Drown Me in Love - 25 (Epilogue)

Chapter 25 - Epilogue

2 Months Later...

Alexander's POV

I stretch out my arms, flexing my fingers before glancing beside me. Adi's lying on her stomach, one arm raised over her head, resting on the pillow next to her. Pulling the blanket around us, I turn towards her, and gently lay an arm over her, not wanting to wake her up. Unconsciously, she pushes back until she's pressed up against my chest, and I wrap my arms around her, holding her to me.

My eyes trail over to the sliver of sunlight that's found its way through the closed curtains and is falling across the bed by our feet.

It's been a little over two months since Adriana moved into her place. We haven't had the 'talk' yet, but I know it's coming.

A few weeks ago, I'd come across Mom and Adi talking as I was walking to the kitchen back at home. Mom was asking her if she still really wanted me to move in.

"Yeah, if he wants to. I know he spends most of his time with me but I want him there all the time. I want his things to be lying around and all that. But if he doesn't want to, or you don't think he should, then I completely understand. I still haven't changed my mind though." Was her reply.

I've spent SO many nights here with her. I've been completely knackered after school and work and I've just fallen asleep. I've stayed over weekends, curled up in bed with my Ri, just talking. And when I do stay at home with Mom, it takes me forever to fall asleep, knowing that she's here, alone. That the bed's empty beside me. That I'll have to sleep alone.

A few nights ago, I had, surprisingly, fallen asleep without that much trouble in my room, when my phone had rung. Answering it, I'd glanced at the clock. 3 am.

"Hello?"
"Alexander?" Adriana's voice was small, scared.
I sat up, "Adi, what's wrong?"
"I... I had a nightmare, can you... please come?"
"Yeah, sure. Give me five minutes."

I'd grabbed my car keys and wallet and run downstairs. After waking Mom up and telling her where I was going, I'd run out of the house. All through the drive, I kept Adi talking, diverting her mind from thinking about the nightmare.

I'd walked into her room and she'd flown from the bed, across the room and into my arms in less time than it took me to blink. Her face buried in my shirt, she'd started crying.

I later found out that it was the first time that she'd dreamed of her father.
I pull Adi closer, loving the feeling of her being pressed up against me. She's become so important to me. I really can't find words to describe, to show her just how much I love her, how much she means to me. And I really don't know what I've done to deserve someone like her. She's beautiful. She's caring. She's loving. She's wonderful to be around. She makes me happy.

I gently run my finger across her cheek. I remember the first day of school when I wanted to reach out and touch and see if her skin was as soft as it looked. And it is. Soft and beautiful and delicious.

"Mmm." Adi shifts in my arms, pushing back against me.
"You're awake?" I whisper against her neck. Her one vulnerable spot, I've come to find, and one of my weaknesses in her.

She gives a shaky laugh, "I am now."
Chuckling, I pull back, and she turns around, wrapping her arms around my neck.
"Morning."
"Morning." A small smile flits across her lips before she lowers them onto mine.
"Come on. Get up." I watch as Adi stretches, her arms raised above her head. "What?"
"I don't wanna get up." I roll on top of her, burying my face in her neck. "I'm happy right here."

She laughs, her arms snaking around my waist. "So what's your decision? You're moving in?"
I don't reply immediately, closing my eyes and marveling in the warmth emitted from her neck.

Mom and I had a talk yesterday and she said she was completely fine with me staying in with Adriana. That it was my decision and she'd support it, no matter what.

"On one condition."
"What's that?" She asks, her voice full of happiness.

I prop my elbow up on the mattress, raising my head so that it's just above hers. Adi's hair comes loose from her braid, dark strands spread out on the pillow. Her beautiful blue-gray eyes are shining and are locked on mine at the moment. There's a soft tug somewhere in my chest, a familiar feeling I've come to associate with Adi.

"I get to kiss you how many times I like and whenever I like."
She blushes and I watch as the familiar shade of pink spreads across her cheeks. Her eyes shift away from mine and I smile as her cheeks deepen in color.
"Alexander!" She whines as I incline my head closer to her.

"Yes?" I breathe.
"Nothing." Her fingers tangle themselves in my hair and she tugs on it, pulling me forward. But I hold back, resisting the temptation.
"Alex..."
"Hmm?"

