Chapter 44: The Final Chapter

KIANA

As we rolled up to Chase’s parents’ house, I noticed a few familiar cars already parked.

We were here to celebrate Chase’s mom’s birthday, which had been a few weeks ago. She and Charlie had been on a surprise cruise at the time, so we’d decided to postpone the celebration until their return.

They preferred intimate gatherings, and I found myself enjoying the coziness of it all.

Everyone was already out in the garden.

Charlie was manning the grill as usual, while Loren and Stella were setting out snacks on the outdoor tables.

Ben and Mia were lounging on garden chairs, and Crystal sat across from them, nursing her raspberry mojito.

Jackson was engaged in conversation with Lucas and his girlfriend, Lia, in a corner.

Lucas’s brotherly bond with Chase made him as much a part of the family as anyone else here.

Lucas and Lia had been an item for almost a year, and she now accompanied him to these gatherings more often than not. Lia had initially been a bit reserved, but she was opening up as she got to know us.

Ever since we’d reconnected, Jackson had become the father I always needed, and I, the daughter he always wanted. We kept in contact regularly, and he seemed to be doing well.

He had recently come back from a trip abroad, just in time for him to see that I had set him up on Tinder, deciding it was time that he found a new special someone in his life.

As soon as we came into view, Loren rushed over, enveloping us in her signature mother-bear hugs. She squealed with excitement, taking my hand to examine my new piece of jewelry.

“Chase! It’s beautiful,” she gushed, clutching her chest.

This caught everyone else’s attention, and they all joined in. There were gasps and congratulations all around.

I had a feeling everyone knew about the proposal before me. I shot Chase a playful smile, and he shrugged, returning a mischievous grin of his own.

Once the excitement died down, we moved to the table to eat. The food smelled heavenly and tasted even better. Charlie was a good cook, but his barbecue skills were unparalleled. Loren decided to join Chase and me as we ate.

“So, when am I getting my grandbabies? I want to see little Chases and Kianas running around soon. I’m not getting any younger, you know,” she said, popping a tomato into her mouth.

I could feel my cheeks heating up at the mention of kids. Sure, Chase had just bought a house with a family in mind, but I was thinking of having kids a few years down the line. I had just kick-started my career and wasn’t ready to take a break just yet.

Chase smoothly changed the subject. “Mia is only four months away. I think that will be enough baby energy for now.

“Besides, Kiana just launched her business. She’s doing what she loves and wants to focus on that for a while. We’re in no rush, Mom.”

Loren rolled her eyes. “Fine. But I want to meet them before I’m gone!” she admonished.

Chase and I laughed. Loren was always one for theatrics. She loved to exaggerate.

“Before that, we have a wedding to plan,” Chase added, giving my waist a squeeze.

I couldn’t help but blush and smile in response.

After we ate, the sun began to set, and we all gathered around the fire outside. We laughed and joked, sipping on our drinks of choice. Looking around, I knew this was my family.

~Home is where the heart is, and Chase holds my heart.~ Family is what you make it, and I wouldn’t trade anyone here for the world.

I noticed Jackson had wandered off to the far end of the beach, staring out into the star-filled sky.

Over the years, we had grown closer than ever before. As strange as it may sound, our growing relationship had helped me move on from my past, and a part of me believed it had helped him too.

I nudged Chase’s knee as I stood up, and he saw where I was heading.

I made my way toward Jackson, then stood next to him in silence, sipping my drink. The soft murmur of the ocean breeze, the rhythmic crashing of the waves, and the salty sea air drowned out the distant laughter from the house.

“It’s been three years. I know you still mourn Cooper. You can talk to us anytime. Talk to me. What are families for, eh?” I nudged his shoulder playfully.

He smiled my way, moving so his arm hooked around my shoulders.

“I feel bad for putting you through that again—”

I cut him off. “The past is behind me now. What’s done is done, and there’s no changing it. But I understand the pain of losing someone you love. It’s a deep, raw ache that no remedy can soothe. I know that Chase and I are all you’ve got left.”

His eyes were brimming with tears as he looked at me.

I wrapped my arms around him, letting him cry. He needed this moment of grief.

Despite his revulsion at Cooper’s actions, he had to face the fact that Cooper was his son.

I knew his feelings were overwhelming and conflicting. That was why he’d buried them deep. But it was time for him to let go. He needed to mourn.

Eventually, his tears subsided, and his breathing steadied. I pulled away and saw a melancholy smile on his face. He let out a long-held sigh.

“You’re incredible. You know that?” he said.

I returned his smile.

“Are you coming?” he asked, gesturing toward the small gathering.

“I’ll be there in a bit,” I responded.

I turned to look at my loved ones. Their faces were lit up with laughter, their smiles genuine and joyful in each other’s company. It filled my heart with love and a happiness I didn’t think I’d feel again after losing my mom.

Thinking about Cooper brought back memories of the past three years.

So much had transpired.

Everyone had changed.

I had changed.

Meeting Chase was one of the hardest yet best things that had ever happened to me. I’d also met his parents three years ago. His family was now my family.

Joanna had been handed a slap on the wrist, as expected. She’d been given three hundred hours of community service, which I would have paid to see her do. Her lawyer had gotten her off on the attempted murder charge, as we’d expected. But at least she now left us alone.

The latest gossip said she had moved on and was living abroad with her new man. Apparently, they were a perfect match in every way. He was a millionaire model, and their relationship was riddled with infidelity, but they always seemed to find their way back to each other.

Joanna’s father, David Clark, passed his business on to Joanna as planned. But within weeks, the business was on the brink of collapse, so he took back the reins. Last I heard, he had no plans to hand it over again anytime soon.

I took one last look at the crowd and spotted my fiancé in an awkward conversation with a slightly tipsy Loren. She was probably lecturing him again about the whole baby situation.

Watching Chase from afar, I could truly envision a future with him…

Kids running around our home, a couple of dogs, maybe even a cat. Perhaps we’d have two or three kids. I wouldn’t want more than that. Two boys and a girl—~that would be perfect~.

Loren and Charlie would spoil their grandkids all summer while Chase and I took a much-needed vacation. But we’d spend the whole time worrying about the kids and missing them, so we wouldn’t enjoy ourselves as much as we’d like.

Mia would come over for playdates. Crystal would be the cool, laid-back, fun aunt that all the kids adored. She’d let them stay up late and give them ice cream and chocolate before bed.

I held my drink close as I looked up at the night sky, as if my mom was watching over me.

She would have adored Chase and everyone else in my life. I knew she would. Even though I didn’t talk about her often, I missed her more each day.

Knowing she’d never see me walk down the aisle. Knowing she wouldn’t be there to hold my hand during childbirth, or to call in the middle of the night when I needed help with a newborn. All the highs and lows—~she’ll never witness any of it~.

A tear slipped down my cheek as I thought about all the moments she’d miss, but most of all—~how much I would always miss her~.

I’d give anything for one more hug from her. To tell her I loved her one more time.

The light laughter of the crowd brought me back to the present.

I immediately locked eyes with Chase. He smiled at me with such warmth that it made my heart flutter and my stomach flip with joy.

Just by looking at him, I could see our entire future together. Maybe not the specifics, but I could see the general direction our lives would take. And I wouldn’t want it any other way.

~Mom, I’m looking forward to the future. I’m excited. It’s something I’ve never been able to do until now.~

I rejoined the party, surrounded by the people I loved and who loved me just as fiercely in return.

I couldn’t predict what would come next, but I was certain of one thing.

My chosen family would always be there, right by my side.

End of Book 1