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As the day unfolds, I find myself surrounded by the people who matter most to me. Lindsey and I bond over baking, anime, and travel plans, building upon our connection that goes beyond our roles as the daughters of our respective families. Zach, Cilian, and Luke share stories, laughter filling the air, creating memories that will linger long after the holiday season is over.
In a quiet moment between the festivities, my dad and I steal away for a private conversation. We sit by the fireplace, the crackling flames casting a warm glow on our faces.
“You know, Mia,” Daddy begins, his voice filled with sincerity, “I know I haven’t always been the most present father. I know I missed out on a lot, and I’m sorry for that.”
I look at him with a mix of surprise and understanding. “It’s okay. We all have our moments.”
He takes a deep breath, his gaze fixed on the dancing flames. “But I want you to know that I am immensely proud of the woman you’ve become, and I can’t wait to see you as a mother. Don’t ever tell them I said this, but only you would be worthy and capable of capturing the hearts of Zach, Cilian, and Luke. They’re like brothers to me, and though I can’t imagine anyone is worthy of you, I think you’ve found three very good men.”
His words hang in the air, and I reach for his hand, squeezing it gently. “Thanks, Daddy. I love you.”
“I love you too, honey.” He pats the top of my knuckles with his free hand, his smile soft, affectionate.
The day continues, filled with laughter, love, and the warmth of shared moments. I watch as Daddy chuckles with his friends, his new fiancée at his side. And Lindsey bonds with the people around her, finally coming out of her shell. That’s when I realize that Christmas is more than just a day on the calendar. It’s a celebration of the connections we forge, the bonds that withstand the test of time.
As the evening draws to a close and the last of the guests turn in for the night, I find myself surrounded by the three men who have made this Christmas the best one I’ve ever had. We snuggle close to the fire, all sharing a blanket as we form our own cocoon of warmth.
And in that moment, with the snowflakes dancing outside and the twinkle of Christmas lights illuminating our faces, I realize that sometimes, the most meaningful gifts come not wrapped in paper and bows but in the form of shared moments, forgiveness, and the simple joy of being together.
EPILOGUE
MIA
Three Months Later
Istep onto the balcony, the chill of the crisp Aspen air sending shivers down my spine. The breathtaking view of the snow-capped mountains stretches out before me, a serene backdrop to the small gathering of the most important people in my life. Zach, Luke, and Cilian stand beside me, their hands intertwined with mine, a tangible manifestation of the unbreakable bond we’ve forged over the past several months. And now we’re back in my father’s Colorado home, where it all began.
It’s been a whirlwind journey of self-discovery and unexpected love over the past few months, growing together with the men I love, even as our child grows inside me. And as I glance at each of the men beside me, I can’t help but marvel at the depth of our connection.
Luke, with his warm and steady presence, has been my anchor through the storm. Cilian, the passionate and adventurous soul, has brought a vibrant energy into my life. Zach, with his calm and nurturing demeanor, completes the trio, filling the gaps with unwavering support.
My gaze shifts to my father and Tina, who stand a few feet away, their smiles radiating genuine happiness. It took time, but I’ve come to see Tina in a different light. She’s not the stereotypical bimbo Daddy used to be so keen on dating, as I’d once assumed. She’s smart, caring, and has seamlessly integrated herself into our unconventional family.
My father’s acceptance of my lifestyle has been a surprising twist, a testament to the resilience of familial bonds, and in no small part is thanks to his fiancée.
The swell of my belly beneath my hands is a constant reminder of the new chapter about to unfold. Pregnancy has a way of intensifying emotions, and as my due date approaches, the desire for commitment and stability has grown more pronounced. Tonight is not just a celebration—it’s a declaration of the love between me and my three men, a promise for the future.
Zach squeezes my hand, his eyes locked onto mine, a silent reassurance that echoes louder than words. Luke’s fingers trace patterns on my back, a comforting gesture that resonates with the wild beating of my heart. Cilian’s hand rests protectively on my belly, his touch a soothing balm to the nerves that accompany the anticipation of motherhood.
Lindsey joins us on the balcony, wearing another of the dresses I’ve outgrown. Her eyes meet mine, filled with a mix of understanding and acceptance. She’s been a true joy to get to know. She’s something of a little sister to me, though I’m dating her father, and I positively adore her. Her presence tonight reinforces the bonds that extend beyond the romantic, weaving a tapestry of connections that make us stronger.
The officiant, my father’s good friend Harry Snipe, stands at the center, ready to guide us through the commitment ceremony. We gather in a circle, the panoramic mountains serving as silent witnesses to the vows we are about to exchange.
As the ceremony progresses, each of my men expresses their commitment to me. Zach starts, his dark gaze warm as he turns his full attention on me.
“I’ll keep this short,” he promises. “Otherwise, we might be here all night listening to the wonderful things I could say about you, Mia Florence.”
That sends a ripple of laughter through the intimate gathering of friends.
“You’re a light that brightens the darkest of nights, a breath of fresh air after drowning. You have such an open, giving heart, and words cannot express my gratitude for your taking my daughter, Lindsey, under your wing. So, on this day, I vow to protect that light within you, to worship your ability to breathe happiness into my life, and I will love you without reservation, as you deserve to be loved.”
My heart melts at his sweet words, and I desperately want to kiss Zach for his romantic spirit, but I know I’m not supposed to until the end. So instead, I give his hands a warm squeeze before he passes me off to Luke.
“I’m not nearly as poetic as all that,” he assures me with a crooked grin. “But I vow, Mia, to love you for all of my days, to protect and cherish you, to comfort you if ever you’re in need—and to work every day to make you happy.”
Luke passes my hands to Cilian, and he flashes me a mischievous grin.
“Well, lass. Ye stole me heart befar I even knew I had one,” he confesses, making me laugh. “And I thank ye fer findin’ it. Because every day, I feel blessed to know it’s safe in yer hands. Just as ye have my heart, I vow to protect yers. And years down the road, when people ask who loved another best, I know that they’ll say it was me who loved ye more than all the stars in the sky.”