She groans. "Fine. I was going to tell you to stop teasing me."
"I was teasing you?"
"Yes." She gently tugs at my hair again but I stay still.
"Really? Let me show you what teasing actually is, yeah?"

Her eyes widen and she groans, but when I start leaning in, I see the irritation in her eyes leave. Dropping my head down. I press my lips to the base of her throat.

"Ugh. Alexander!"
Ignoring her, I trail kisses up her neck, letting my arm drift around her waist and pulling her up against me. A soft moan escapes her lips as I gently tug at her earlobe with my teeth. After teasing her a bit longer, I finally give in and press my lips to hers.

"You can have as many kisses as you want." Adi says when I let her finally get up.
"Thanks hun. I was gonna take as many as I wanted either way."
She sticks her tongue out at me. "But did you really mean it?"
I glance at her as I untangle myself from the sheets and get to my feet. "What?"
"About moving in?"
"Yes."

Her expression is priceless. Her eyes light up, her lips parted before she flings herself into my arms.
I chuckle, "You just can't stay away from me can you?"

She pulls back and looks up at me, a smile playing on her lips, "What am I getting myself into?"
I laugh, "It's too late for that now."

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4 Years Later

*Adriana's POV*

I glance at Alexander, standing behind his father, dressed in a light blue shirt and tux. The knot in his tie is perfect, his suit ironed and tailored to fit him to perfection. His hair is tame, for once, not the messy-do that I like, but it looks nice all gelled back. I notice most of the girls eyes on him, but I'm not bothered because his eyes are only on me. The Maid of Honor.

I glance down at my dark blue floor length chiffon one shoulder bridesmaids dress. My hair is curled into soft ringlets and pinned up. I adjust the bouquet of white lilies in my hand and glance up. My eyes meet Alexanders and he winks.
Smiling, I glance at the bride and groom as they say their vows.

While Mom and Dad greet their friends, as the newly-wed couple, I head over to the terrace where many of the guests are attacking the buffet. Standing by the railing, I close my eyes, taking in a deep breath as a cool breeze drifts through my curls.

"Hey." A pair of arms come around my waist, pulling me back against a hard chest. Alex rests his hands on the railing in front of us, not wanting to mess up my dress.

"Hi."
"Do you know how beautiful you look??" He murmurs into my ear, his voice is low.
A shiver runs down my back as he plants a kiss beneath my ear.
"Went pretty well, didn't it?" Austin's voice cuts through our bubble and I look up to see him lean against the railing by us. He smiles. "Looking gorgeous Ri. As usual."

I roll my eyes, "Thanks Austin. You're looking very handsome yourself. Where's your girlfriend?"
"Couldn't make it, I'm afraid."
"Bummer. When am I going to be attending your wedding?"
He laughs, "Gonna have to ask Charise that!"

Charise, Austin's girlfriend of three years, is a gem. Not only is she beautiful, she's everything I'd imagine Austin would want in his girl. Funny, caring, witty. All in one. They look so cute together. While Austin's a corporate lawyer, Charise is an architect. They both have successful jobs that keep them busy throughout the week and at times Austin'll be flying somewhere during the weekend. The thing I really admire, is that they don't let that get in the way of spending time together.

"She'll be saying, 'whenever your big-headed brother proposes.'" Alexander says. Laughing, I glance at Austin.
"What do you want Alex?" His brother asks.
"Nothing. I'm pretty happy with what I have." He winks at me.
"When are you guys leaving?" Austin asks.
"Heading back tomorrow morning." Alexander replies.
"Why so soon?"

"We can't miss college Austin."
"Bree coming with you too?"
"Yup."

I glance around the terrace looking for Brittany and Brianna. I haven't seen them since the wedding started. Mom had chosen me as the Maid of Honor because she didn't want to choose between the two of them and they were pretty happy being just bridesmaids.

"They're inside with Mom and Dad." Austin says watching me.
I smile at him, "Thanks. Weather is awesome, isn't it?"
"Yup. Perfect."

"Where are they going for their honeymoon?" I ask Austin. Alex looks up, interested since he doesn't know either.
"Mom's always wanted to travel, remember? Dad's taking her to all the places she's always wanted to go to. She doesn't know that yet though."
"Awww. That's so sweet."

