Total pages in book: 66
Estimated words: 61929 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61929 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 310(@200wpm)___ 248(@250wpm)___ 206(@300wpm)
As expected, Chris did an incredible job, and the flavors were so savory and meaty. I quickly cleared off a whole plate and two pieces of garlic bread, along with a small salad on the side.
The guys talked about an event that they were attending next month, which was a ride for breast cancer awareness, while Madison talked about a tattoo expedition that her guys were doing soon that she would be attending for fun.
Everyone had so much going on in their lives. Even Chloe had a lot going on because she was going to start soccer soon.
I took a moment and just smiled to myself as I listened to everyone talk about how happy they were and how optimistic they were about the future.
This was the life that I had always wanted.
I didn’t even know that when I was younger because I didn’t know what having a family even felt like. I didn’t know that it would be this warm and bright and comforting.
This was true paradise, and it was finally mine.
“Chris, dinner was amazing,” Madison said once we all finished up.
“Ha! I win!” Chloe cried out in excitement when she won another round of rock, paper, scissors against Bradley.
“I think we have a rock, paper, scissors champion here,” Bradley said, giving Chloe a high-five before everyone got up from the table.
“My pleasure. Be sure to send that pie recipe to Aisling. I’ll definitely give it a try,” Chris told Madison as we all started to gravitate toward the front door.
“I’ll take Adder to his crib,” Lincoln told me, pecking me on the cheek before telling Chloe and Madison goodbye.
“Tell everyone bye,” Madison told Chloe, who gave everyone high-fives. Madison smiled and waved bye to everyone before I walked her out to her car. Once Chloe was inside, she turned to me and gave me a hug. “I’m really happy for you, Aisling.”
“Thank you. They’re great, aren’t they?” I asked as I squeezed her back.
Madison nodded.
“They’re perfect for you,” she said before pulling back and smiling at me. “They spoil the hell out of you. I bet you’re eating up all that attention.”
I laughed, my head tilting back.
“You know it. I’m just… so grateful for them. Life is so fun with them, but the little, sweet moments are my favorite. How they do things without me having to ask. How they comfort me even when I don’t say that I’m stressed or tired,” I told her, shaking my head in disbelief.
“They’re in love with you, and you’re in love with them,” Madison pointed out. “You know, you’ve changed a lot since meeting them. And in a good way.”
A bright smile crossed my face.
“Really?” I asked.
Madison nodded.
“You’ve grown a lot. You’re such a devoted mom, and you’re so aware of everything around you. I think you’re more responsible than me now,” she said with a soft laugh. “You’re just… happier.”
“I guess that’s the magic of love,” I replied as I gave her a grateful look. That was really nice to hear because I did believe that I had changed a lot for the better. The world seemed so much brighter and promising now that I had gotten my life together and figured out what I truly wanted.
“It’s the most powerful thing ever. I’m glad you’re under its spell like I am,” Madison said.
That was a spell that I never wanted to break.
“We have to do this again, but you have to bring everyone!” I told her, wanting both of our families to get together.
“Soon!” Madison promised, hugging me one more time before getting into her car.
I waved goodbye before heading inside, seeing the guys spread throughout the main floor. I smiled to myself. This was home. This was everything.
“Angel,” Auden said, holding his arm out as he laid on the couch.
I happily bounded over to him, laying on his chest as he held me close. I fell into his warmth, taking in his citrusy cologne. My eyes swept around as the guys smiled in my direction, and I knew that we were going to have a long, happy life together.
This was only just the beginning.
Epilogue: Aisling
A few months later
I stumbled forward as Lincoln walked behind me with his hands over my eyes.
“Don’t walk me into a wall!” I laughed as he guided me.
“I wouldn’t dare,” Lincoln chuckled. “Just keep moving forward. We’re almost there.”
I took five steps before he pulled me to a stop. I had no idea what was up. All he told me was that he had a surprise for me upstairs and that I couldn’t look until I was right there.
“Is it a puppy?” I asked, lifting my eyebrows.
Lincoln laughed.
“Nope. We have our hands plenty full with Adder,” he reminded me.
He definitely wasn’t wrong. Adder was the best handful ever, and he kept the nine of us on our toes all the time. He started sleeping longer at least, but he was a bundle of energy when he was awake. He loved grabbing and tossing his toys, and he especially loved peekaboo.