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He watched Chloe shine amidst the people she loved, her face open and happy, her laughter loud and quick. Longing washed over him with a mind-blowing intensity. God, he wanted this with her. To be her lover and husband, part of this amazing clan who gathered for celebrations and held each other up during the hard times. He finally wanted forever, and he had to believe it wasn’t too late.

They all helped clear the table and clean up. Mia brought in the cake decorated in bright unicorn colors, topped with one candle. She snapped endless pictures of Evie’s wonder at the colorful creation before her. They sang Happy Birthday, and the toddler dove in hard to her first piece of cake, smushing it over her mouth and fingers while she screamed with happiness.

“I brought champagne,” Chloe said, corking open the bottle and grabbing glasses and pouring generously.

“None for me,” Ophelia said with a smile.

Kyle blinked. “You love champagne. Come on, sweetheart, there’s no guests to worry about tomorrow. We cleared this weekend months ago.”

“None for me either,” Mia said.

Chloe gave a sigh. “Really, guys? I thought we’d get a bit giddy tonight. Stay up late watching Disney movies, right?”

Jonathan groaned. “Who needs a Disney movie? Every time I step on the farm I feel like I’m dragged into one.”

Mia laughed. “It’s okay, Jonathan. I always loved your grumpy side. It’s why we work so well together.”

“Come on, Dad. If you watched more movies, you could help us name the new pup. You need more information.”

Alyssa grinned and touched her husband’s shoulder. “I think your father is better suited to political thrillers.”

“Definitely. The only movie that sticks out is Cinderella—something about the glass slipper and Fairy Godmother, I guess. Oh, and that fat mouse with the T-shirt!”

“Gus-Gus?” Chloe asked.

Jonathan shrugged. “I guess, I don’t know the name. I liked him. He was funny, loyal, and kind of a misfit.”

Immediately, Owen met Chloe’s gaze.

“Gus-Gus,” they said together, as if lightning had just struck them both.

“Dad, you did it! What a perfect name for the puppy!”

“Agreed,” Owen said, watching Jonathan’s shocked face.

“Yeah? You like it?” he grumbled, trying to act cool.

“We love it,” Chloe reassured him.

“I’m proud of you, honey,” Alyssa said, shooting Chloe and Owen a wink from across the table.

Jonathan puffed up and nodded. “Yeah, it’s definitely a great name.”

They were just making arrangements to open up Evie’s gifts in the living room when Ophelia spoke. “Actually, I wanted to make an announcement tonight. It’s a cause for champagne.”

“Then why aren’t you drinking it, Tink?” Ethan joked.

A flush suffused her face. She glanced at Kyle, and suddenly, Kyle’s father slammed his hand down on the table. “Holy shit, she’s pregnant!”

Everyone whirled around to stare at Patrick, then Ophelia.

Ophelia burst into laughter, blue eyes sparkling. “Well, thank you, Patrick, for helping me out here. Yes, I’m pregnant!”

Owen watched Kyle’s face change from shock, to surprise, then finally, pure delight. “A baby?” he whispered, cupping her cheeks with a trembling hand. “We’re going to have a baby?”

“Yes. We’re going to have a baby,” Ophelia said, pressing a kiss to his lips.

“So am I.”