A waiter walks up just then, "The bride and groom would like you to come and take photographs."
"Congrats Mom!" I pull her into a hug and then turn to Dad as Alexander congratulates his mom. "Dad! Congrats!"
He envelopes me in a tight hug, "Thank you darling."

We take our places for the family photo. The bride and groom in the center, Austin stands on Dad's right, Brittany and Brianna on Mom's left. Alexander and I stand next to Austin. Alex's arm is around my waist and he pulls me closer just as the flash goes off.
I may not be related to them through my blood, but they're like the family, I've never had.

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3 Years Later...

*Alexander's POV*

I watch as Adi brushes her hair, softly humming to herself. Smiling, I walk into the room and she looks up. Before she can say anything though, I lift her up into my arms and twirl her around.

"You're going to love me forever!"
She laughs as I set her on her feet, "Really? There better be a good reason for that."
I grin, "Of course there is, but first..." Leaning in, I press my lips to hers, confident that she'll evoke all the feelings in me that she's never failed to. And she does. When I pull away, we're both breathless.

"What is it that's going to make me love you forever?" She asks, looking up at me.
"A surprise. Come on."

Taking her hand, I lead her out of our apartment to my car that's still running. The apartment's still the one I bought her for Christmas nearly eight years ago. My car however is different. Along the way, I'd upgraded to a black Rolls Royce.

"Something happened at work?" She asks, glancing at me as I back out of the driveway.

"Nope." I glance at her, smiling. "Why?"
"You have your suit on. I thought maybe it's work-related."
"No. It isn't work-related."
She gives up guessing, knowing from experience that I won't be giving anything away and starts telling me how work went.

Adriana's majored in child psychology in college. Now she's an elementary school teacher. She loves working with children and so she loves her job. And she really is awesome with children. I've watched her wipe away tears from a little girl when a kid bullied her, help a boy up from the ground and help him clean up his scraped knees. She's so loving and caring and the way she relates to the children, talking to them softly, joining them in games, they just adore her.

I'd taken up media in college, mixing my love for photography and wanting to own a business one day. Two years after graduating college, I've got an advertising company set up, and thanks to dad's help of recommending me to his clients, it's running pretty smoothly. I'm even expecting some pretty good profits by the end of this year considering I've got, most of the set-up costs paid for.

I park the car and Adi looks up from her phone. I watch her expression as we get out of the car. She scans the area, taking in the large green field in front of us and the brown brick building further away.
"What is-" She walks around the car, still looking around. Her eyes land on the slab of stone standing upright to our left.

Little Geniuses Elementary School.
"Alexander? Why have you brought me here?" She looks at me, confusion clear in her eyes.
"Remember that article you read the other day?" I ask. The article I'd kept out for this exact purpose. "The one about a failing school?"
"Yeah."

"Well, the owner had to sell it off earlier this week because she couldn't keep up with the costs. And guess who bought it?"
"Who?" She asks slowly.

I pull out a paper from my suit pocket and hand it to her.
Little Geniuses Elementary School, property of Mrs. Emily Jones has now been legally bought by Mr. Alexander Troy.
The complete costs of both land and all assets have been settled.
No further transactions.

Adi lifts a hand to her open mouth as she reads it. Looking up, she locks eyes with me, staring at me for a few quiet moments.
"You bought this?"
"Yup."
"Why?"
"Hasn't it always been your dream to run a school?"
She opens her mouth but nothing comes out.
"Alexander?"
"Yeah?"

"Have I ever told you how much I love you?"
I chuckle, "Yup but I wouldn't mind hearing it again. Later though. Now let's go explore your new school, Ms. Reynolds."
Taking her hand, I lead her across the field towards the school.
I can already see children running about, laughter filling the air. Adi's described how her school would be to me so many times, I can picture it already.
And it'll be perfect. Just like her.

"Adriana?" I call into the apartment as I enter.
Tugging at my tie, I walk into the living room to see her lying on the sofa, asleep, an arm hanging down. My lips curve into a smile as I look at her. Glancing at the coffee table, I see a folder and papers covering its whole surface. For the past three weeks, if she's not at work, then she's busy planning the renovations to her school.

