Phoenix ✔️

Epilogue

(7.5 years later)

The kicking from four pairs of feet and the memories of everything that has happened did not help my sleep last night. Thankfully, Adrian didn't wake me up throughout the night, so that's always a good thing. And even though the kicking in my stomach has been bothering me at points, I know it's going to be worth it when I hold my two daughters in my arms for the first time in two and a half months.

"Oh boy," I say, as I steady myself when I get out of the bed. Ash comes running to my side, and his arm slides behind my back as he helps me get out of the bed. My feet hit the floor, as I feel his arm remove itself from my back, and his hand slowly lifts itself from my baby bump.

"I changed Adrian's diaper already. He just needs to be fed."

I smile, and say, "Thanks, Ash. I'll go feed him now." I first go to the bathroom to brush my teeth, and when I do that, I pass by the blown up wedding photo of Ash holding me, as we were smiling as we had become a couple. I feel like I still live in that moment, 2 and a half years later. It was the day of pure bliss for me. Even though the memories of my previous marriage still continue to haunt me, it's not as bad as before. And at least now I'm married to someone who loves me and cares for me.

After brushing my teeth, I go to Adrian's room to see how bubbly he is today. I find him in his crib, dreamily eyeing the ceiling, flailing his little arms as his bright eyes look around the room, looking for his parents. "Awww, I'm here, I'm here. Your mama is right here," I coo, as I pick him up in my arms.

I then bounce him up back and forth a little bit, just so I can see his cute little smile, and surely enough, it comes up. I smile, and then carry him out to the kitchen so that he can have some breakfast because we're all hungry at this moment.

******

After feeding Adrian, Ash puts some breakfast down in front of us. I'm in no mood to cook today, so I'm grateful that he's here to help out with Adrian because doing this alone is hard for sure. I look at Adrian play with his toys a little bit, and then back at Ash, who gently sips his coffee.

"Ash, are you sure you're going to be okay? I can take Adrian to the book signing if you want."

Ash gives me a smile, puts a hand on my wrist, and says, "I will be fine, Nicole. Don't worry. I'll take care of him. You go do the book signing. I know how much you've been looking forward to this."

I give him a slightly sheepish smile, and then take my plate and dishes to the kitchen to place them in the sink. I fill them up with water, and then as I'm scrubbing them, I feel two strong hands place themselves on my shoulders.

At first, I jump a little bit, but then when I feel that it's just Ash, I relax a little bit. It's been over 8 years since I left, yet that still makes me jump a little bit. I'm still not completely grown out of the memories and the marks that Colin made.

I turn around, and then Ash cups my face with his hands. I give him another sheepish smile, as he just looks deep in my eyes. "We will be fine, don't worry. I know how long you've been waiting to meet your fans. This is your day. Go enjoy it. You are a best selling author after all. Take full advantage of it."

This time, I give him a genuine smile, and then go in to hug him. "I love you, Ash," I tell him.

I feel him kiss me on my cheek, and he says, "I love you too."

Right when I say that, I hear two pairs of feet come into the door. "We love Adrian and you guys," one of them say.

I turn around, and surely enough, Em and Isa are standing right there, with smiles on their faces. I give them a grateful smile, and turn towards Ash, who has that exact same smile on his face.