“Let’s go,” he says, and there’s an unspoken promise that no matter what happens, they’ll be okay.
And just like that, the frenzy continues. We’re all in motion, rushing to help Millie get into the car and on her way to the hospital.
Cohen stands next to me, eyes wide as saucers. “Mom, is Aunt Millie really having the baby right now?”
I nod, ruffling his hair affectionately. “Yep. The baby is coming right now.”
He looks over at Cole, his eyes lighting up with something like excitement. “Dad, that’s so cool. I think I want to be a doctor when I grow up.”
I laugh, pulling him close. “Maybe one day, lovebug.”
As we head to the car, Cole’s hand slips into mine, his fingers brushing gently against mine like an unspoken promise. Despite the chaos, this moment feels perfect. It’s everything I’ve dreamed of and more—family, love, new beginnings.
Later at the hospital, Gabriel paces like a caged animal, eyes flicking constantly to the clock on the wall. Millie’s contractions are relentless now—closer, faster, a clear sign the baby is ready.
We sit in the waiting room, the air heavy with anticipation. No one talks much. The silence feels sacred. Aura is asleep in my mom’s arms, her small face calm in the storm of emotions surrounding us.
It’s a moment of quiet before the storm.
Eventually, the door to the delivery room opens, and Gabriel bursts through with the most radiant smile I’ve ever seen. He’s shaking, his eyes shining with tears of happiness.
“It’s a girl!” he exclaims, voice full of emotion. “We have a baby girl! Mars Celestial Sirolli.”
There’s a collective cheer from everyone in the room. Tears well up in my eyes as I hug Cole, my heart full of joy for Millie, and for all of us. In the end, everything that seemed like a whirlwind, every chaotic moment tonight, was worth it. Because we were here together. And that’s all that matters.
Tonight, our family grew even stronger, and for the first time in a long time, I felt like everything was falling into place. My heart swells with gratitude, knowing that this love—this family—is the best thing I’ve ever known. And this life, chaotic as it is, is perfect.
Later that night, in the quiet waiting room of the hospital, the noise of the outside world feels distant. Cole and I sit side by side, fingers intertwined. The world outside fades to a distant hum.
I sip the raspberry iced tea he brought me earlier. The iced tea is cold and sweet, exactly the way I like it. The warmth of his hand in mine is a grounding comfort, a reminder that amidst all the chaos, we’ve found each other. And in that moment, I can’t help but wonder about what lies ahead for us.
I glance over at him, his brow furrowed in thought, his eyes reflecting the soft hospital lights. He’s been so present, so steadfast today, never once wavering from my side. His love for me has always been clear, but today? Today, I can feel it in everything hedoes. From the way he holds me when I’m overwhelmed, to the way he gently strokes my hair when the noise around us gets too loud. There’s nothing that could shake the foundation of this love.
“Do you want more kids?” I ask, slipping out with little thought. I’m not sure why I’ve been wondering. Maybe it’s the quiet of the hospital, the weight of everything happening. Maybe it’s the reality of having a child, of building a family.
He looks at me, his eyes searching mine for a moment, as though weighing the question. “Before I knew about Cohen, I wasn’t sure if I wanted kids,” he says slowly, his voice thoughtful. “But now? Now that I know about him, I want as many as you’re willing to have, Kenna.”
My heart swells when I hear his words. Knowing he would love Cohen like his own was one thing, but hearing him say it aloud so freely brings a warmth to my chest I never thought I’d feel. I smile, biting my lip to hold back the tears that are threatening to spill. “I want to have another baby. Cohen is going to be a good big brother someday.”
Cole’s grin is wide and full of joy, and I can see it in his eyes. The same love, the same devotion, the same certainty that I feel in my bones. “Then we’ll have as many as you want, Sunshine.”
The simplicity of the promise settles in my chest. With him, I feel like anything is possible. I’ve spent so long feeling like my life was a puzzle, pieces scattered everywhere. But now? Now I see the image clearly. I know what I want. And he’s right there beside me, ready to make it happen.
Breathing deeply, the pressure lifts, and I feel lighter than before. “I also don’t want a big wedding,” I add, which came to me without hesitation. “I just want to go to the courthouse. My love for you is unconditional. Why wait?”
His eyes soften, and I swear I see something shimmer in them. A quiet wonder, maybe even disbelief, at how far we’ve come. “We’ll do whatever makes you happy, Kenna,” he says, his voicesteady and filled with love. “And I’ll be right there with you, for all of it.”
Resting my head on his shoulder, I lean into him, feeling the words sink deep. I don’t need a big, elaborate wedding. The world doesn’t need to know what Cole and I have. I already know it. Our love is strong, undeniable, and it’s always been that way, even when we were apart. Our bond is unbreakable.
The world feels quiet around us as I close my eyes, feeling the steady rise and fall of his chest beneath my cheek. In this moment, with Cole by my side, I feel like I’ve found my forever.
And as the night stretches on, I feel the weight of our future. One full of children, love, and a lifetime of memories settles comfortably in my heart. It’s scary, sure. But it’s also the most beautiful thing I’ve ever known.
Chapter Thirty-Two
GROOM WITH A VIEW
COLE-PRESENT