I pull of my coat and remove my tie. Kneeling down next to her, I pull her arm around my neck and gently lift her up. Unconsciously, she snuggles into my chest. I'm laying her in bed, when her fingers curl around my arm.
"Don't go."
"Just let me change Ri. I'll be right back."
When I walk out of the washroom, she's sitting up, rubbing her eyes.

"Sorry I just fell asleep like that. Have you eaten dinner?"
I shake my head, sitting down next to her, "I'm not hungry."
"Don't be crazy Alexander. You have to eat." She gets up and I follow her into the kitchen, knowing I shouldn't argue when she uses my full name. "How was work?"
"Good. Busy day. How's your planning going?"

She glances at me smiling, before turning back to the refrigerator and pulling out last night's lasagna. "Great. I need your opinion on a few things."
I nod, "Okay. And how was work?"
"It was cool."
"Alex?" Adi says later on when we're in bed.
"Yeah?"
"Your brother had called earlier. Said he'd be in town next week with Charise and Robyn."

I smile, remembering my year old niece. "We haven't seen them for so long!"
"I know, right?"
"Yeah. I can't wait to see Robyn."
"You're pretty good with kids Alex."
"Not like you. Children love you."
She chuckles, "They love you too."

I shake my head, pulling her close. "Not like how they love you. You're going to be a wonderful mother."
"Do you think so?" She looks up at me.
"I know so sweetheart." I kiss her nose. "And you'll be a wonderful father."
"Whose father?" I ask and I'm rewarded with a blushing Adi.
"Your children's of course! Who's else?"

"You're sure, you weren't thinking about your children?"
She snorts, her cheeks still pink, "Why would I?"
I laugh, "Sure Adriana. Whatever makes you happy hun."
She turns away from me, rolling to the other side of the bed, her back to me, pretending to be upset. I smile, watching her back as she gets comfortable. Minutes later though, she's lying on top of me, her arm around my neck, fast asleep.

I glance at Adi as the credits start. This weekend was just about the two of us. Neither of us have touched anything work-related. We've gone shopping, had meals outside, walked in the neighborhood park.
As she pulls out the disk from the DVD player, I run my tongue over my lips, nervous. I'm not sure how to bring up the topic.

"Enjoyed?" I ask. On our way home from dinner, we'd stopped by a movie rental place and gotten a few movies that we both wanted to watch.
"Yup." She curls up on the sofa, sitting opposite me.
"The wedding was nice wasn't it?"
"Yeah, it was nice."
"You didn't like it all that much?"
"It was just too cliched. Don't you think?"
"How so?"
"Nothing special about the wedding. Usual place, usual scene. It wasn't anything special."
"What would be a special wedding?"

"I dunno." I watch as her eyes take a far away look, "On a boat maybe. On a day when it's sunny with a wonderful breeze. There'd be a priest of course, for the bride and groom's vows and all. They'd stand beneath an arch of flowers that would match the color of the bridesmaids' dresses. Once they're married, then there would be dancing on the deck, the bride and groom leading the way. Their family and all the guests would follow. Oh, and there'd be a dress code for the guests. That would be cool. Then the newly wed would mingle amongst the guests together before leading everybody down to the buffet. There'd be toasts and speeches. It isn't that different to normal weddings but the scenery would change everything. It'd be different to a wedding held in a party hall or on the beach." She glances at me and I see something in her expression shift. "The most special thing would be who the groom is of course."

"I like the sound of that wedding. I'm hoping me being the groom would make it special enough?"

She stares up at me, her lips parted. After studying her expression for a second, I sink down on one knee in front of her, pulling a diamond solitaire out of my pocket.
"Because I have to agree with you there. The most important thing is who I'll be marrying. And since we both agree on that and I absolutely love the sound of your special wedding..." I take in a deep breath, "Adriana Reynolds, would you do me the honor of marrying me, becoming my wife and making me a part of your life? Forever?" I ask, my heart pounding in my chest.

Adi's staring at me and then at the ring in my hand. Me, ring, me, ring.
"Adi?"
"Yes." She whispers.
"What?"
"Yes, I'll marry you and become your wife... and make you a part of my life. Although that you already are." She answers, tears in her eyes.

