by Priyal Jain
CHAPTER 32
“So did you like the surprise?” I asked Jake as we strolled in the same garden, Jake is going to own soon.
“I loved it. It was the most grand and amazing proposal.” He said, putting an arm around my shoulders
“I am glad you loved it, I was really terrified.”
“Why?”
“What if I had chickened out?”
“The good news is that you didn’t. I loved your speech.”
“Thank you.”
“Ashley.” We both stopped and looked at each other. “You are so special to me and I love you with all my heart and I promise I would never let you down and I would never leave you alone. You are my life, my everything. I can’t stand living without you even for a single day.” I was so happy to hear all that. I kissed him tenderly on his lips and then on his cheeks.
“I love you, Jake.”
“I love you too.” he hugged me tightly. Everything was perfect in that moment and like cherry on the cake, tiny droplets of water landed on us and slowly it turned into a heavy rainfall.
“Would you like to dance?” He asked, bringing forward his right hand “Sure!” I said, taking his hand. And to the beats of the raindrops we danced our hearts out and in that very moment we were INFINITE……
EPILOGUE
FOUR YEARS LATER………
“Good morning, darling.” Jake greeted me sleepily and stretched himself.
“Good morning, Mom!” Adam, our son wished me.
“Good morning Jake, morning Adam.” I kissed them both on their foreheads.
Jake and I have been married for four years now. We had our first lovely baby after a year of our marriage. And now I am nine months pregnant with our second child. It’s been such a wonderful journey. These four years have been way too special for Jake and me. We got married four months after I proposed and since then our new lives begun. We bought our first house before Luke was born and it is beautiful. I love it. Now, Jake doesn’t play at any restaurant but all over the world. I, now, work in Emmet’s restaurant which is rated five stars for two years straight. Emma works there too with me. I love my job, my husband, my son, my unborn baby, my friends, my life.
“Mom is everyone coming?” Adam asked.
“Yes honey!” I replied.
“Jake get ready quickly, all of them would be here soon.” I shouted.
“Will be just out!” he replied.
Now, Emma married Dr. Smith. It came as a surprise to all of us but they were really in love with each other. Emmet married Lilly she also works at the restaurant with us. Till now too we four, well six are best friends and will remain friends for life.
“Hello guys!” Emma and Smith entered.
“Hello.” I replied and hugged both of them.
“Aunt Emma!” Adam shouted excitedly and leaped into her arms.
“Hi, my baby.” She hugged Adam tightly.
“Where is Emmet and Lilly?” I asked, hugging both of them.
“They are on their way.” Emma replied.
“Where is Jake?” Smith asked.
“He is just coming. You guys grab a seat and I will bring something to drink and eat.” I said.
“You sit, I’ll do it. Take care of yourself, for God’s sakes.” Emma scolded me.
“I am fine.” I replied.
“Hello everyone.” Jake said coming out of our room. He hugged Emma and Smith. Emmet and Lilly also came, perfect timing.
“Hello everybody!” They said.
“Hello!” we all sang back.
“Aunt Lilly!” Adam ran towards her too and she wrapped him in a huge hug. Adam really like both his aunts.
“We are all together at last!” I said. “You guys sit and I’ll bring something and then sit myself.”
“I’ll help you!” Lilly joined me.
“I’ll come too then.” Emma chipped in. The guys settled themselves in the sitting area in the lobby.
“I love your kitchen!” Emma said.
“It’s beautiful.” Lilly agreed.
“Thank you.” I replied.
“What you’ve got?” Emma asked.
“Diet soda!” I replied and saw Emma and Lilly’s horrified expressions.
“What? I am not allowed to drink and no cocktails with Adam around.” I explained.
“Okay we will manage.” Lilly said.
“Not even beer?” Emma asked.
“Last time Adam insisted to drink beer when he saw Jake drinking it. So we’ve stopped bringing beers too.” I answered.
“Okay, let’s go.” Emma said and we three went outside to the sitting area.
“Ouch!” I shouted.
“What happened?” Jake asked coming near me.
“OW! OW! OW!” I kept on shouting, grabbing my stomach.
“Ash you are leaking.” Emmet said.
“No silly, her water broke.” Emma said.
“It is getting painful!” I screamed.
“Relax honey, breathe.” Jake said, calming me down.
“I have called the hospital the ambulance would be here any minute. Just make her sit!” Smith said. Jake helped me sit on the nearby couch.
“What about Adam?” I asked between my shrieks.
“I will take care of him!” Lilly volunteered.
“Sure!” Emmet confirmed.
“Thank you, you are an angel!” Emma said on my behalf. The ambulance came and we four rushed to the hospital.
“I don’t believe I am holding my daughter!” I said, happy tears coming out of my eyes.
“She is beautiful, just like you.” Jake kissed me on my shoulder and on my cheek. I am holding my daughter and it such a beautiful feeling.
“Can we come in?” Emma asked, peeking inside.
“Sure.” I said, wiping my tears. Emma and Smith came in with a bunch of flowers and placed them on a side table.
“She is adorable.” Smith said.
“Awww….I Love her.” Emma cried.
“So what are you going to name her?” Smith asked.
“Amy Brandon.” We both said in unison. Finally our family is complete. Jake, me, Adam and Amy.
I got discharged from the hospital after a week and finally I was home and so was my Amy.
“Hey Amy look, your house.” I said, playing with her fingers.
“Thank you so much Lilly for looking after Adam.” Jake kissed her on her cheek.
“Is this my little sister?” Adam asked, cutely.
“Yes honey!” Jake replied.
“Will she love me?” he asked.
“Of course, like Emma loves Emmet and like Aunt Becky loves me.” Jake replied. I was really enjoying this cute conversation.
“I love her too!”Adam said excitedly and we all laughed.
“Welcome my cute little Angel.” Came in mom’s voice. I looked at the door and I saw everyone coming to bless my Amy. Jake’s parents, my parents and Becky with Joey, her husband.
“Where is my granddaughter?” Rachel asked.
“Here.” I said. Everybody surrounded Amy and me. I felt so overwhelmed and safe.
“Everyone ready for a family picture?” Jake asked.
“Of course!” everyone replied. He set the camera’s timer and joined the group for the picture. Everyone was there. From Jon and Henry to Amy, full family. My family, my friends, my children all with me.
“Everyone smile.” Jake said and click. The perfect family photo with the perfect people.
“Thank you for coming in my life and completing it. Welcome to our very own little, crazy world.
THE END!!!