SERIOUSLY -THE END
JESS
I walked out onto the newly built deck, Luke following close behind, carrying everything we’d need for the barbecue. The afternoon sun started to dip, casting a soft golden hue across the yard. The deck was a beautiful bridge between our two backyards now, linking everything we’d built together–physically and emotionally.
I stepped outside and inhaled deeply, the air sweet with the smell of freshly cut grass and the faint trace of charcoal from the firepit Luke and Josh were setting up. My gaze instantly found Laura sitting on the grass with her huge belly, her hand resting gently on her round stomach as she watched Emerysn ⚫ run ahead with the ball.
My heart swelled with affection as I watched her run with all the enthusiasm in the world. She was glowing, so full of life.
Luke set down the cooler and grabbed a few beers, handing me a Mountain Dew. I gave him a soft smile as I sat down next to Laura. Her eyes glimmered with mischief as she glanced at me.
“How are you feeling?” I asked her, the words coming out softer than I intended.
Laura laughed, glancing down at her belly and rubbing it affectionately. “As good as I can. I’m just… ready to not be pregnant anymore.” She leaned back slightly, her back resting against the arm of the chair. “But I know I’ll miss feeling her
SERIOUSLY THE END
kick. There’s something magical about it.”
“I smiled – remembering how it felt with Emersyn.
Before I could respond, I heard the clink of bottles being opened and the scrape of chairs as Luke and Josh joined us. Josh handed Laura a bottle of water, then dropped into a chair next to her, cracking open a beer for himself and giving me a Mountain Dew. Luke slid in beside me, his body heat radiating from him as he kissed me on the forehead before settling back with his drink.
Laura sipped her water, and I looked at her accusingly. “You are not drinking? Are you pregnant?” I joked, and Laura feigned being shocked.
“How did you know? What gave it away? Is it this massive belly that looks like I’m carrying triplets?” she laughs, and I almost choke on my Mountain Dew.
I watched the wheels in her head churn, looking at the Mountain Dew and back to me. It was normal for her to drink water but for me… not so normal. “Wait. Are you?”
“Yeah, I’m pregnant too, apparently!” I grinned.
Congratulations!” they both said in unison, their faces lighting up with happiness.
Luke’s hand found mine, his grip warm and reassuring as he leaned in to kiss my temple. His lips lingered there for a moment, and I couldn’t help the smile that tugged at my lips in return. He whispered against my skin, “I love you.”
“I love you too,” I murmured, squeezing his hand.
12 01
SERIOUSLY THE END
288 Mouchers,
Laura and Josh were still grinning, basking in the joy of the moment. As Luke and I turned to look at the backyard, my eyes fell on the treehouse that had once been the centerpiece of our yard, now falling into pieces.
Luke raised an eyebrow, his gaze narrowing in thought. “Guess we need to build another one.”
I laughed, the sound light and carefree as I leaned into him. “You know, we really do.”
Just as I said that, Luke kissed me again, soft but full of meaning, and my heart swelled with love. Josh kissed Laura’s temple at the same time, his hand rubbing her shoulder affectionately.
And in that moment, as I looked around at the people I loved most in the world–my family–I couldn’t help but think that this was it. This was happiness.
This was peace.
The simple life I’d always dreamed of, wrapped up in a few quiet moments under the fading sky, with Luke by my side, our future unfolding before us. With the only family I needed–right here, right now.