Taking her hand, I slip the ring on her finger. She looks at her hand for a second before pouncing on me.
"I can't believe... you... I'm..."

I shake my head, smiling, "I love you Adriana. More than I'll ever be able to show you. I want to spend my whole entire life with you. You better believe it." I wipe away her tears and she looks up at me, smiling. Words don't really need to be exchanged for me to know how she feels. The way she kisses me says it all.

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6 Months Later

*Adriana's POV*

My legs feel weak as I step out of the suite where I've been getting dressed. Brittany and Brianna follow me out.
"You'll be fine! Relax!" Bree assures me.
Brittany blows me a kiss, "I don't want to mess up your makeup. You look gorgeous Adi."

"I know." Bree smiles before snapping her fingers, "Wait. Wait. Wait!" Rushing back into the room, she comes out with her camera. "We need to take a picture!"
She grabs a waiter who happens to pass by and starts instructing him on how to take the photo. She and Brittany stand next to me in their Maid of Honor dresses. I couldn't choose one, so I chose both of them as my Maids of Honor. They've both got rose-pink dresses. Brittany is dressed in a long floor-length dress with a sweetheart neckline. The straight cut of the dress flatters her tall frame. The dress has a rose print all along its sides in a shade darker. Brianna's dress is the same shade of rose-pink, but it's knee-length. It has just one shoulder that snakes up her left shoulder in small roses, the same pattern on the hem of her dress. She's got pink 3 inch heels, each of which have a rose shaped buckle. While Brittany's hair flow down her back in ringlets, Brianna's hair is piled up on her hair, just a few curls let down.

My dress isn't very dressy. Something between a cross of two celebrity wedding dresses, it's a strapless dress that has a v-neckline, which isn't too low. The lace used for my sleeves and the top of the dress is very delicate and it gives me an elegant look. At least that's what Mom said. I've got a pearl necklace around my neck and a pearl bracelet. Alex loves my hair partly curled, so it's down in its full glory, with soft curls flowing down my back.

After taking the pictures, Brittany places my lace veil on my head, pulling it down over my face.
Mom appears just then and raises her hand to her mouth, her eyes filling with tears.
"Oh my God. You look so beautiful!" She dabs a tissue at her eyes quickly, remembering her makeup. "They're all waiting for you. Most importantly, your prince."

I smile, glancing down at my hands. Mom, Brianna and Brittany leave to call Dad.
"Hey sweetheart. How are you feeling?"
I laugh softly, "Nervous, happy."
He lifts up my veil and kisses my forehead. "Well you look beautiful if that's any consolation."
"Thanks Dad. For everything."

"Hey. You're like my daughter aren't you? I can't say you ARE my daughter because you're marrying my son, so that'd be wrong."
I laugh and then take the arm he holds out. "Come on. My son's impatiently waiting for his bride."

The band starts up as Dad and I walk down the aisle. Robyn, my flower girl is dressed in a cute pink dress, her hair braided and pinned with roses. She's only two but she's doing a pretty good job. Which she should considering the amount of times Charise has made her walk up and down with me.

I keep my eyes down until I'm sure I've got my emotions in check.
Looking up, I see all the chairs occupied. The only people I know here are Eric, Simon, Kate and Alex's grandma. Who are all of these people? My eyes drift over to arch of pink roses. Austin's standing there as the Best man, in a black suit and light pink shirt. Alexander is in front of him, waiting for me.

My mouth waters. I swear as my eyes land on him, I salivate. It doesn't matter how many times I've seen Alex, it all comes down to this. To right now.
He's wearing a tuxedo with a white shirt. His hair's blowing in the wind, left messy, just the way I like it. He's got a rose in his breast-pocket. And a beautiful smile on his face.

He's watching me, smiling. I drop my eyes down, feeling shy all of a sudden.
When we reach near him, I look up at him and he's looking at me with the warmest eyes that are just filled with love. I feel weak in the knees just looking at him.
"You may kiss the bride."
I turn to Alexander, as Mrs. Troy. He lifts up my veil and looks at me, that warm look still in his eyes and then sliding his arms around my waist, pulls me close and presses his lips to mine.
"Love you, Mrs. Troy." He whispers when he pulls away.
I smile up at him, feeling... I don't know. I feel as light as a feather, so loved up and spoiled.

