Fatima's POV
Zac asked me to be his wife, and of course, I said yes—like there was ever a doubt. I love that man more than I can put into words, and the moment he got down on one knee, my heart practically jumped out of my chest. I'd been ready to say yes to him from the first time I realized I was in love.
We wanted to keep the news under wraps. Everyone who was there for the engagement had to sign an NDA to keep the celebration private. That should have been the end of it, at least for a little while, until we figured out how to tell the rest of the world on our own terms.
But then the restaurant staff who, obviously, didn't sign anything decided to share the details. Next thing I knew, pictures and videos were plastered all over social media. By the time we woke up the next morning, the headlines were blazing with: "Zac Taylor Proposes to Fatima!" My phone was blowing up with messages from friends, co-workers, and even people I hadn't talked to in years.
I won't lie, a part of me was irritated. I wanted this to be our moment—just me, Zac, and the people we trusted. It felt like a violation to see it splashed everywhere without our say-so. But then, there was that other part of me, a tiny spark that felt a rush of excitement seeing our story out there. I love him so fiercely, and I guess a piece of me wanted the world to know we're making this permanent.
Still, I'd be lying if I said the sudden spotlight didn't make me anxious. This is a big step, and the last thing I want is for anything to overshadow our happiness or stress Zac out. But for now, I'm just going to soak in the reality that I'm about to become Mrs. Taylor because at the end of the day, that's all that truly matters.
I blinked my eyes open, savoring the last few moments of warmth in Zac's arms. I wished I could stay like that all day—wrapped up in him—but I knew better. Any minute now, Kolby would come bursting through that door, demanding breakfast.
"So what's on your agenda today, Mrs. Soon-to-be Taylor?" Zac asked, his voice still gravelly with sleep. He reached for my hand, giving it a gentle squeeze.
I let out a soft laugh, resting my head on his shoulder. "Oh, you know," I said, pretending to think it over. "Wake up, feed our munchkin, try to sneak in some wedding planning... the usual."
He grinned at me, and the sight made my heart skip. "Sounds perfect," he murmured. "Except I'd rather keep you here with me all day."
I was about to tease him back when I heard little footsteps on the other side of the door. My heart clenched slightly, remembering what happened last night—how Kolby had called me "Mommy" for the first time. The memory still filled my chest with a swirl of emotions: pride, love, and a hint of confusion. I'd started out as her godmother, stepping in where I was needed, and somewhere along the line, it became more than that. But hearing her say that one word so casually... it had rocked me.
Kolby pushed the door open, her eyes bright and hair in disarray. "Mommy? Daddy?" she said, in that sweet, morning voice of hers. She paused when she saw us both still in bed, and I caught the moment her gaze flicked over to me. "Me hungry."
I sat up, propping myself on my elbow. I could feel Zac watching me closely, probably picking up on my sudden change in mood. "Alright, Peanut," I said gently. "Let's get you some breakfast."
Zac ruffled Kolby's curls. "We'll meet you in the kitchen, okay?"
She nodded enthusiastically and ran back out. The instant she was gone, Zac turned to me, concern etched on his face. "Hey," he said softly, slipping his arm around my waist. "You okay?"
I swallowed the knot in my throat. "Yeah, I'm fine. It's just... she called me 'Mommy' again." I paused, trying to steady my thoughts. "I mean, you know I love her more than anything. But it all happened so fast—me going from her godmother to... whatever this is." My eyes started to sting. "I don't want to overstep, or make it weird with Sabrina, or—"
