Epilogue 2| A Family Adventure

"Hey, are you still wearing this?" Mia asked, holding up a dress against her body.

Sophie sighed, hands on her hips. "You said you were here to help me pack, not raid my wardrobe."

"So... is that a yes?" Mia asked again, grinning.

"Hey, Soph, can I borrow those shoes from last time?" Lily piped up, already eyeing them on the shelf.

"Mama, here!" Millie's tiny voice chimed in as she toddled over, holding up a random piece of clothing she had picked up off the floor.

Sophie's irritation melted instantly. She couldn't help but smile at her daughter's cuteness, even though she was absolutely no help in this process. "Thanks, sweetie," she said, bending down to press a kiss to Millie's soft cheek.

Then she spun toward Mia and Lily, exasperated. "Okay, fine—Mia, you can take the dress. But Lily, no borrowing until you return the last thing you 'borrowed.'" She exhaled all in one breath.

Mia gave a victorious smirk while Lily groaned dramatically.

"Honestly, you two stress me out more than Millie does."

Sophie, Ethan, and Millie were heading out for their annual family vacation—a week away at their lake house, something they always looked forward to every summer. Now that Millie was two and more playful than ever, they wanted to make as many memories as possible with her.

She had asked Mia and Lily to help her pack, but so far, all they had done was pick through her closet and snack on everything in her fridge.

She turned, hoping to see at least a hint of remorse—

Nope.

Mia had already disappeared into the bathroom to try on the dress, and Lily was still frowning over the shoes.

"Come on, Sophie," Lily pleaded. "I'll return both pairs, I promise."

Sophie folded her arms. "You never return anything."

Lily huffed, then turned to Millie, pulling her into her lap. "Millie, help me out. Tell your mama 'please.'"

Millie blinked up at Sophie with big, innocent eyes. "Pwease."

The room exploded into coos.

Sophie groaned. "Now you know it's unfair to use Millie against me."

Just then, Mia waltzed back into the room, twirling in the dress. "Okay, how do I look?"

Sophie's lips twitched. "Honestly? It looks better on you than on me."

"Oh, stop," Mia said, but she still blushed, spinning once more.

Lily smirked and nodded toward Mia's hand. "Did your ring get shinier?"

Mia rolled her eyes. "Lily, you make that joke every time, and somehow, it still works." She held up her engagement ring anyway, wiggling her fingers even though they had all seen it a hundred times.

Mia had recently gotten engaged—to a chef she met at one of Ethan's business events. She had only gone because Sophie invited her (for the food, of course). She loved the appetizers that night, but apparently, the man behind them was even more appetizing to her.

Sophie and Lily always joked about how ironic it was for a baker to fall for a chef, but in the end, they were perfect together.

"Anyway, I think we need something to drink," Mia announced. "Lily, you want anything?"

Sophie sighed, already giving up. "I give up. I'll just pack later."

Just then, she heard the familiar rumble of Ethan's car pulling into the driveway.

Her heart skipped.

Even after all this time, he still made her heart race just by existing.

Moments later, he was making his way up the stairs, and when he peeked his head into the room, the first to react was—

"Daddy!"

Millie shrieked in excitement, bolting toward him, practically launching herself into his arms.

Ethan chuckled, catching her effortlessly and pressing a kiss to her chubby cheeks before wrapping an arm around Sophie in a warm hug.

"How's it going in here?" he asked, amused.

Mia grinned. "Oh, we're fine. Just helping Sophie pack."

Ethan gave Sophie a knowing look, then turned to Mia and Lily. "Helping? Really? Then why does Sophie have that look—you know, the one she gets when she's about to pop a vein?" He shuddered, like a man who had lived through it before

Lily sighed dramatically. "Okay, fine, we weren't helping helping."

Ethan smirked. "I figured." He adjusted Millie in his arms. "I'll leave you girls to it, then. Come on, sweetie, let's go downstairs."

Millie clung to his shirt as they disappeared down the stairs.