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2 Years Later...

"You're doing great Ri." Alex squeezes my shoulders.
I gasp as another contraction takes over. God! My breath gets caught in my throat as I push down.
A baby's cry fills the room.
"It's a girl!" The nurse exclaims, smiling. She hands it over to the other nurse and turns back to me. "Just a little more Adriana. Come on. Push for me."

Alexander stays with me, even though I know he wants to go see his daughter. As he gently squeezes my shoulders, I gasp.
"It's a boy!"
Panting for breath, I collapse back into his arms before sitting up to see my children.
"Your daughter." The nurse gently places her in my arms. "And your son." Alex carefully takes him in his arms.

"They're perfect." He whispers. Leaning over, he presses his lips to my forehead. "Look. She has your eyes!" He exclaims softly. "I love her already."
I groan. "I wanted her to have your eyes!"
He laughs, "Maybe my son will make your wish come true."

I glance at the bundle in Alexander's arms. He stirs, moving his arm, his fingers closing around Alex's sleeve. I chuckle as he looks down lovingly at his children.
There's a knock at the door and it slowly opens to reveal Mom and Dad. Their faces are full of happiness. They step inside, Austin and his family, Brittany and her husband following. I look around for Brianna and my heart sinks when she's nowhere to be seen.

"Look at them! They're so cute!" Dad looks over my shoulder at my little girl. "How are you sweetheart?" Mom kisses my forehead.
"I'm fine. Where's Brianna?"
Mom sighs, "She couldn't make it honey. She was really upset."
I glance at Alexander who's biting his lip, clearly upset his twin isn't here. But as Mom bends down next to him, he brightens up, talking about his son.
"Oh, look!"

I glance over at Mom as our little boy opens his eyes.
"Mamma's boy from the beginning eh?" Alexander sits down by me, holding our son.
I look down at his adorable face. He's got Alexander's golden-green eyes and my Mom's long lashes.
"He's a mix of you and Mom and Dad." I say, gently running my fingers through his hair, which is brown.
"I wanna see!" Robyn stands up on her toes next to Alex trying to get a peek.

I glance at Charise and we exchange a smile.
"How's Tanner?" I ask as she sits beside me with her 6 month old son.
"Doing great."
Looking up, I look around the hospital room. Mom and Dad are cooing over their grandson and Brittany's holding her niece with Riley, her husband looking over her shoulder, both of them smiling.

"What are you going to name them?" Dad asks, looking up.
Alexander and I exchange a smile.
"Amber." I say, looking in the direction of my daughter.
"Brian." Alexander says, his eyes on me.
We glance at Mom who's tearing up. Dad smiles glancing at her before turning back to Brian.

Brittany blows me a kiss from the foot of the bed.
"Mom's really happy." Charise says.
"Yeah. It was her idea to name twins according to the order they are born. I've loved it from the time I knew. And Alex and I knew it'd make her happy."

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*Alexander's POV*

Leaning against the doorframe I watch as Adi gently lowers Amber into her crib in the twins nursery. She pulls her blanket up and making sure that the bars are all covered so that she doesn't hurt herself, turns and checks Brian as well.

She turns around and looking up, smiles at me. I wait until she's safely out of the room, the door left ajar before pulling her into my arms.

I just seem to fall in love with her more everyday. Especially since the twins arrived. The way she takes care of them. So gentle and attentive to their every need. The way she rocks them back to sleep in the middle of the night, the way she feeds them, the way she just sits and watches them sleep. It just makes my heart melt that little bit more, proving to me that I can never love her enough.

"I love you so much."
She leans into me, "I love you too Alexander."
I lift her up in my arms and head into our bedroom. After placing her on the bed, I slide in next to her.
"How are they?"

I don't get a reply as she yawns. She turns to me, wrapping her arms around my neck." Fine. Sleeping peacefully."
I kiss her forehead, "And it's time for you to do the same."
"Mmmm." She raises her face up to me and softly presses her lips to me. "Alexander?"
"Yeah?"
She wriggles in my arms, moving closer. "Do you HAVE to go to work tomorrow?" She whines.

