𝐓𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐬 𝟏𝟖 +

𝐄 𝐏 𝐈 𝐋 𝐎 𝐆 𝐔 𝐄

Eden

Seven years.

It's hard to believe how much can change in seven years. Sitting here, watching Cole sleep, I can't help but feel a surge of gratitude for everything that's brought us to this moment. Lenore sits beside me, her hand resting gently on my knee, and as I look down at our son, I realize just how lucky we are.

Cole's soft black hair, just like mine, sticks up in wild little tufts, his tiny chest rising and falling steadily as he dreams. He's only six, but somehow he already has this presence about him, a calm that reminds me of Lenore. He has her deep brown eyes too, and her full lips that still curl into the same mischievous smirk that drives me crazy in the best way. But he's got my nose. he always scrunches it up when something doesn't sit right with him, just like I do. Lenore loves to tease me about it, but honestly, it's adorable on him.

We've been reading to him every night since he could understand words, and it's become one of my favorite parts of the day. Tonight, it was Where the Wild Things Are. Cole always gets a kick out of Max and his wild adventures, and when we do the monster voices, he giggles like it's the funniest thing in the world. But now, the story's done, and he's out cold, his little body sprawled across his bed, the book still resting in his lap.

Lenore leans over to brush a stray lock of hair away from his face, her touch so tender it makes my chest tighten with love. I glance over at her, watching the way her eyes soften as she gazes at Cole. She's always had this way of making everything around her feel warmer, safer, and I can see that same warmth in the way she looks at our son.

"He's completely out," Lenore whispers, smiling as she stands, stretching her arms above her head. "Another successful bedtime story."

I chuckle softly, careful not to wake Cole. "You do have a talent for the voices."

Lenore laughs quietly, the sound wrapping around me like a warm blanket. "Please, you're the one who nails the monster growls. I'm just along for the ride."

Together, we gently lift the book off Cole's lap and tuck his blanket up under his chin. He stirs just slightly, but doesn't wake, settling deeper into sleep. I press a soft kiss to his forehead, and Lenore follows with one of her own.

As we slip out of his room, closing the door behind us, I feel an overwhelming sense of peace. This is our life now, quiet, simple moments like this, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

We move into the living room, and as I sink down onto the couch, I can't help but think about everything that's happened since Cole came into our lives. It's been seven years of love, of challenges, of growth. Seven years of being a family.

Lenore joins me on the couch, resting her head on my shoulder, and I wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her close. I can still smell the faint scent of her shampoo, something warm and floral, and it instantly calms me, like it always does.

"You know," I murmur, my fingers playing absently with the hem of her shirt, "I never thought I'd be this happy."

Lenore tilts her head up to look at me, her eyes shining softly in the dim light. "Me neither. But here we are."

I smile, leaning down to kiss her, and for a moment, I let myself get lost in it. In her warmth. In the feel of her lips against mine. Even after all these years, she still makes my heart race.

When we finally pull apart, Lenore smiles at me, her eyes filled with the same love that's been there since the day we met. "Remember our wedding day?"

I chuckle. "How could I forget? You looked so beautiful, I thought my heart was going to explode."

Lenore grins, nudging me playfully. "You cried so much, sweetheart."

I roll my eyes, though I can't help but laugh. "I was emotional, okay? It's not every day you marry the love of your life."

Four years ago, we finally tied the knot. It wasn't some huge, extravagant affair. Just close friends and family. Brielle, of course, was my maid of honor, and Felix, her husband now, stood by her side. It still amazes me how Brielle found someone like Felix, someone who treats her like the absolute queen she is. I'd always hoped she'd find someone who saw her for the incredible woman she is, and Felix has done just that. I couldn't be happier for her.

Speaking of Brielle, she texted me earlier today. She and Felix are planning a big trip next month to celebrate their third anniversary. It's crazy to think that she's been married for three years now. Sometimes, it feels like just yesterday we were goofing off in my apartment, talking about all the things we wanted for the future. And now, here we are, both of us married, both of us happy.

Lenore's voice pulls me from my thoughts. "You're thinking about Brielle, aren't you?"

I smirk. "How'd you know?"

She shrugs, smiling softly. "I know you. Plus, you always get that little smile when you think about how happy she is with Felix."

I nod, my smile widening. "Yeah, I'm just glad she found her person, you know?"

Lenore hums in agreement, resting her head back on my shoulder. "Me too. She deserves it."

We sit there in comfortable silence for a while, just enjoying the quiet of the night. I think about how far we've come. About how scared I was when I first found out I had cancer. About how strong Lenore was through it all, always there, always steady. She's been my rock in every sense of the word, and I can't imagine going through any of it without her.

And now, here we are, seven years later. We've built this life together, raised a son, and created a home filled with love and laughter. It's not always perfect—there are hard days, sure, but it's ours, and I wouldn't trade it for anything.

Lenore lifts her head, looking at me with that soft, knowing smile of hers. "You're thinking again."

I grin, leaning in to kiss her forehead. "Just thinking about how lucky I am."

She smiles, her eyes crinkling at the corners. "You're not the only lucky one, you know."

We share a quiet laugh, and I hold her a little tighter. Life might not always be easy, but with Lenore by my side, I know we can handle whatever comes our way.

As I sit there with her, feeling the steady rhythm of her breathing, I know one thing for certain: I wouldn't trade this life for anything. We've been through so much, but we've come out the other side stronger, closer, and more in love than ever.

And as I think about the future, about watching Cole grow up, about more bedtime stories, more laughter, more quiet moments like this, I feel nothing but gratitude.

This is our life. And I'm so incredibly lucky to be living it with her.

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The End.

Thank you darlings, for going through this journey alongside me.

I love you all. ❤️

~ Remy