Page 13 of Controlled By the Virgo

"I love you, Valerie," I say, my voice husky.

"I love you too," she replies, her voice soft. "Even though you are a controlling-ass Virgo."

I laugh as I pull her tighter against me. "Well, if I'm a Virgo, then what are you?"

She grins up at me. "A Pisces."

"Pisces, huh? What are your qualities?"

"They're all pretty great," she quips. "Empathetic, selfless, imaginative, creative, romantic."

I smile back at her. "Yeah," I agree. "They are."

She blushes, and I press my lips to hers.

“My thieving little Pisces who stole my heart.”

EPILOGUE

Two Years Later

Valerie

Two years have flownby like a dream, and as I watch Van gently cradle our baby girl, I can't help but feel incredibly blessed. Our daughter's laughter fills the air as she clutches onto her father's strong fingers, her tiny legs wobbly yet eager to learn how to walk.

"Come on, sweetheart," I encourage her, my hands outstretched in front of me, ready to catch her if she falls. "You can do it."

Van's piercing blue eyes meet mine, and he flashes me that heart-melting smile I've grown so fond of. "She's got this, Val. She's just like her mother – determined and fearless."

My cheeks flush at his compliment, and I glance over at my mom, who's sitting on the couch nearby. Her once-pale skin is now radiant and healthy, free of cancer thanks to the treatments Van generously paid for. Mom beams with pride as she takes snapshots of us with her phone, capturing these precious moments for safekeeping.

"Look at her go!" Mom exclaims, her voice filled with love and admiration. "Our little girl is growing up so fast."

"Your granddaughter will be running circles around us before we know it," I chuckle, my heart swelling with joy.

"Speaking of running circles," Mom begins, "how about you two take a break tonight? Let grandma babysit and you two can enjoy some quality time together?"

"Are you sure, Mom?" I ask hesitantly, not wanting to burden her with any additional responsibility.

"Of course, dear," Mom says reassuringly, setting down her phone. "I'd love to spend some time with my grandbaby. You two deserve a night off."

"Thank you, Mom," I say gratefully, planting a kiss on her cheek before turning to Van. "Well, I guess we have a date tonight, Mr. Carter."

"Indeed we do, Mrs. Carter," he replies with a wink.

* * *

My heart races as Van leads me into our bedroom, closing the door softly behind us. The dim glow from the bedside lamp casts an intimate warmth over the room, and I can feel the heat rise within me when his arms encircle my waist.

"Valerie," he whispers, his breath tickling my ear as he pulls me close, "I love you more than words can express."

"I love you too," I breathe, my voice barely audible amidst the pounding of my heart. Two years later and this man still has the power to make my heart skip a beat. I think he always will.

Our lips meet in a passionate, fiery kiss, and it feels like time itself has stopped. Every touch, every caress, ignites a spark deep within my soul. It's intoxicating, overwhelming, and yet so incredibly right.

"Your skin feels like silk beneath my fingertips," Van murmurs, his hands exploring the contours of my body. "You're absolutely breathtaking, Valerie."

"Please," I gasp, my fingers tangled in his dark hair, "don't stop."

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