To You, with Love

EPILOGUE

Five years later:

Asher

I entered our house, wondering why it was so quiet, but then reality hit me. We don't talk anymore.

She always insisted on me waking her up every time I returned home late. She wants to have dinner with me and talk a little before going to bed. I couldn't bring myself to wake her up that day. She's pregnant, and she's already endured a lot. I carried her to the bedroom as she was sleeping peacefully on the couch. I'll never forget her sweet beaming smile as I placed her down on the soft mattress.

We didn't talk much the following day, and I knew she was upset about something. When I asked her, she explained everything. She genuinely cares about me, but that shouldn't be the case when she's in this condition.

Even when she was pregnant with Lucian, she had trouble sleeping and sometimes even walking.

I looked everywhere in the house for her, but she was nowhere to be found. Once I heard the door open, I turned as quickly as possible.

"Hi! How was your day?" I asked, and she finally looked at me.

"It was great. Thanks for asking." She sighed as she answered my question.

"You returned early. Is everything okay?" She asked, worried.

"Yes, everything is fine. I returned early to talk with you." I replied.

"Alright. Say whatever you want," she said as she folded her arms.

"First, let's have a seat; you must be exhausted." I remarked as I led her to the sofa.

"Amelia, I can't bear being apart from you any longer. It's painful not to see your smile even for a single day." I began.

"There is nothing I wouldn't do to make you happy." I paused before adding, "I'll start leaving work early so we can all eat together, and I'll even bring my unfinished work here to complete. So, please, just tell me what I'm supposed to do, and it's all yours. I'm yours." I went for her hand but hesitated.

She took my hand in hers and gently caressed my cheek. "I understand how hard you're working, and I must apologize for acting in that way. I became really emotional." She spoke.

"I simply wanted you to spend more time with Lucian. That's all. He understands you're always busy because of work, and he never complains, but we were kids once, and we both know we always hide things from our parents so we don't bother them." She continued.

"Don't worry, I'll always be there for you and Lucian." I replied as I kissed the hand that was resting on my cheek.

"And also for my baby girl." I added as I caressed her belly. She chuckled as she placed her palm on top of my hand.

"I hope she looks like you." I said as I continued to admire her growing belly.

"I hope she gets your warm hazel eyes." She said this while staring at me.

Our lips were a few inches away. "You're blushing." I whispered.

A phone started ringing and it interrupted us. She walked away to grab her phone, then to the backyard.

I was in the kitchen preparing dinner when she walked back in. "Our parents and Lucian are coming over for dinner," she stated as she gave me a back hug.

"He normally doesn't want to leave his grandparents' house." I said.

"I don't get it either. Maybe he misses his little sister." She smiled.

"Yes, that is totally right," I replied.

She was preparing to help me in the kitchen when I said, "No, I'll take care of everything. You should go get some rest." I pointed at her. She walked away, laughing.

After I was finished cooking, I started walking to our bedroom. That's when I noticed her brushing her hair.

"Let me braid your hair." I stated. She handed me her hairbrush, and I began carefully brushing it.

"Your hair is really soft." I mentioned, and she smiled at my remark.

They arrived shortly after we were done dressing. I realized something as I watched them enter the house.

She changed our lives the moment she walked into them. She became my home, the light in my dark world, and my everything. I guess Sofia was right—I deserve love too. I finally found love.

***

Amelia

As I stood in our garden admiring the view, I felt a sudden urge to thank Sofia for so many things. She's definitely my savior.

She was the reason I got to see him again, and she also granted me the chance to live in the house of my dreams with the man I love and my kids.

It was very noisy inside. Our parents chatted. Luke, Lily, and Lucian are playing together. Sofia and Stella chatted over snacks. Grace and Evelyn were also invited but did not attend because Grace is focused on Cassian's proposal while Evelyn is having a great time with her husband. I couldn't take it any longer, so I came here to my happy spot.

"You look beautiful in the moonlight." Asher said as he approached me. He placed a blanket shawl over my shoulders. I whispered a grateful "thank you."

"You don't have to stay up if you're tired. I'll take care of everything; just rest." He spoke. I smiled at his words. He's really kind to me, and I'm grateful every day for meeting someone like him.

"I'm alright, so don't worry." I smiled as I reassured him.

"Amelia, I really like your name. It has a very fitting meaning for you. Hardworking." He smiled while staring at me.

"That's why I'll always say your name every time I see you, so I don't forget how beautiful it sounds on my lips." He stated this while holding my hand.

"You know, my first impression of true love was that I'd never get to experience it." I said as I remembered my earlier memories.

"But then I found you, and I experienced what it's like to be in love." I said as I stared into his hazel eyes, that shone in the moonlight.

"I love you, Asher." I smiled.

He gave my forehead a soft kiss and said, "I love you too, Amelia."

I've always been a reader, and now I guess I'm an author of my own life story. It all started with denial and ended with confirmation that true love exists because I eventually found it.

The end