my chin so that I meet his gaze. “I didn’t want to tell you until I knew for sure...”

My brows furrow. “About what?”

His gaze is unwavering. “To see if I’m just infertile, or sterile.”

I reach out to touch his face, my fingers gently grazing his stubble. “Does it matter?” I ask softly. He knows that I’ve already come to terms with the fact that we won’t have biological children.

Sebastian takes my hand, pressing a warm kiss to my palm. “Yes,” he admits. “Because there are treatments now, assisted reproductive technologies, where it may be possible for us to have kids.”

“Really?”

He nods, a soft smile tugging at the corners of his lips. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up. And there are no guarantees, but the possibility is there. If that’s what you desire.”

The love I have for Sebastian is already more than I ever dared to hope for. Our relationship, our marriage, is a dream come true. But the idea of having a baby with him, with the possibility of a tiny life that carries both of our love, makes my belly flutter with longing.

Reader’s Choice:

What should Bella do next?

Pursue the possibility of a family. Explore the assisted reproductive technologies, understanding the emotional and physical challenges that lie ahead. Turn to this page.

Choosing the certainty of love. Family is not solely defined by the presence of children, but by the sacred promise two hearts make to build a life together. Turn to this page.

PartEleven

Happily Ever After

Happily ever after isn't the end of the story; it's the beginning of an adventure where love writes the most beautiful chapters.

Chapter72

Damien

DAMIEN AND BELLA’S HAPPILY EVER AFTER

The sun paints the sky in hues of pink and orange, and as I stand on the porch of our cottage, a gentle breeze rustles the leaves in the surrounding woods. It's a picturesque scene, and I can't help but feel a sense of contentment wash over me.

The sound of laughter echoes from inside the cottage, and I step through the doorway to find Damien engaged in a heated game of Uno with his mom, Lexi, and my parents. Lexi giggles as she plays a wild card, clearly winning over everyone's hearts and the game.

"Lexi's the Uno champion!" I declare, clapping for her, and she beams, her dimples deepening.

Damien grins, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glint. "You taught her well, Bella."

My dad, always the joker, chimes in, "Where do you think Bella learned to win." He points his thumbs at his chest.

“You haven’t won a game since Bella was six years old,” my mom says, shaking her head at him.

“Exactly,” he says with a wink. “I told you, I taught her how to win.”

Laughter erupts around the table, and I can't help but marvel at how effortlessly my family has blended with Damien's.

Damien's phone rings, momentarily silencing the room. A frown tugs at his brows as he stands to answer it, moving to the bedroom to take the call. But when he returns, his expression is lighter.

"That was the rehab center," he says with a hint of disbelief. "Stacey's six months sober and seems to be making real progress. They want to release her soon."

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