Laila (Reborn Trilogy, Book I)

Epilogue.

That same year, on Christmas Eve, everyone felt very excited. Since her reconciliation with Damian and the announcement of her pregnancy, Laila's life only got better; she progressed in her studies with the help of her teachers, along with her therapist, who continued to guide and advise her in the days when she felt her fears coming back strongly, this time, driven by the upcoming arrival of her first child.

Damian was also anxious about the changes his family would undergo in just a few months, but on the other hand, something inside him told him to trust his instincts, and that everything would work out. For the family dinner, they agreed that the three families —the Daniels, the Breuer and the Sherwoods— would meet at their home, which looked like one of those from architecture magazines, Holiday's Edition.

The beautiful Christmas tree twinkled with sparkling lights, while the colorful spheres gave it a magical glow. On the floor, a carpet of striking decorations was spread, with the gifts that each guest added as they arrived, capturing the attention of the little ones, who were anxious to know their content.

—Another Shirley Temple?— Damian walked over to Laila, and hugged her from behind.

—You spoil me too much—Laila turned and hugged him back, resting her head on his chest—ah... that sound always comforts me when I'm nervous.

—That sound?— He looked at her, confused for an instant.

—Your heartbeat_ she looked at him too, a soft blush on her cheeks—it has always had that effect on me.

—Your mere presence does the same for me— Damian replied, caressing her face.

—My gosh, stop with all the cuddles, already— Milo said, to annoy Laila—besides, you're squashing my niece.

—Come on Milo, don't be an a-hole— Dylan chided him, causing some laughter among their family members—let them be as sweet and mellow as they want... Until they give us all diabetes.

—Thanks Dylan, you're a great help— Laila rolled her eyes, but Damian just smiled.

—I can't help it, your sister really means everything to me—Damian said, causing a few sighs from the women in the room.

After dinner, everyone gathered around the tree and began to open the gifts, which ranged from the most common things for the girls, such as cosmetics and all kinds of accessories, to a Tablet and an MP3 player, for the most demanding family members, as a reward for their high grades in their studies and almost perfect behavior. In the end, only a small box remained, hanging from one of the tree's branches, it was light blue with a silver ribbon, and a large L adorned one of the sides, alluding to its owner.

—This is from me, to you— Damian whispered in her ear, before reaching out and taking it—I chose it carefully, I hope you like it.

—Damy…—Laila whispered too, not taking her eyes off her little gift.

—Open it— he giggled at her gesture—it won't bite you.

With trembling hands, Laila took the box from his hands and lifted the lid so carefully, that the room was filled with soft laughs an instant. She blushed even more and complained, while her mother, aunt and mother-in-law, watched her anxiously, especially the first one, who was lightly pinching her husband's arm. Once curiosity overcame, Laila peeked inside, and her eyes filled with tears, as she found the most perfect ring she had ever seen in her life; It was a unique piece, custom made, with a beautiful diamond, whose color seemed to change in an unusual way, as if its interior was made by a liquid substance or a living energy. Everyone expected her reaction, but it was Damian who spoke, kneeling in front of her: