“We just didn’t know that we would actually get to be part of your happy ending,” Tom smiles as he strokes the jewel resting in the hollow of my throat.
My happy ending, I smile as I think about these words. This really is a fairytale.
Looking at the two handsome men, I know that everything is exactly how it should be, and that life couldn’t be more perfect.
Well, I giggle to myself, there is one thing.
“What’s got you so giddy?” Gabriel grins.
“Well, I just remembered something that might make this whole outcome even more amazing. Or shocking, is another way to see it.” I giggle again, and the brothers share mystified looks.
“It’s going to be hard to top my happiness at this moment,” Tom says with a grin.
“But try us, pretty girl,” Gabriel teases. “We’re all ears.”
Now it’s my turn to smile widely. “I’m pregnant! The two of you are going to be daddies!”
And if I thought I’d made the two men happy before by telling them that I loved them, the joy that lights up their faces now is absolutely incandescent.
“A baby?” Tom asks, scooping me tightly into his arms.
“Oh shit,” says Gabe, his eyes suspiciously bright. “We’re going to be fathers. I never thought we’d have the chance, but Michelle, you’ve made two men ecstatic. We’re crazy over the moon with joy, sweetheart.”
I smile again, and then pull the Costas brothers in for heartfelt kisses because I’m ready for this next phase of my life. Despite the fact that the two brothers bought me, and the fact that I was literally sold to my boss’s clients, in the end, it doesn’t matter. Love triumphed, and with a baby on the way, the rest of the road will be a journey of pure bliss.EpilogueMichelleTwo years later.
I pace around my office, wrapping up my third conference call for the morning.
The room is spacious, modern, and overlooks the Manhattan skyline. The décor is simple but chic: a mix of cherry-stained woods, soft, white leather and funky colorful artwork. The carpet is plush beneath my feet as I walk barefoot from one end of the room to the other.
“That’ll be fine. Have them send the documents over once he signs. She deserves that settlement, and we’re going to get it for her.” I pause, listening to the junior lawyer on the other end of the line. “Sounds good. Okay, talk soon. Thanks, Belinda.”
I hang up the phone and sigh, happy with the outcome of this case but feeling more tired than usual lately.
I stare at the phone for a moment, taking in how much has happened in the last two years. I can’t believe I run my own law firm. I nearly giggle out loud as I think about it. My firm specializes in divorce cases, and specifically, supporting women to ensure they’re getting fair deals. The work is hard, but I couldn’t be happier. I hired my friend June as a partner, and together we’re conquering the legal world with verve and gusto.
Meanwhile, from her playpen in the corner, Emerald coos delightedly, having found a leftover cookie in her tiny dress pocket.
Nope, I couldn’t be happier, I repeat as I cross the large space to pick up the cute tot.
“What are you doing baby girl?” I ask my little daughter, who looks up at me with enormous green eyes. “Did you find a treat?”
The sixteen-month old squeals, happy to have my attention now that her nap time is over. I frown at the little rascal.
“Which daddy gave you a cookie before lunch?” I ask, raising my eyebrows in mock horror.
Emerald giggles at my antics and tries to copy my expression. I laugh at my baby, and for the next several minutes, I make faces and she copies them.
We’re in the middle of our little game when there’s a knock at the door, followed by first Tom and then Gabriel entering my office. Their huge forms are dark and enormous, as always, but the handsome men immediately break into a smile when they see their daughter.
“What’s all this noise in here?” Gabriel asks before scooping up Emerald and swinging her around. “I thought your mommy was a serious lawyer with serious cases,” he says as he twirls the tiny girl.
I laugh.
“Hi honey.” I kiss Tom and then press a kiss to Gabriel’s cheek as well. “One of you gave your daughter cookies for breakfast, and then she had the audacity to make faces at me when I questioned her about it.” I shake my head, feigning frustration. “You’re spoiling her so much that soon she’s going to be the cookie monster!”
The three of us laugh heartily, knowing that I’m probably the one who spoils Emerald the most, if that’s even possible.
Back when I’d first found out I was pregnant, I had been blissfully happy just exploring and developing my relationship with Tom and Gabriel. But when my little green-eyed baby came into the world, I suddenly knew what it was like to love someone beyond all doubt. Emerald completed our little family, and now, I can hardly remember life before her.