Ice & Prejudice

Epilogue (10 years later)

Victoria's POV:

The hospital room was alive with a cacophony of voices and gentle laughter as the newest addition to our family was welcomed into the world. After four energetic sons, we'd finally been blessed with a little girl. Nikolai was absolutely glowing, a look of pure adoration on his face as he cradled our little daughter, rocking him gently. It was a scene that felt so right and complete, even amidst the chaos of the hospital room.

Layla and I have opened our clinic a few years ago and working together in Oxford. Luckily, we had a very flexible job, so online sessions were always possible if Nikolai had hockey or business meetings in the USA, or somewhere else in the world. We had travelled the world together, exlpored all these different places and cultures. And then we got threw a big wedding party, said our vows, and it was all perfect. Everything was. Don't get me wrong we still fight over stupid things on a daily basis, but we've always liked that. It was just so...us.

I was resting in the hospital bed, my tired but happy eyes fixed on Nikolai. He glanced up from our baby girl and caught my gaze, his eyes twinkling with that familiar mischief.

"I want another one," he said with a grin that made me laugh despite my exhaustion.

"Go fuck yourself, Nikolai!" I shot back playfully, my voice still breathy from labor. I'd never let him forget that I was still recovering from the ordeal. "I will hurt you if you even come near me."

"Yeah?" Nikolai's voice dropped to a seductive murmur as he tilted his head to the side, his smirk growing. "What else?"

That look, combined with the memory of what we had just been through, made me hot and flustered. The idea of intimacy was still a few weeks away, and the thought of resisting Nikolai's charm for that long felt like a cruel joke. I shot him a playful glare, trying to stifle a smile.

The next few weeks were going to be absolute torture, especially with a hot, flirty husband like Nikolai.

"We are still right here," Lia interjected dramatically, making sure everyone could see the heat between Nikolai and me. She had that look in her eyes-an equal mix of amusement and concern.

Mia, always the protective sister, stepped in front of me as if to shield me from further advances. "Dude, leave my sister alone. Every time the two of you are alone, she ends up pregnant. I'm already concerned for her when you breathe too close to her."

"Hey!" Nikolai laughed, his voice warm and genuine. "I think we've done pretty well."

"Yeah, you think?" Mia said, raising an eyebrow. "I'm going to have to get you a leash at this rate."

I chuckled, feeling the love and camaraderie around me. This was the life I had always dreamed of-a life filled with laughter, love, and the occasional playful banter.

Gia, meanwhile, had taken over from Nikolai, holding our newborn daughter with a look of pure adoration. "She's absolutely perfect," she said softly, her eyes shining.

Nikolai finally made his way to me, his steps light as he approached with a bottle of water. "Here," he said, handing it to me. "You did amazing today. I'm so proud of you."

I accepted the water gratefully, taking a few sips before meeting his gaze. "Thank you," I said, my voice soft. "I couldn't have done it without you."

He leaned in, brushing a tender kiss against my forehead. "I'm just happy we're here. You're incredible, you know that?"

"I'm watching you, Wolves." Mia warns dangerously, seeing as Nikolai was too close to me for her comfort, and couldn't stifle my laugh.

Before I could respond, the door to the hospital room opened, and in walked Amara and Eduard, their faces beaming with pride. They were followed by Layla and Jamal, who had their 7-year-old twin daughters, Destiny and Delilah in tow. Even Alisha had made it, her presence immediately noticeable with her usual sassy flair. She hadn't changed one bit. She was just as much a sassy teenager as she had been a sassy kid. But we all loved that about her. She's even taken it upon herself to make Destiny and Delilah just as sassy, if not more. And it was working. Poor, Jamal. The man had no way of winning.

Harvey and Dickie were already running around with our four sons, their antics causing a burst of laughter to ripple through the room. I watched them for a moment, feeling a sense of completeness that came from having our family gathered like this.

"Where's the little troublemaker?" Alisha called out, her eyes scanning the room. She made a beeline for me, offering a hug that was both enthusiastic and slightly over-the-top.

"Alisha!" I said, laughing. "You're as dramatic as ever."

"Well, someone has to be," she said with a wink. "I'm just here to keep things interesting. Also, I brought gifts."

Padma and Noah arrived next, their family adding even more warmth to the already lively atmosphere. Their three kids-ten-year-old Nyla, six-year-old Arya, and twenty-month-old Ravi.-were full of excitement. Nyla and Arya had arms full of colorful gifts, while Ravi, ever curious, immediately zeroed in on our newborn daughter.

The little guy waddled over, his eyes wide with wonder as he peered at the baby. "She's so tiny!" he exclaimed, his voice filled with awe. He reached out a chubby finger to gently touch the baby's hand, his expression one of pure admiration.

"Oh, she's so adorable," Padma said, leaning down to ruffle his hair. "She's a very special little girl."

As the room filled with more gifts and congratulations, I couldn't help but feel overwhelmed with joy. Everyone was so excited, and the way our friends and family were coming together for us was nothing short of magical.

"I hope you're not planning on another one too soon," Padma said, giving Nikolai a teasing look. "I'm already going to need a bigger bag for all these gifts!"

Nikolai laughed, clearly enjoying the playful banter. "We'll see," he said, his tone light. "I think we're good for now."

"Well, I'm glad to hear that," Padma said, her eyes twinkling. "But don't think you're getting off the hook that easily. I'll be checking in on you."

As the evening wore on, the room became a beautiful chaos of laughter, chatter, and playful teasing. The kids were running around, showing off their new toys, while the adults engaged in lively conversations. Amidst it all, I found myself soaking in the love and warmth surrounding me.

Nikolai stayed close by, offering support and sharing in the joy of the moment. He was constantly by my side, checking in, making sure I was comfortable, and sharing little jokes that made me laugh despite the exhaustion.

"You're doing great," he said, his voice low and reassuring. "I love you so much."

I looked at him, my heart full. "It feels like everything we've worked for, everything we've been through, has led us to this perfect moment. Our story."

He smiled, his gaze filled with adoration. "I wouldn't change a thing."

As the night went on, and our family continued to celebrate, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The road to this moment had been filled with ups and downs, but it had also been filled with incredible love and joy. And now, surrounded by those who meant the most to us, I knew that this was exactly where we were meant to be.

And so, as I looked around at the faces of my loved ones, I couldn't help but smile. This was our life-a life built on love, laughter, and the occasional playful fights. And I wouldn't have it any other way.