The Brightest Stars ✨

Epilogue

The farmhouse was alive with the sound of laughter and the scent of blooming flowers as the first guests arrived for Nicole's first birthday party. The garden was decorated with pastel-colored balloons, streamers, and a large banner that read "Happy 1st Birthday, Nicole!" in playful, swirling letters.

Gabe and Natalia had spent weeks preparing for this day, wanting it to be perfect for their little girl. They had invited all their closest friends and family, and the house was soon filled with the warmth and love that had come to define their life together.

Natalia was in the kitchen, putting the finishing touches on the birthday cake—a beautiful, three-tiered creation decorated with delicate sugar flowers and a tiny, edible version of Nicole sitting atop it. Ella and Porsha were in the kitchen pretending to help but really helping themselves to wine, while Lima entertained Nicole in the living room, much to the baby's delight.

"Are you ready for this?" Ella asked, glancing at Natalia with a grin. "Your baby is turning one!"

"I can't believe it," Natalia replied, shaking her head in disbelief. "It feels like just yesterday she was born, and now she's walking and saying her first words. It's all going by so fast."

"She's a lucky girl," Porsha added, sliding a finger through the icing on one of the cake decorating tools that Natalia had discarded. tray of finger foods into the oven. "She's got two amazing parents and an amazing Godparent."

"You must mean me!" Ella said excitedly.

"If I say no, are you going to fire me?" Porsha said with narrowed eyes. They were both Nicole's godparents. Lima had pouted for a day or two but realised that she was the actual auntie and had let it go. Ella and Porsha doted on Nicole and they were both really good godparents but they were competitive.

"I only fake fired you once! When are you going to let that go." Ella protested.

"What do you mean by fake firing?" Natalia inquired, intrigued.

"Don't ask!" They both chorused.

"When are you coming back to work?" Porsha put a hand on her hip with that question. She pointed at Ella with an icing caked spatula, "I'm tired of dealing with her white ass."

Natalia paused, considering the question for a second. She actually hasn't thought about going back to work at all, her heart constricted at the thought of leaving Nicole with others and having her far away from her for 8 hours a day.

"Give it over!" Ella told Porsha gleefully. Porsha groaned, digging up her wallet and handling over a crisp 20.

"What's this then?" Natalia asked. they clearly had some sort of bet going that was about her, she was actually scared to find out the terms.

Ella and Porsha both grinned manically. "Don't ask," they chorused again, knowing the both of them as well as she did now Natalia heeded their warning and didn't press them about it.

As they continued to prepare for the party, Gabe entered the kitchen, carrying Nicole in his arms. The baby was dressed in a little pink dress with a matching headband, her curly hair bouncing as she babbled excitedly.

"Look who's ready for her party," Gabe announced, beaming as he held up their daughter.

Natalia turned, her face lighting up as she saw Nicole. "There's my birthday girl!" she cooed, reaching out to take her from Gabe. "Are you excited, sweetie? All your friends are here to celebrate with you."

Nicole giggled, clapping her hands as Natalia kissed her cheek.

The party was a joyous occasion, filled with laughter, music, and the sound of children playing. Nicole was the star of the show, toddling around the garden with her newfound confidence, her face lighting up every time someone wished her a happy birthday.