Mia sighed wistfully. "She really loves her dad."

"Maybe it's time you start thinking about baby number two," Lily blurted out.

Sophie's head snapped toward her. "That's it! I'm done with both of you—out!"

Lily and Mia knew that voice. That was the mom voice.

And they knew better than to argue with it.

With synchronized sighs, they grabbed their things and shuffled toward the door, making their exit before Sophie could really lose her patience.

*******

With no thanks to Mia and Lily—but plenty of help from her mom—Sophie had finally managed to get everything packed and ready for the trip.

It was a long drive ahead, a good three hours with Ethan behind the wheel. Sometimes even longer if they hit peak-season traffic.

As Sophie secured Millie Rose into her car seat, Ethan loaded the last of their luggage into the trunk.

"All set?" he asked, walking up to her, his hands instinctively cupping her face as he checked on her.

She sighed. "Yeah, but I had a bit of a headache when I woke up. I guess I was a little stressed."

"Take a nap while I drive," he said gently.

She smiled. "But then who's going to entertain you while you drive?" she teased.

Ethan smirked. "Watching my two favorite girls sleep safe and happy is all the entertainment I need."

He kissed her forehead before opening the door for her and getting into the driver's seat.

By the time Ethan pulled into the driveway, Sophie felt a gentle tap on her arm.

"We're here, Soph," he whispered.

Her eyelashes fluttered open, and she sat up, taking in her surroundings.

They were really here.

Through the window, she could see the lake shimmering under the night sky, the soft waves lapping against the shore.

She rubbed her eyes, still groggy. "I can't believe I actually slept the whole ride."

She hated how low her energy levels had been lately.

Stepping out of the car, she turned to face their home.

She loved this place—maybe because she and Ethan had picked it out together. It was huge, but with the number of friends and family they had, it never felt too big, especially during Christmas, when everyone came over to ski and do winter activities.

But the summer?

The summer was just for them.

She carefully unbuckled Millie, who was still fast asleep, and lifted her into her arms. A pang of worry crept in—Millie had slept the whole ride too. Would she be up all night now? Ethan was exhausted, and Sophie at least wanted one of them to get some rest.

While Ethan carried their luggage inside, Sophie stepped into the house, inhaling deeply.

It smelled exactly as she remembered—like cedarwood and faint traces of cinnamon, from the candles she always burned in the winter.

Maybe they'd light the fireplace after dinner and just relax.

God, she wanted that more than anything.

She placed Millie down on the couch, covering her with a light blanket before stepping back outside to help Ethan.

They really did make a great team.

Though, she had to admit—Ethan was amazing. He spent so much time taking care of Millie, making sure she never felt alone, never lacked anything.

He was the perfect dad.

And yeah... she did want more kids.

Having a little angel like Millie made the decision even easier.

But they weren't actively trying or anything.

If it happened, then... so be it.

Once everything was unpacked, Ethan played with Millie Rose in the living room while Sophie got started on dinner. They had a lot planned for tomorrow, so they needed an early night.

Maybe it was the new environment, or maybe the long drive had tired her out more than they thought, but after dinner, Millie fell right back to sleep.

Sophie tucked her into bed, brushing a soft kiss on her forehead.

Then, she made her way to the bedroom—only to find Ethan already asleep.

Her lips curled into a small smile.

He looked so adorable like this.

Quietly, she made sure he was tucked in properly before leaning down to kiss his cheek.

"I love you," she whispered.

As soon as she slid under the covers, Ethan instinctively pulled her into his arms, wrapping her up in his warmth.

She loved that sleeping habit of his.

Sighing in contentment, she let herself drift off, safe in his embrace.

*******

The next few days were absolute bliss.

Sophie was sure she had taken enough cute pictures of Millie to last a lifetime.

Today, they were taking a stroll down the pier, the golden sun casting a warm glow over the water. Millie had been having the time of her life playing near the beach, running through the sand and squealing every time the waves touched her little toes.

