Sold To My Ex’s Dad: Epilogue I

Five months later…

As we step into the newly minted space of our Upper East Side venture, I feel a rush of anticipation. The smell of fresh construction fills the air. Allie, her pregnancy making her glow even more, waddles alongside me, her excitement tangible.

‘Here’s where the magic happens,’ I start, sweeping my hand around the state-of-the-art kitchen we’ve designed. There are high-end induction cooktops over there, dual combi ovens here, and this beauty,’ I point to a shining sous-vide machine, ‘is going to be your new best friend.’

Allie runs her fingers along the cold stainless steel of a prep counter, her eyes alight with ideas. ‘Oh my God, it’s perfect. I think we could shake up the comfort food menu we have planned—imagine lavender-infused fried chicken or truffle mac and cheese garnished with crispy shallots.’

‘It’s all yours to play with. This place is a canvas for your creativity,’ I assure her as we move toward the dining area, where workers are adding final touches.

Stopping by the bespoke bar crafted from local oak, I gesture broadly. ‘And this bar will serve craft spirits to complement your dishes. Think artisan cocktails that tell a story, just like your menu.’

She squeezes my hand, her smile wide. ‘I can’t wait to see it all in action. It’s going to be something special.’

I pull her in close for a moment, feeling her warmth against me. ‘We’re building something special here, baby. Together.”

She leans into me, her presence a comforting weight. ‘Let’s make sure we’re ready to open these doors before these little ones decide to make their debut,’ she says, patting her belly with a chuckle.

We settle into the sleek chairs at the front of the place, taking in the view of New York dressed in the fiery colors of fall. Allie suddenly winces, grabbing my attention instantly.

‘Is everything okay?’ I ask, my tone laced with concern.

She dismisses it with a quick smile. ‘I’m fine, just trying to wrap my head around the fact that I’m going to be a mom to twins soon.’

I take her hand, squeezing it reassuringly. ‘You’re going to do great. Not a doubt in my mind.”

She laughs softly. ‘Two little ones at once. Can you believe it? Anyway, I’ve been going through the resumes we’ve been getting.”

As Allie fans out a handful of resumes across our makeshift workspace, her excitement is undeniable. ‘Check these out. I’ve lined up some solid candidates for front-of-house manager.’

She launches into the specifics of each candidate, her energy infectious. Yet amid her enthusiasm, she flinches—another brief grimace that she tries to mask. I lean forward, my concern breaking through. ‘Hold up, love, are you sure you’re all right? That’s the third time you’ve made that face.’

She hesitates, then flashes me a reassuring smile. ‘It’s just the twins doing gymnastics in there, nothing to worry about.’

I’m not easily convinced. ‘Positive? Because if you need to slow down—’

She cuts me off, her determination clear. ‘I’m fine, really. Now, about these resumes—’

‘All right,’ I concede with a playful grin, letting her take the lead again. ‘So, who’s catching your eye? What’s their edge?’

Her gaze sweeps over the resumes as she picks one up, her fingers tracing the lines of experience. ‘This one, Sandra Whitt, has managed several high-profile spots in the city. She’s got a knack for creating the perfect atmosphere, exactly what we need for a place that’s going to redefine comfort food.’

‘You’ve really thought this through,’ I remark, my admiration for her deepening. ‘You’re envisioning every detail, aren’t you?’

She nods, her face lighting up. ‘Absolutely. Only the best for, well, hell, we still haven’t come up with a name yet.”

“We’ll get there. No need to rush.”

Watching her, I can’t help but admire her clarity and drive. ‘You’re incredible, you know that? This place is going to thrive, especially with you steering the ship.’

“Thanks. But we’ll see. This is all a first for me.”

Allie delves deeper into the resumes, picking up another one that catches her interest. ‘Here’s someone to consider—Julian Vega. He’s been at the helm at The Orchard and Slate Bistro, both places known for their impeccable service and innovative approach.’

But as she’s speaking about Julian’s accomplishments, she suddenly stops in mid-sentence, looking slightly uneasy.

‘Something wrong?’ I ask, my instincts on high alert, noticing the change in her demeanor.

She hesitates, a flicker of discomfort crossing her face before she forces a smile. ‘Uh, do you know if there’s a mop around?’ she inquires in an oddly casual manner.

Confused, I’m about to ask why when I notice the puddle forming under her chair. Instantly, I get it.

‘Oh hell, your water just broke,’ I state, the reality hitting me like a freight train.

‘Yeah, I’d say so,’ she replies with a half-grin, trying to stand up cautiously. I’m immediately at her side, supporting her as she rises.

‘We need to get you to the hospital now,’ I declare, my voice definitive, masking the sudden surge of nerves with the confidence I’m not entirely feeling.

She nods, managing to keep her cool. ‘Looks like the twins are as eager as we are,’ she jokes.

I laugh lightly, wrapping an arm around her for support as we head toward the door.

I check my phone for the quickest route to the hospital while guiding her carefully through the restaurant. ‘You’re doing great; just focus on breathing,’ I instruct, feeling a profound bond and responsibility toward her and our coming twins.

‘Always the man in charge,’ she teases, taking careful steps.

‘Only the best for my team,’ I shoot back with a grin, helping her into the car.

We dart through the buzzing streets of Manhattan, the city’s pulse synchronizing with my own racing heart. The car’s interior is filled with Allie’s quick, efficient breaths as she texts Caleb and Stacy updates.