I bury my face in her hair, "If I don't who'll get the money to buy my children everything they want? How will I have money to make all your dreams come true?"
"All my dreams have already come true. I have you. I have Amber and Brian. I have your wonderful family. I have a great house. I have an awesome school. And I have you. And you. And you. And your love. And YOU. What else could I want?"
"I don't know... I'm sure you'll come up with something soon enough."

"And I'm just asking you to miss one day."
I laugh, kissing her hair. "You really are something Adriana Reynolds."
"So are you." She replies sticking her tongue out at me before burying her face in my shirt.

I chuckle. Two minutes later, she's fast asleep, completely knackered. Glancing at the clock, I groan. A few more hours and I'll have to leave Adi, leave our warm bed, leave my family and go to work.

Adriana stirs in my arms, trying to move closer, probably trying to dig a hole in my chest and curl up there. Once she settles down, I close my eyes and give in to sleep.

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2 Years Later...

"Amber. Come here!"
I pin my bangs up and reach for Amber's hairbrush.
"Amber! Your Mom's calling you!" Alexander calls out of the room. He walks up to me and pulls me back against his chest. "Relax. Everything will work out fine." He kisses the back of my neck.
I turn around in his arms. "Thanks."
Amber runs into the room, her hair a mess.

"Come here. Let me do your hair."
"Where have you been?" Alexander lifts her up and twirls her around. She shrieks as he tickles her. "Now listen to your Mom okay? Tell her not to worry."
After I pull her hair back into two ponies, she turns around and climbs into my lap.
"Mommy?"
"Yes honey?"
"Don't worry okay?"

"Okay sweetheart. Can you call your brother for me?" I ask, blinking back tears.
"What is it love?" Alex asks sitting down on the bed next to me.
"I just remembered Caroline." I blink back my tears, not wanting to ruin my makeup.
Alex pulls me in for a hug. Reaching up, I press my lips to his.
"Mommy? You called?"
"Hey munchkin. You're ready?" I ask, pulling Brian closer. I straighten his sweater and kiss his forehead. "Don't mess up yourself okay? Everyone's going to be home soon."
He nods before running out of our room.

Minutes later the bell rings and after that it's just a continuous flow of people. Mom and Dad are the first to arrive, laden with gifts for their two spoiled grandchildren. After spending time with them Mom helps me out in the kitchen, kicking Alexander out. Dropping a kiss on my cheek, he leaves just as the doorbell rings again, this time welcoming Brittany, Riley and their two month old twin sons, Derek and Devin. Five minutes later Brianna and her hubby Peter arrive with Austin, Charise, Robyn, Tanner and Chloe.

After dinner, which takes over an hour to finish what with all the kids running around, everyone gathers in the den.

Mom and Dad are sitting on the sofa, all their grandchildren surrounding them, as they read a book out loud. The guys are all sitting in front of the telly, except for Alexander, exchanging comments about the football game going on. Brittany, Charise and Brianna are all pouring over the home makeover magazines in the corner. Looking up, Bree calls me over and I'm just about to head over to her when a pair of arms trap me.

I lean back into Alexander's chest and he kisses my cheek.
"Hey! Keep that for when my kids aren't around." Riley jokes.
"I'm sure they've seen you and my sister doing worse." Alex shoots back.
"Who's troubling my husband?" Brittany asks.
I chuckle.
"You're enjoying?" He whispers in my ear.
"Mmm."
"What's on your mind Ri?"
"I hardly had a family once. Now look at me."

He chuckles, "No one ever made me feel completely happy once. Now look at ME."
Laughing I turn around in his arms. "I am. I can't see anything BUT you."
He smiles and leaning in presses his lips to mine for the smallest amount of time.
"You've got me head over heels in love with you, since the moment our eyes met."

"And you," I say, looking up into his gorgeous eyes, "Have got me drowning in your love ever since."

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May June July - Hi! I know you do darling, so do I... I know you hate me, I hate you too.. Mwaaah!
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PH - I know right? I don't want this story to end as well yeah, I'm going to try my best to finish 'Together As One', I'm not so sure about 'To Wish Upon A Dream' though... Thanks!

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Love to all!