We're Just Friends

Chapter 14 - Epilogue

Lauren's POV

I sat on the beach where Joey and I shared our first kiss 10 years ago to the date. The beach hadn't changed a single bit. The rock formations looked the same, the sea glistened in the sunlight, and the golden sand still shone brightly.

Whilst the beach itself hadn't changed, Joey and I certainly had. I looked over to Joey who was playing with our children in the water. I smiled at the sight of them before bringing my attention back to the four month old baby who was cradled in my arms. Our three children, Isabella Lauren, Finley Joseph and Olivia May were everything to us.

I sat reflecting on the last 10 years. Memories of all my favourite days flashed through my mind. Firstly, the day Joey proposed to me. He brought me back to the beach one summer evening. I wasn't expecting it at all, but it was perfect. Then I saw our wedding day. It was filled with love and laughter, and all of our friends and family.

I'll never forget the day we found out I was pregnant with Bella. It came as a complete shock to us. I was terrified, but also so, so happy. Joey was over the moon, and instantly went into father-mode. When Bella was born, she was perfect. 10 tiny fingers and 10 tiny toes. Our lives changed so much, but we couldn't have been happier. She was our whole lives.

Until Finn arrived two years later. Joey was so happy to have a son, and the four of us became the closest family you could imagine. We had decided to stop at two, and when Finn turned one, I managed to persuade Joey to get a dog. We adopted Diane, an eight year old chihuahua, and Joey and I thought our family was complete.

But a little over a year ago, a third pregnancy came along to surprise us. I never thought I'd be a mother, never mind a mother to three children, but after getting over the initial shock, I was so excited and wanted nothing more than to meet my third child. Bella and Finn both adored Liv when she was born. And they still did. We all did. Joey and I loved our children more than anything in the world.

A slight nudge on the leg from Diane brought me out of my trance. I stroked her head and smiled to see my two eldest running towards me.

"Mommy!" 5 year old Isabella said as she ran up to me, her arms open ready for a cuddle.

"Hey baby girl," I said as she threw her arms around my neck and hugged me tightly.

"Mama," my three year old said as he and Joey appeared at my side.

"Hi Finn. Did you have fun in the water with daddy?" I asked as the three of them sat down around Olivia, Diane and I. Finley nodded and I looked over at Joey.

"How were they?" I asked with a smile.

"Good as gold, as always. How's Livy?" Joey asked, smiling at our daughter.

I passed her over to Joey so I could start getting some food out for the kids. "Missed her daddy as usual," I said with a grin.

It was true. Liv was a daddy's girl, whereas Bella was a mommy's girl. And Finn just didn't care. He was happy as long as he was with at least one of us, but preferably both. It definitely made it easier when one of the other two were being difficult.

I unpacked the picnic and the kids all began tucking in. Joey and I passed Liv between us to take it in turns to eat and help the other two. Diane on the other hand lay next to us all happily, waiting for one of the kids to drop some food so she could have some.

That night, the kids were all fast asleep in the tent and Joey and I were sat outside looking up at the stars.

"Never have I ever been dumped by my boyfriend over text, got together with my best friend, married him, had three perfect children and lived the most amazing life I could ever have imagined," I whispered into the darkness.

Joey watched me as I took a sip from my water. He grinned before leaning in for a kiss. When we broke apart, we gazed into each other's eyes.

"Thank you for being with me these last 10 years, JoJo. I couldn't have done it all without you," I whispered to him.

"Right back at you, Lo. You've made me the happiest man on the planet. I've got a gorgeous wife, three beautiful children, and one perfect doghter. What more could a man want?" He replied.

I leant my head against Joey's chest as we looked up at the stars, his arms wrapped around me holding me close to him. My mind thought back to these very days 10 years ago and I couldn't help but laugh to myself as I was reminded of what I said about Joey. "We're just friends."

'Yeah, not quite Lauren,' I though to myself. 'But close enough. Because as well as being my husband, father of my children and love of my life, Joseph Michael Richter was, first and foremost, my very best friend.'

••••••••

When I started publishing this, I never would have guessed we'd get Lauren and Joey's engagement part way through! This chapter means so much more now they've announced it.

Thank you so much for all the support whilst I've been publishing this fic. I've got another one planned which hopefully, all being well, I'll start publishing tomorrow. I'm not quite finished writing it, but the first few chapters are done so I should be due to publish a chapter every day.

I hope you enjoyed this fic! Thanks for the comments and votes - I really appreciate it!!!

E xo