Hidden feelings

Chapter 9

9 YEARS LATER

Nine years later, life had settled into a beautiful rhythm. Enzo and I had moved back to our old neighborhood in California, the place where it all began.

Our home was filled with love, laughter, and the joyful chaos that came with raising a family.

Our five-year-old son, Carson, was a bundle of energy and curiosity. He loved playing catch in the yard with our golden retriever, Belly, and building intricate LEGO creations. Our three-year-old daughter, Riley, was a bundle of joy with a smile that could light up any room.

She loved dancing around the living room and pretending to be a princess. And we had another baby on the way, adding to the excitement and anticipation that filled our home.

Our house was our sanctuary, complete with a beautiful pool where we spent countless afternoons swimming and playing together.

The backyard was a haven for family barbecues, pool parties, and quiet moments under the stars.

One sunny Saturday, Enzo and I were lounging by the pool, watching Carson and Riley splash around in the water.

My belly had grown considerably, and I rested my hand on it, feeling the baby move.

Enzo looked over at me with a smile. "You doing okay, Evie?"

I nodded, returning his smile. "Just enjoying the view. Our kids are pretty amazing."

He chuckled. "They sure are. I can't believe how fast they've grown."

Carson swam over to us, his eyes wide with excitement. "Daddy, watch me do a cannonball!"

"Go for it, buddy," Enzo encouraged, sitting up to watch.

Carson ran to the edge of the pool and jumped in with a big splash, earning cheers from both Enzo and Riley. Riley clapped her hands and giggled, her pigtails bouncing as she laughed.

"Mommy, look at me!" Riley called out, kicking her legs in the shallow end.

"You're doing great, sweetie," I said, feeling a swell of pride.

Max barked happily from the side, wagging his tail and keeping a close eye on the kids.

Enzo leaned back, his hand gently resting on my growing belly. "You know, I couldn't have imagined a more perfect life."

"Me neither," I agreed, feeling a wave of contentment wash over me. "We've come a long way."

As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the backyard, we gathered the kids and headed inside. After dinner and bedtime stories, we tucked Lucas and Emma into bed. They were asleep within minutes, worn out from a day full of fun.

Enzo and I settled on the couch, a comfortable silence between us as we enjoyed the peaceful evening. He wrapped an arm around me, and I leaned into him, feeling the steady beat of his heart.

"You know," he said softly, "I never thought I'd be this happy."

"Me neither," I admitted. "But here we are."

"And we still have so much to look forward to," he said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "This new baby, more memories, more adventures."

I nodded, my heart full. "I wouldn't want to do it with anyone else."

Enzo kissed my forehead, his touch warm and reassuring. "To forever and always, Evie."

"To forever and always," I echoed, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the life we had built together.

As we sat there, the sounds of our home filling the quiet, I knew that no matter what the future held, we would face it together.

Our journey had been full of twists and turns, but it had brought us to this moment, and I couldn't have asked for anything more.