Brought By Destiny

Chapter 19

Five Years Later—A Life Complete

Lilly’s POV:

The morning arrived with a soft, golden glow, painting the kitchen in a warm light. It was one of those rare, fresh mornings where everything felt at peace. I was busy at the stove, the aroma of sizzling bacon and fresh coffee filling the air, when I suddenly felt a familiar pair of arms slide around my waist.

A warm pair of lips pressed a lingering kiss against the side of my neck.

"Mick... stop it, I’m cooking!" I said with a light giggle, wiggling in his grasp. But he only tightened his hold, pulling me flush against his chest.

I turned the gas off and spun around in his arms to face him, a mock-stern expression on my face. "What are you—"

He didn't let me finish. He leaned down and captured my lips in a deep, searing kiss that made my knees go weak. I’ve learned over the years that it’s impossible to protest when this man decides to be affectionate, so I quietly gave in, melting into him.

"Why did you wake up so early?" he murmured against my lips after we finally parted.

"In case you’ve forgotten, today is your daughter’s fourth birthday!" I stated, giving him a playful pat on the chest before turning back to the counter.

"I haven't forgotten," he said, leaning against the cabinets and watching me. "I’ve already planned everything for the party this evening." He leaned in once more, kissing my shoulder.

"Fine! Then please go freshen up and start getting the decorations ready," I said, moving to the other side of the counter to start chopping vegetables. "Mom and Dad are coming over early to help, right?"

"Yeah, obviously they’ll be here," he said, referring to Nathan and his mother. He gave my waist a final squeeze before heading back into the bedroom.

It has been five years since we said "I do." Our daughter, Emma, is four now. She entered our lives like a burst of sunlight, making our family feel truly complete.

Ryan is eight years old, a bright and protective older brother who loves us fiercely. He still doesn't know that Michael and I aren't both his biological parents, and for now, I want to keep it that way. He is a Knight through and through.

Michael proposed to me after seven months of dating, and I didn't hesitate for a second. His parents are the most supportive, loving couple I’ve ever known; it’s because of their grace that Michael was able to heal and move forward. I feel incredibly lucky to have in-laws like them, a husband who treats me like a queen, and two beautiful children. My life is finally full.

"Babe! Bring me my towel!" Michael yelled from the bathroom.

"Coming!" I called back, shaking my head with a smile. I knew he had left the towel out on purpose just to lure me into the bathroom so he could pull me into the shower with him. He’s been doing it for years, and honestly? I wouldn't have it any other way.

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Michael’s POV:

If someone had told me five years ago that I would be a firm believer in "second chances" and the "second love theory," I would have laughed in their face. But standing here today, I know there is no harm in falling in love a second time. In fact, it saved me. I am a happy man with a beautiful family. I love them all more than life itself, especially my wife.

The day Lilly said yes to me was the greatest day of my life. She transformed my world. We both have our flaws, our scars from the past, but we’ve accepted each other’s baggage. That’s what real love is: supporting each other through the good and the bad.