More Than Friends

Chapter 81: A Full Circle

It was a bright, sunny afternoon, and the Coleman family had gathered in their backyard to celebrate a special milestone: Nicole and Devin's 10-year wedding anniversary. Their home was filled with friends, family, and laughter, as everyone came together to celebrate not just their marriage but the life they had built together over the years.

Nicole stood at the edge of the backyard, watching as Amani and Mason chased each other across the lawn. Amani, now eight, was a bundle of energy, leading her little brother with the same protective love she'd shown from the day he was born. Mason, now three, laughed joyfully, trying to keep up with his big sister, his little feet running as fast as they could.

Nicole smiled, taking it all in. This was the life she and Devin had dreamed of all those years ago. The ups and downs, the laughter, the tears—it had all been worth it.

The Celebration

The backyard was decorated beautifully, with string lights hanging from the trees and a table set for all their guests. Tasha had, of course, taken charge of the event, making sure everything was perfect for her best friend's big day.

"Girl, can you believe it's been ten years?" Tasha asked as she walked over to Nicole, holding a glass of wine. "Y'all are the definition of relationship goals."

Nicole laughed, shaking her head. "It feels like it's flown by, but when I think about everything we've been through, it feels like a lifetime."

Tasha nodded, her face softening. "Yeah, but look at y'all now. You've built something real, something strong. I'm proud of you."

Nicole felt a lump in her throat as she hugged Tasha. "I couldn't have done it without you by my side. You've always been there."

Tasha smiled, squeezing her tighter. "Always."

A Special Toast

As the evening progressed, the guests gathered around the table, ready to celebrate Nicole and Devin's love. Devin stood up, tapping his glass gently to get everyone's attention.

"I'm not usually one for speeches," he began, grinning as the crowd laughed. "But today's a special day. It's been ten years since Nicole and I said 'I do,' and I can honestly say, it's been the best ten years of my life."

Nicole smiled up at him, her heart full as she listened to his words.

"We've been through a lot," Devin continued, his voice steady. "From our days back in the neighborhood, trying to figure out how to build a life, to raising our two amazing kids—Amani and Mason—who make us proud every single day. We've built a family, a home, and a life that's filled with love, and I wouldn't trade any of it for the world."

He turned to Nicole, his eyes full of love. "Nic, you've been my rock, my partner, and my best friend. We've built something beautiful together, and I can't wait to see what the next ten years—and beyond—have in store for us."

The crowd applauded as Devin raised his glass. "To my wife, to our family, and to the next chapter. I love you, Nic."

Nicole felt tears well up in her eyes as she stood up, kissing Devin softly before raising her own glass. "I love you too, Dev. Here's to us."

Reflections

Later that evening, after the guests had gone home and the kids were asleep, Nicole and Devin found themselves sitting on the porch, just as they had so many times before. The night was quiet, the stars twinkling above them, and the warmth of the day still lingered in the air.

"Can you believe it's been ten years?" Nicole asked softly, leaning against Devin's shoulder.

Devin smiled, wrapping his arm around her. "Feels like we were just getting started back then. Now look at us—two kids, a house, and a whole lotta memories."

Nicole chuckled, her heart swelling with gratitude. "We've come so far."

Devin nodded, his voice low and full of love. "And we're still growing. I wouldn't wanna do this life with anyone but you."

Nicole smiled, feeling the weight of his words. They had built something special together—a family, a home, and a love that had weathered every storm. And now, with the future wide open, she knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.

"We've done good, Dev," Nicole said quietly, resting her hand on his. "We've built something beautiful."

Devin kissed the top of her head, his voice soft. "Yeah, Nic. We really have."

As they sat together in the quiet of the night, watching the stars above, Nicole and Devin knew that their journey was far from over. There would be more challenges, more laughter, and more love to come. But for now, they were content to simply be in the moment—together, as a family.

And that was more than enough.

The End.