I bite my cheek to contain my blissed-out smile, fully savoring his gloriously cliché question. “Yes,” I answer, reaching out to place my hand in his. “I’m absolutely ready.”
Epilogue
Five years later
Whenever we arrive at our London apartment, I’m always met with an undeniable sense of elated uncertainty. All of a sudden, a million new possibilities are right at my fingertips, and I’m somehow on vacation, but it’s also my daily life. The flat itself is sleek and happy, modern yet charming. It’s a comfortable one-bedroom that’s a little on the smaller side, but I fell in love with it the moment I saw it. Buying a second home was never a real thought for us when we first got married, but with as much time as we spend here, Liam thought it made sense, and I agreed.
We ended up selling our larger New York apartment in favor of having two smaller homes instead. A two-bedroom we bought in Brooklyn and this one here in Bloomsbury. We come back to London every June, July, and August, and for a couple of weeklong stays throughout the year. Liam works remotely during our trips, and I somehow managed to finagle these unpaid three months off while West Lane hosts a guest artistic director for each summer season. While we’re here, I get to focus on my writing, or I collaborate with Juliette and Ellie.
Thinking of Juliette, I reach into my bag to check my phone, finding no new messages as Liam finishes opening the curtains and sprawls out across the couch.
“Are both of them on their way already?” he asks, reaching out for me to join him.
“No idea. I would assume so.”
“My money is Mum getting here first this time. I was half expecting her to pop out of the entry closet when we first opened the door.”
“There’s nothing wrong with a little healthy competition.”
“Maybe not, but they could at least give us a couple of hours to get situated.”
I squeeze my way onto the couch as well, sitting on the edge beside Liam’s shoulder. “Never going to happen. Let the dream go.”
“It’s gone,” he agrees, shifting just enough to wrap an arm around me. “I’ve learned by now not to swim against the current when it comes to you three.”
“Smart man.”
I’m about to slide down and nestle further into his side when there’s a sudden knock at the door. “Speak of the devils,” he says. “Which one do you think it is?”
“We shall find out.” I pop up from my sitting position and cross the living room, heading back over to the door and swinging it open. Juliette is standing in the hall with a satisfied smile and with a very excited Ollie.
“I’m here and I have coffee!” she announces, holding up a disposable drink tray with four cups.
I immediately drop to the floor, shower my boy with no less than a trillion kisses, and unclip his leash from his collar so he’s free to jump all over me. Once we’re both satisfied, I stand back up and look over her offerings with feigned snootiness. “Did you fix my latte the way I like it?”
“Don’t get greedy, kid.” She gives me a kiss on the cheek and moves towards the semi-open kitchen area, where she places our drinks on the counter. “Morning, Liam.”
“Morning, Liam?” he repeats disappointedly, sitting up on the couch as Ollie catapults into his waiting lap. “Oh, how the mighty have fallen. Remember the days when I used to be your favorite?”
Juliette sighs and whips back around to face us. “God, you two are so needy. If you can’t tell, I’m extremely exhausted. Carrying those drinks over was no easy feat while walking Ollie and wearing this.” She then casually lifts up her left hand andmyhands immediately fly up to slap over my mouth.
“Stop!” I nearly scream at the top of my lungs. “No! Are you serious?” I’m in the early stages of hyperventilating as I charge across the room.
“I’m very serious,” she says as I hysterically grab her hand. “I’m casting off my virgin robes at last.”
“This is amazing!” I laugh and yell as I pull her in for a bone-crushing hug. “Wait! We have to FaceTime Roshni! She’s going to die when you tell her.” I release my hold so Liam can get a congratulatory squeeze in as well. “I can’t believe you finally said yes,” I gush, elbowing my husband out of the way so I can admire the ring again. “What made you do it?”
Juliette’s smile is positively radiant. “Considering he’s been asking me for the last three years, I figured it was time to cut him a break. Additionally, I can’t stand Isabelle hounding me about it anymore.”
“Please, she’s going to be on cloud nine planning this wedding.”
“Ugh,” Juliette grunts, her excitement momentarily lapsing. “I didn’t even think of that. Do me a favor and get pregnant to divert her attention.”
“Ha,” I chuckle, moving to scoop up my latte. “Nice try.”
Juliette moans and picks up her tea as Liam and I exchange private smiles. In truth, we have talked about having a baby, but neither of us are convinced it’s what we truly want. Maybe being parents will be in the cards for us someday, or maybe not. Either way, it’s no one’s decision but ours, and as it stands now, we’re perfectly happy as a family of two.
“Well,” Liam says, crossing the room and scooping up Ollie’s leash, “I’ll leave you two to gush in private for a bit. I’ve missed taking this guy on our relaxing strolls, so we’ll be back in a few minutes.” Ollie is fully up for it and quickly trots over when beckoned.