‘Letting the world know?’ I ask, glancing over as I dodge a particularly aggressive taxi.

‘Just the VIPs,’ she replies with a grin, managing to look radiant despite the circumstances. Her phone chirps back with immediate responses.

Soon, we’re pulling up in front of the hospital. The world seems to speed up as I rush around to her side, helping her out and into a wheelchair I snagged from the ER entrance.

‘Your chariot awaits, my queen,’ I quip, trying to keep the mood light as I begin pushing her through the sliding doors of the emergency room.

‘Very funny,’ she laughs, gripping the arms of the wheelchair a bit tighter as another contraction hits.

Inside, the hospital staff spring into action, taking over with practiced professionalism that leaves me momentarily sidelined. I follow close behind as they whisk Allie away to the maternity ward, my hands feeling oddly empty now that I’m no longer pushing the wheelchair.

After several tense hours, our twins finally arrive. A girl and a boy, both perfectly pink and healthy.

Allie looks exhausted but content as she holds each bundle in her arms. She smiles down at them with love shining in her eyes. ‘You did it, babe,’ I breathe out, the sight of her holding our children overwhelming every other thought.

‘I had a great coach,’ she whispers, her tired eyes shining with love and a bit of mischief.

I lean down to kiss her, then turn my attention to the little ones in her arms. ‘Hey there, champ,’ I murmur to my son, his tiny fingers curling reflexively. ‘And you, princess,’ I say to my daughter, who responds with a sleepy yawn that tugs at my heartstrings.

‘Looks like we’ve got ourselves a full team now,’ I say, straightening up and looking back at Allie.

She nods, a tear slipping down her cheek. ‘Team Spellman just doubled in size.’

‘You know, we’ve been so busy over the last few months that we never decided on names,” I say, my voice low and filled with wonder as I take our daughter, gazing down at my tiny girl in my arms, her eyes a clear, curious blue. “Just like with the restaurant.”

Allie, cradling our son, her eyes soft and thoughtful, nods slightly. ‘I might have a few ideas,’ she says, a small smile playing on her lips. ‘What about Shannon for her?’ she suggests, her gaze drifting to our daughter.

‘Shannon …’ I repeat the name, testing it out. It feels right, soft and strong. ‘I love it. Shannon for our girl.’ I look at her again, and she seems even more perfect if that’s possible. ‘And for him?’ I nod toward our son, already feeling fiercely protective of both.

Allie’s smile widens. ‘How about Samuel? Shannon and Samuel—it sounds good together, doesn’t it?’

‘Samuel,’ I echo, feeling the name settle around him like a gentle embrace. ‘It’s perfect. Shannon and Samuel.’ I laugh softly, a sound filled with disbelief and joy.

Allie laughs, too, tired but happy. ‘Shannon and Samuel Spellman. Our little duo.’

Holding Shannon closer, I whisper to her, ‘Welcome to the world, Shannon. And your brother, Samuel, he’s going to be right here with you.’ Glancing back at Allie, I add, ‘Just like your mom and dad.’

‘That’s right,’ Allie agrees, her eyes gleaming with tears of joy. ‘Together.’

Cradling our daughter in my arms, I’m struck by the depth of emotion welling inside me. Her big, blue eyes gaze up at me with innocent curiosity, and it’s as if my entire world narrows down to the tiny face before me. I swallow hard, my throat tightening against the swell of strong feelings I hadn’t anticipated.

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone if you shed a tear or two,” Allie teases from beside me, her voice gentle as she holds our son close to her.

I chuckle; the sound is a bit rough around the edges. “It might be too late for that,” I admit, my laugh turning into a soft, incredulous shake of my head.

“It’s a whole new chapter, isn’t it?” I ask, my voice a whisper as if speaking too loudly might disturb the profound peace of the moment.

“It is,” Allie agrees softly. “And it’s going to be an amazing one.”

As I stand by the window, basking in the quiet joy of the moment, a knock at the door pulls me from my reverie. I open it to find Caleb and Stacy on the threshold, their faces bright with excitement and anticipation.

‘Hey, Dad,’ Caleb says, stepping into the room with a cautious smile, his eyes quickly moving to the bundles in our arms.

Stacy, ever the vibrant one, rushes in with less restraint, her voice a delighted squeal. ‘Oh my God, they’re here! Can I see them?’

Allie laughs, then nods. ‘Of course, Stace,’ she says, her arms carefully cradling Samuel. ‘Meet your new godson.’

I hand Shannon to Caleb, watching closely as he takes his sister with a gentleness I hadn’t expected from him. It’s a moment that tightens my throat, seeing him so tender, so immediately protective.

‘They’re beautiful,’ Caleb says, his voice thick with emotion as he looks down at Shannon, who blinks back with wide, curious eyes.

‘Yeah, they’re something, aren’t they?’ I manage to say, my usual composure a bit shaken by the sheer beauty of the moment.

Stacy, holding Samuel now, coos at him, making soft, silly faces that have Samuel blinking sleepily.

‘They’re absolutely perfect, Allie. You did good,’ she says, then her eyes flick up to me. ‘You both did.’

This is what life’s about—these moments of pure, unfiltered joy. Watching my son bond with his new siblings and watching Allie’s best friend embrace her role as godmother, I know we’re on the right path. A path that’s just beginning for Shannon and Samuel Spellman under the watchful eyes of their family.

There’s nothing but love in this room. And I’ve got no doubt that love is only going to grow.