"Thank you for letting me," he replied, the words carrying the weight of everything they'd overcome to get to this moment."For choosing to stay and fight instead of running. For building this beautiful life with me."
As if summoned by their words, their daughter gave a particularly vigorous kick that made them both laugh.
"I think she approves of the conversation," Kaia said with a grin.
"Smart kid. She knows a good thing when she hears it." Elias stood, offering his hand to help Kaia up. "Come on, let's get you home before she decides Halloween night is the perfect time to make her debut."
"That would certainly be memorable," Kaia agreed, accepting his assistance with the grace of someone who'd learned to let herself be cared for.
As they walked through the celebrating town toward their small house on Elm Street, Elias sent a silent prayer of gratitude to whatever force had guided Kaia to Hollow Oak. Fate, chance, divine intervention—it didn't matter what had brought her here. What mattered was that she'd stayed, that she'd chosen love over fear, that she'd helped build something beautiful and lasting in this small mountain sanctuary.
Behind them, Halloween celebration continued with laughter and joy, the holiday transformed from a night of fear into one of community strength. Ahead of them lay their cozy home, warm with lamplight and full of promise for the family they were about to become.
And somewhere between gratitude and anticipation, Elias realized with perfect clarity that some dreams were too beautiful and true to ever end. They just kept growing, expanding, becoming more wonderful with each passing day.
Tonight, walking through their peaceful town with his mate's hand in his and their daughter dancing in her womb, Elias had everything he'd ever wanted and several things he'd never dared to dream.
It was, he thought with deep satisfaction, the perfect beginning to their forever.
