My patience paid off when Bailey began to see my effort to be a present father. As Haven & Hearth continued to thrive, she decided to move back to Brookvale.
And now they were here.
My family.
Not officially yet, but I intended to change that.
Since their return, Bailey had slowly warmed to me again. Our relationship began with friendship and co parenting, and I took my time. I started bringing her into my world, asking her to be my plus one at official events and galas. I introduced her to my partners and clients, always keeping her close, a hand at her back or my fingers brushing hers, reminding her that I was there and that I was not going anywhere.
A year ago, our friendship shifted into something more.
It started with small kisses on her cheek, then gradually found their way to her lips. When she responded, my heart filled with hope.
Now we were closer than lovers should be.
I spent most of my time at her childhood home, the one I had renovated until it no longer resembled the house that once held so much pain. I wanted it to feel safe and comfortable for her and for Triston, even if it meant erasing memories that hurt her.
When we were there together, we already lived like a real family.
Triston had hinted more than once that he wanted us to be one.
So I had made a plan.
And now, all I could do was hope that it would come true.
Extended Epilogue
BAILEY
I could feel something big coming.
Ashton had been on edge all morning, unusually quiet, his nerves impossible to miss. He only said that he had a surprise planned because it was my birthday and that he was taking me somewhere.
Triston was spending the day with his grandmother, Ashton’s mother, at the Ashton family mansion. He loved it there. He was completely overwhelmed by the size of the place and obsessed with the pools. His grandmother had been pampering him from the moment they met.
She was nothing like the woman I remembered from years ago, back when Ashton and I first dated. Then, she had seemed distant and reserved. Now she was soft spoken and kind, treating me like her own daughter. She never pressured me about my relationship with Ashton and respected the fact that we were taking our time getting to know each other again.
Well, not exactly taking that much time.
Being close to this man stirred feelings I thought I had buried for good. They built quietly, then suddenly spilled over, and before I realized it, we were already something. I just had never put a name to it.
Friendship was long gone. Girlfriend felt ridiculous at my age. And friends with benefits sounded more honest.
At least, I thought it did.
Maybe.
“Bailey, we’re here.”
Ashton’s voice pulled me out of my thoughts. His hand closed gently around mine, and only then did I realize the car had stopped. He stepped out first, walked around, and opened my door like he always did. I hesitated, not because I didn’t trust him, but because my nerves were already buzzing.
I hated surprises.
Knowing Ashton, this wouldn’t be something small. He tended to go big, dramatic, unforgettable. I silently hoped he remembered that I wasn’t a material person. Grand gestures never impressed me nearly as much as sincerity did.
“Where are we, Ashton?”
“Let’s walk a bit,” he said, lacing his fingers through mine as he helped me out of the car.
