Wheel You Marry Me?

CHAPTER 32.

Five Years Later...

"Mommy! Mommy! Wake up! Uncle Jeff is here!"

The excited voice of my four-year-old daughter, Suzette Ryan Tyler, echoed through our room as she jumped onto the bed, pulling me from my dreams. I groaned, a smile tugging at my lips as I reached for her tiny hand.

"Okay, darling. Mommy will be downstairs in a minute."

She giggled and dashed out of the room. As I sat up, I glanced at the framed photo on my nightstand, our wedding day. It had been three years since I married Ryan, and life had been nothing short of magical since.

In these past few years, my music career had soared. I had released five albums, each more personal than the last. I won four Grammy Awards: Best Upcoming Female Artist, Song of the Year, Best Music Video, and Best Female R&B Singer. Each award reminded me of the journey, the struggle, the love, the music, and most importantly, the man who stood by my side through it all.

Ryan, my husband, my best friend, and now, the most incredible father, had launched a revolutionary app that was changing lives. His business flourished, and his confidence grew each day. I couldn't be prouder.

Jeffrey, my brother, had graduated from university and become a talented architect. He was also playing part-time soccer for the national team. His girlfriend of two years, Crystal, kept him grounded and happy.

Today was a special day. It was Ryan's birthday, and I had something planned. Something perfect.

After a quick shower and a touch of makeup, I headed downstairs. "Hey Jeff," I greeted my brother as I spotted him in the kitchen.

"Hello, sis. You look great," he said with a smirk.

"Tell me you brought the cake," I asked playfully.

"Of course I did. Would I forget the most important part?"

Relieved, I glanced around. The decorations were up, the playlist ready, and everything was in place. All that was left was for our guests to arrive.

Soon enough, Skylar and Douglas arrived. Engaged for a year, they were set to marry this December. Skylar had become like a sister to me, and her bond with Suzette was something special.

"Hey, darling," I greeted her with a warm hug.

"Auntie! Auntie! Come see what I made for Daddy!" Suzette squealed and grabbed Skylar's hand, dragging her upstairs.

"Hey Douglas, how have you been?"

"I'm good. A little nervous for the wedding, but mostly good," he replied.

Minutes later, Scott and Dominique arrived. Dominique, glowing and heavily pregnant, rubbed her belly and grinned.

"Hello, Aurora. How's the birthday boy-to-be?"

"Still out. He'll be home soon," I replied.

"I can't wait to pop this baby out," she sighed. We all laughed. I greeted Scott and led Dominique upstairs to join the others.

In Suzette's room, she held up a drawing. "I drew this for Daddy. It's our family. See? That's me, Daddy, Mommy, and Fluffy."

Tears filled my eyes at the innocence of her gesture. "He'll love it, sweetheart."

"Grandma is here!" she yelled and ran out.

Eleanor entered with Tyler and Barbara. Ever since Suzette was born, Eleanor had been a loving and devoted grandmother. We had found peace and understanding over time. She had left her past behind and was now a renowned stylist, while Tyler had opened a prestigious law firm. Barbara, now home and thriving, had become a joyful presence in all our lives.

Everyone gathered, laughter and chatter filling the room.

Then the door opened.

"SURPRISE! Happy Birthday!"

Ryan stepped inside, stunned. A smile stretched across his face as we surrounded him. I wrapped my arms around him and kissed him softly.

"Happy birthday, my love."

"Thank you, baby," he whispered against my lips.

We cut the cake, shared stories, exchanged presents. When Suzette handed him her drawing, he teared up.

"This is the best gift, Princess. Thank you," he said, holding her close.

As dinner was served and music played in the background, I stood to sing a new song I had written just for Ryan. The room quieted, and my voice filled the space with love and melody. His eyes never left mine, and I saw the same awe and affection that he had shown me the first time he heard me sing.

Suddenly, Dominique gasped. "Oh my gosh! My water just broke!"

Chaos ensued. We rushed her to the hospital. After three intense hours, a healthy baby boy was born.

"Congratulations, sweetie," I whispered to Dominique. She smiled, exhausted but radiant.

Scott wept with joy, holding his son for the first time.

"Ryan, Aurora," he said, "Will you be the godparents?"

We looked at each other and nodded. "We'd be honoured."

We left them to rest and drove home. Suzette was still awake, waiting.

"Did Uncle Scott really have a baby?"

"Yes, Princess. You're going to be a big cousin now."

I carried her to her room, read her favourite story, and watched her drift into sleep.

Back in our room, Ryan was waiting, lying on our bed with a soft smile.

"Thank you for everything, Aurora. This was the best birthday ever."

I stepped out of the bathroom in delicate lingerie. He sat up, eyes widening.

"And here comes your final present," I teased.

He laughed softly, pulling me close. "I love you."

"I love you more," I whispered.

And in that moment, everything felt perfect—our love, our family, our life.

The End.