More Than Friends

Chapter 59: Three Years Later

It's been three years since all that drama went down, and life lookin' real different now. Amani, now five, was growin' up so fast, and she was always keepin' Devin and Nicole on their toes. Nicole had settled back into her career and was doin' her thing—bossin' up at work, takin' on more responsibility. It wasn't easy at first, but she had found her rhythm.

Devin, too, had learned how to keep work from takin' over his life. He still worked hard, but he made sure to be home in time for dinner, for family time. They both made sure to be present for Amani, and their bond had only grown stronger.

Nicole was movin' up in her career. She wasn't just an employee no more—she was a leader, mentorin' young women in her field, showin' them how to balance work and family like she had learned to do. It felt good to be back in control, to have found that balance again.

Nicole's Career Glow Up

One afternoon, Nicole stood in her office, lookin' out the window. She had a view of the city now—somethin' she used to dream about when she first started out. Now, she was here, makin' moves, doin' what she loved.

Her phone buzzed on her desk. It was Devin.

"What's good for dinner tonight? I'm thinkin' we celebrate. You've been killin' it at work."

Nicole smiled, feelin' that warmth in her chest. Devin always knew how to lift her up. He had been her biggest support through it all—always makin' sure she knew how proud he was of her.

"Bet. Let's do it. I'll be home by 6." she replied, knowin' they were about to have a good night.

Family Life Feelin' Right

When Nicole got home that evening, the sound of Amani laughin' filled the house. She walked in to find Devin in the livin' room, playin' with their daughter. Amani had grown into such a happy little girl, always full of energy and curiosity.

"Mama!" Amani shouted, runnin' up to Nicole with excitement. "Daddy said we havin' a celebration dinner!"

Nicole laughed, scoopin' her up. "That's right, baby girl. We celebratin' tonight."

Devin walked over, grinnin' as he wrapped his arm around Nicole's waist. "Figured we gotta toast to all your wins. You've been out here killin' it at work."

Nicole smiled, feelin' the love. "It ain't just me, though. We all been growin', doin' our thing. And I'm glad we doin' it together."

Talkin' About the Future

After dinner, as they sat on the couch while Amani played with her toys, Nicole started thinkin' about everything that had happened over the last few years. They had built somethin' solid, somethin' strong. But she couldn't stop thinkin' about what could come next.

"Dev," she said softly, lookin' over at him. "You remember when we talked about havin' another baby? You been thinkin' 'bout that lately?"

Devin looked at her, a little surprised but not in a bad way. "You been thinkin' 'bout that?"

Nicole nodded, her heart racin' a little. "Yeah. I mean, things been good, right? Feels like maybe we ready for that now."

Devin smiled, reachin' over to grab her hand. "If you ready, then I'm ready too."

Nicole's heart swelled. This was the life she wanted—love, family, success, all wrapped up together. She smiled back at Devin, knowin' that whatever came next, they would face it together.

Celebratin' Success

That weekend, they decided to have a little family get-together, celebratin' all the blessings they had. Nicole's parents came through, Devin's siblings, a few close friends. The house was full of love, laughter, and good food. Amani was runnin' around, showin' everybody her toys, happy to have her family all together.

Nicole watched as Devin played with the kids in the backyard, her heart feelin' so full. This was what she had dreamed about, what they had worked so hard to build. They had been through it all, and now they were here—stronger, happier, and more in love than ever.

As the night came to a close and everyone started headin' home, Devin pulled Nicole into his arms on the back porch, watchin' the sunset together.

"I'm proud of us," Devin whispered, kissin' the top of her head.

Nicole smiled, leanin' into him. "Me too, Dev. We made it through the storm."

As the sun dipped below the horizon, they stood there together, knowin' that no matter what the future held, they had each other—and that was all they needed.