The Carters | ✓

Epilogue - Parents

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Max's POV

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"Hell yeah, Luna! You got it, baby!"

"That's my girl! Keep going, gorgeous!"

Bella and I were totally those parents. The ones who got way too invested in their kid's co-curricular activities and 100% believed that their kid was the best. But to be fair, our daughter really is the best player on her basketball team. And the best dancer in her jazz class. And the best swimmer in her squad. What can I say? Bella and I created the perfect child.

All the other parents attending the basketball game – from our team and the opposing team – all stare at my wife and I like we're crazy. But Bella and I couldn't give two shíts. That's our girl and she's absolutely killing it out there on the court.

When the final whistle blows, Bella and I shoot up from our seats, racing towards our little girl. Luna starts racing towards us as well, a wide gap-toothed smile lighting up her face. I reach her first, swooping her up into my arms and playfully chucking her into the air. Her giggles fill the air as I catch her and begin pressing kisses all over her cheeks.

"You did so well, baby!" Bella grins as she sidles up beside me, wrapping one arm around my waist and looking at our daughter lovingly.

"Did you see me out there, Mommy? I scored three goals! Three!" Luna babbles with wide eyes.

"I saw you, babe. You were incredible!" My wife beams, leaning forward to press a large smooch to our daughter's cheek.

"You were hands down the best out there, beautiful." I agree, settling her on my hip comfortably, "We're so proud of you."

She grins widely, chubby cheeks dimpling. "Thanks, daddy!"

I set her back down on the ground and we reluctantly let her run off to do their little group huddle and congratulate the other team on a good game. Wrapping an arm around Bella, I pull her into my chest as we both watch our daughter.

"She's the best kid, isn't she?" I murmur my question to her quietly.

"I don't know how we got so lucky." Bella agrees with a little shake of her head before looking up at me. I look right back down at her, catching the loving look in her gaze. I know the words that are about to come out of her mouth before she even says them. "I love you."

"I love you more." I counter immediately, pressing a kiss to her temple.

"I love you most. Boom. You can't beat that, Maxy."

"Maybe not right now. But I'll spend forever trying to prove you wrong." I tell her softly, nudging her nose with mine.

"You're so fúcking cheesy." She laughs, shaking her head at me.

"You love it."

"Unfortunately."

"Mommy! Daddy!" The excited voice of our daughter draws our attention away from one another for a moment. She runs back up to us, looking up expectantly.

"You ready to go, babe?" I ask, bending down to pick up her backpack for her. She nods immediately, reaching her hand up for mine. I take it, clutching her tiny hand in mine. Bella takes her other hand and we begin walking out of the school gym.

The whole car ride home is filled with Luna's animated babbling from the backseat. I can't help the way my eyes drift up to the rear-view mirror many times throughout the drive to watch her. I adore her more than anything in the world.