Jamie laughs, a melodic sound that fills the space around us. “Tell me about it. He’s growing like a weed, just like Piper.”
As if on cue, Piper crawls over to us, her curiosity piqued by the new arrivals. She pulls herself up on my leg, babbling excitedly as she reaches for Thomas. Jamie kneels, bringing Thomas to Piper’s level.
“Look, sweetie, it’s your friend Thomas,” I coo, watching as Piper’s eyes widen with interest.
The two babies stare at each other for a moment, a silent communication passing between them. Then, Piper breaks into a toothy grin, patting Thomas’ arm with clumsy enthusiasm.
Jamie and I exchange a knowing look, our hearts full as we witness the beginnings of a beautiful friendship.
“Motherhood looks good on you, Ayla,” Jamie says softly, her eyes shining with pride.
I swallow past the lump in my throat, my voice thick with emotion. “It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also the most rewarding.”
Jamie nods, understanding etched into her features. “We’re in this together, you know. Whenever you need advice, a shoulder to cry on, or just someone to talk to, I’m here.”
Tears prick the corners of my eyes as I pull her into another hug, mindful of the two babies between us. “Thank you, Jamie.”
The room falls silent as Clay carries out the cake, its single candle flickering in the dimly lit clubhouse. Piper’s eyes widen, her chubby hands reaching for the frosted confection. I hold her close, my heart swelling with a love I never knew possible.
“Happy birthday to you,” everyone sings, their voices mingling in a heartfelt chorus. Piper claps her hands, her face alight with pure joy.
As the song comes to an end, I lean in close, whispering in her ear. “Make a wish, baby girl.”
With a gentle puff, Piper extinguishes the candle, and the room erupts in cheers. I feel the sting of tears, my emotions threatening to overwhelm me.
I’m so caught up in the moment that I don’t notice Clay, Kip, and Teller exchanging mischievous glances. Before I can react, they’re upon me, their hands smearing cake across my face as they laugh uproariously.
“Oh, you’re so gonna pay for that!” I splutter, wiping frosting from my eyes.
Clay grins, his deep-set eyes sparkling with mirth. “Bring it on.”
I hand Piper off to Jamie, my lips curving into a wicked smile. “Watch and learn, boys.”
In a flash, I’m grabbing fistfuls of cake, launching them at my unsuspecting targets. Kip ducks, his laughter ringing out as the cake sails over his head. Teller isn’t so lucky, the confection splattering across his chest.
“This means war!” Kip declares, scooping up a handful of frosting.
The clubhouse descends into chaos, cake flying in every direction as we chase each other around the room. I can’t remember the last time I laughed this hard, my sides aching with the force of it.
This is my family.
As the laughter dies down, I find myself wrapped in Clay’s arms as I hold Piper close in my arms, his lips pressing a tender kiss to my forehead. Kip and Teller join in, their arms encircling us in a group hug.
“Happy birthday, Piper,” Clay murmurs, his voice thick with emotion. “And happy six months to the most amazing mom in the world.”
I lean into their embrace, my voice barely above a whisper. “I love you guys, you know that?”
“We love you too, Ayla,” Kip says, his tone uncharacteristically serious. “More than you could ever know.”
At this moment, with my daughter in my arms and my boys by my side, I feel like the luckiest woman in the world.
Teller’s eyes meet mine, and he gives me a lopsided grin. “You’re stuck with us now, sweetheart. No backing out.”
I laugh, shaking my head. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
As we untangle ourselves from the embrace, I catch sight of Jamie watching us with a knowing smile. She mouths, “I’m so happy for you,” and I feel a rush of gratitude for her friendship.
Six months ago, I never could have imagined this life for myself. I was so lost, so broken. But these men... they’ve healed me in ways I didn’t even know I needed.
The End
