Epilogue: Years Later
(Ria's POV)
The sun was just dipping below the horizon as I parked outside our home in Alderbridge, the sky painted in shades of orange and gold. The ocean breeze drifted in from the balcony, carrying the faint scent of salt and blooming jasmine. After a long day at Silverwood General Hospital, where I'd spent the last decade building my career as a doctor, this was the moment I lived for: coming home.
Miles was already in the kitchen, humming softly, laptop open on the counter as he reviewed the latest reports from StoneTech International, the company he now ran as CEO. He looked up, and his eyes softened when he saw me.
"Hey, Threads," he said, voice warm. "Long day?"
I smiled, leaning against the doorway. "You have no idea." My hand instinctively brushed my stomach — a soft, almost shy gesture. Three months in, and the reality of the tiny life growing inside me made my chest swell with a strange, wonderful mix of awe and panic. But it was perfect.
Miles closed his laptop and came over, slipping an arm around my waist. "You look tired. Let me take care of you tonight."
I chuckled, resting my head against his chest. "You always take care of me. That's why I married you."
He pressed a kiss to the top of my head. "And that's why I'll love you forever, Threads."
The house was alive with reminders of our friends and family. Maya had just returned from inspecting a new architectural project — she was now a celebrated architect, her name attached to some of Alderbridge's most innovative designs. Emma, ever vibrant, had carved out her own niche in the publishing world, running her own boutique editorial company.
Lia and Leo's laughter echoed from the playroom upstairs, where their twin toddlers were creating a minor disaster with building blocks. I smiled, thinking back to how far all of us had come — the chaotic days of school, late-night study sessions, first jobs, weddings, and finally, a life we had worked hard to build.
"Maya texted," Emma called from the living room. "She says congratulations again — can't wait to spoil the baby!"
Miles chuckled, pulling me closer. "Looks like your friends are already ganging up on you."
I laughed, letting the tension of the day melt away. "Good. I'll need backup for this one."
We sat down for dinner together — a simple, home-cooked meal that felt luxurious because we were together. Miles talked about a new acquisition at StoneTech, I shared a story about a young patient who had inspired me, and Emma and Maya interjected with stories of work triumphs and misadventures. Laughter bounced around the room, soft and genuine.
Later, as I sat on the balcony, cradling my growing belly, Miles wrapped his arms around me from behind. "You've built a beautiful life, Threads," he murmured. "And we've still got so much ahead."
I leaned back into him, watching the waves glimmer in the moonlight. "Yeah… so much ahead." My heart skipped as I realized how full our life had become — love, friendship, family, career, and now… the little life on the way.
Miles pressed a kiss to my temple. "Forever, Threads. Always."
I smiled, eyes closing against the warm night breeze. "Forever," I whispered back.
The world was quiet, safe, and ours. And as we sat there, wrapped in each other's arms, I realized: every struggle, every heartbreak, every punch and late-night panic had been worth it. This — this life, this love, this family — was exactly what I had always dreamed of.