Sophie held Millie's hand as they walked, watching her daughter take everything in with wide, curious eyes.

"Mama, look! I want!" Millie said, pointing eagerly at the small ice cream stand up ahead.

Sophie sighed. "Millie, you've snacked a lot today."

"It's ice cream, Soph. I'll get some for my princess," Ethan said, already picking Millie up before Sophie could argue.

How could she fight with that?

Once Millie had her ice cream, they found a table at a nearby restaurant with outdoor seating, the sea breeze cool against their skin. Millie, not very sophisticatedly, ate her ice cream—spilling it all over her face and hands.

Sophie instinctively pulled out her phone.

"Sophie. Napkin." Ethan nudged her, amusement laced in his voice.

"Right!" she said, fumbling through her bag before handing him one.

She watched as Ethan gently wiped Millie's face, his movements patient, practiced.

Her heart squeezed.

"It's so peaceful here, isn't it, Ethan?" she said wistfully.

Ethan nodded, eyes still on Millie. "Yeah, it really is."

Sophie spotted a group of ducks near the pier and pointed.

"Look, Millie, ducks!"

Millie's eyes lit up as she bounced excitedly. "Big birdie!"

Sophie laughed. "Yes, sweetie, ducks."

"Want a closer look, my princess?" Ethan asked.

Millie nodded eagerly, already reaching for him.

Sophie narrowed her eyes. "Just be careful of the seagulls, Ethan. They're fearless."

Ethan smirked, standing up with Millie in his arms. "Soph, baby, I'm not scared of birds."

She rolled her eyes as he walked off.

Sophie sighed, rubbing her temple. Even after so many naps—at the house, on the beach in a cabana—she still felt exhausted.

Maybe she just needed food.

There was a seafood restaurant nearby, and the idea of fresh sushi, lobster, and shrimp sounded perfect for tonight. Their vacation wouldn't last forever, and she wanted to savor every moment while they were here.

She glanced up at Ethan and Millie.

They were her heart.

She took out her phone, snapped a picture of them, and sent it to her mom and Evelyn—though now, she just called Evelyn Mom.

Her phone immediately lit up with messages, both women gushing over how adorable Ethan and Millie looked. She almost sent the picture to Mia and Lily, but she already knew what they'd say.

"Send us pictures of Millie, not Ethan. We don't need husband appreciation posts!"

Ugh. They would get it one day.

Just then, Ethan's gaze caught hers, his deep blue eyes locking onto hers like they always did—like she was the only person in the world.

And then he smiled.

That soft, knowing smile that still managed to make her breath catch and her knees weaken.

Sophie felt it then, that familiar ache of love—deep, overwhelming, endless.

God, she loved him.

Dinner was supposed to be amazing.

Sophie had been so excited to order everything—sushi, lobster, shrimp. The works.

But when the food arrived, and she took a few bites, something shifted.

At first, she enjoyed it—until, suddenly, nausea rolled over her like a wave.

Her stomach twisted violently.

She swallowed thickly, willing the feeling away, but Ethan noticed immediately.

"Baby, are you okay?" he asked, concern tightening his voice.

Sophie pressed a hand to her mouth. "Bathroom. Give me one sec."

She barely made it in time.

By the time she stepped back outside, taking in slow, steady breaths, their table was cleared.

Millie's small voice reached her first. "Mama, are you okay?"

Sophie forced a smile, kneeling down to kiss Millie's forehead. "Yes, princess. I'm okay."

Then she turned to Ethan. "What happened while I was gone?"

"I asked them to pack everything up," he said simply, watching her closely. "Come on, let's go home. I think you'll feel better after some rest."

He hesitated. "But we can stop at a pharmacy on the way."

Sophie shook her head. "No, we don't have to. I'm probably just tired."

Ethan didn't look convinced, but he didn't argue.

They made their way back home, the night air cool and calming.

But even after settling in, Sophie still felt terrible.

Ethan put Millie Rose to bed while she curled up on the couch, trying to will the nausea away.

A few minutes later, she heard Ethan's footsteps as he entered the living room.

Ethan sat down beside her, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "Are you feeling any better?"

Sophie exhaled, shaking her head. "Not really."

Ethan frowned. "Maybe Maria can watch Millie while I take you to the hospital."

Maria was their housekeeper. She took care of the home when they were away and had been helping with breakfast and watching Millie during their vacation. Sophie knew Millie would be in good hands.

But something about this feeling seemed familiar.

And suddenly, Lily's annoying voice echoed in her mind—"Maybe it's time to start thinking about baby number two."

Her eyes widened.

She sat up so fast that Ethan jumped.

"What? What is it?" he asked, startled.

Sophie turned to him, her heart racing. "A pregnancy test."

Ethan blinked. "What?"

"I think you need to go get one."

For a moment, he just stared at her, processing. Then, realization dawned across his face. "Okay." His voice was steady, but his excitement was barely contained. "Okay, I'll go get some. But if it's negative, I am taking you to the hospital, alright?"

Sophie nodded, but deep down, she already had a hunch.

She watched as Ethan grabbed his jacket. He seemed a little too eager as he left, and she couldn't help but smile.

Maybe they were both suffering from baby fever.

Ethan was back quickly—almost too quickly.

Sophie took the test and walked into the bathroom, her hands slightly shaky.

She had never taken a pregnancy test before.

The last time she was pregnant, she hadn't even known until she woke up in the hospital. This? This was new—even a little nerve-wracking.

When she came out, Ethan was already pacing.

"The test says we have to wait fifteen minutes," he said, running a hand through his hair.

So they waited.

And waited.

Both of them pacing, glancing at the timer, stealing nervous but hopeful glances at each other.

They wanted more kids.

And finally—

It was time.

Ethan took her hand as they walked over to check.

Sophie took a deep breath.

Two lines.

Positive.

She was pregnant.

For a moment, time stood still.

She looked up at Ethan just as he looked at her—his deep blue eyes widening, his breath hitching like the wind had been knocked out of him. His lips parted slightly, as if he wanted to say something, but the words never came.

Then, suddenly, his face crumpled with emotion.

"Sophie..." His voice broke on her name.

She barely had time to react before he pulled her into his arms, holding her so tightly it was as if he never wanted to let go.

A shaky laugh escaped him, his grip on her unrelenting. "God, Sophie... you know how to make me the happiest man alive."

His voice was thick, his shoulders trembling slightly.

Sophie felt her own eyes sting with tears as she melted into his embrace. "We're really doing this again," she whispered against his chest.

Ethan pulled back just enough to cup her face, his thumb tracing her cheek with a tenderness that made her heart ache. His gaze roamed over her, like he was memorizing every part of this moment, this feeling, this love.

Then, just like that, a tear slipped down his cheek.

Sophie let out a breathless laugh, wiping it away. "Are you crying?"

Ethan huffed, blinking rapidly. "No," he said, clearly lying, and pulled her back into his arms. "Shut up."

She laughed again, burying her face in his shoulder.

"If it's a girl, we cannot name her Lily," Ethan murmured, his voice still uneven. "I don't know why we promised her that."

Sophie let out a soft, contented sigh. "Because she was sad we chose Mia over her to be the godmother for Millie."

Ethan smirked, shaking his head. "We really cannot have two Lilys. One already drives us crazy."

They locked eyes for a moment before saying, at the same time—

"Middle name."

A laugh bubbled out of Sophie just as she swatted his arm playfully. But before she could say anything else, Ethan cupped her face, his hands warm, steady, reverent.

And then he kissed her.

Slow. Tender. Like she was something precious.

"I love you, Sophie."

He whispered it like a promise, like he'd say it a thousand times and never once get tired of it. His voice was raw, thick with emotion, like he felt those words in every inch of his soul.

She smiled against his lips, her hands curling into the fabric of his shirt. "Me too, Ethan. I love you."

Baby number two.

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