SEVEN YEARS LATER.
The clackety-clack of stilettos resounded through the air as Leilani made her entrance. She donned a loose black dress, her pregnant belly peeking out beneath it. Her brunette locks cascaded in loose waves around her shoulders, and her makeup was elegantly understated.
“I’m ready, honey. Where are you?” she exclaimed, descending the final staircase.
“I’ll be right there, darling,” replied her husband’s voice from the direction of the kitchen. A wide smile spread across Leilani’s lips as she gingerly lowered herself onto the couch in the living room.
Thirty seconds later, Nelson Carter appeared with a flat platter in hand. He wore an open black coat, revealing a perfectly tailored black suit underneath. His clothes fluttered and his sleeves waved as he strode forward, his long black hair slicked back and neatly trimmed at the sides.
If it weren’t for the hint of unease in his expression, Nelson would have exuded a natural, commanding aura in that moment.
“Honey, are you really sick of me already? Do you want to kick me out of your life?” cried Leilani, tears welling up in her eyes.
‘God!’ Nelson thought to himself. ‘What have I done now?’
“Sweetheart, what are you talking about? You said you wanted some watermelon, so I brought it for you,” Nelson said with a warm smile as he set the platter down in front of her.
“Then please explain the worried look on your face just now. It’s almost like you’re fed up with me and might want to get rid of me,” Leilani complained, a pair of teardrops rolling dramatically down her cheeks.
Nelson ran his fingers through his hair in frustration before crouching down to meet her gaze.
“I could never get tired of you, my love. I know you’re not acting out of impulse, but because of your condition. I can’t wait for our baby to arrive and for all of this to be over,” Nelson reassured her, his face radiating with a warm, reassuring smile.
“Do you really think it’s our baby’s fault? If you hadn’t gotten me pregnant, we wouldn’t be in this mess!” Leilani’s voice rose as tears streamed down her face.
“But you were on board with the idea, babe. Remember when you said one kid isn’t enough and we should have two more? But don’t worry, honey, this will be our last one,” Nelson’s frustration was evident on his face, though he didn’t raise his voice.
Leilani let out a sniffle as she removed her glittering gold ring and flung it at Nelson.
“I want a divorce, Nelson Carter. I can’t continue with this marriage,” she gritted her teeth and stood up. “And this time, I mean it.”
Sighing, Nelson also rose from his seat, his expression softening. He was about to say something when their son’s voice interrupted.
“Yo, fam, are you ready?”
A cute little boy in a black tuxedo appeared before them, holding a large present. His black hair was styled in a cut, with longer strands on top and shorter on the sides.
He was the spitting image of Nelson, just a younger version. The only noticeable difference was his emerald eyes, a perfect mix of both his parents’ blue and green.
As he noticed the tension between his parents and the tears on Leilani’s face, he let out a sigh.
“What’s the matter this time, Dad?” he rolled his eyes and set the present down on the couch.
“It’s nothing, buddy. Your mom’s just being a drama queen, you know how she can be,” Nelson told his son, who turned to face Leilani.
“Mom, you promised you wouldn’t cry today. You said you wouldn’t let Dad get to you, but you’re already in tears and we haven’t even left for the party yet,” the little guy scolded softly.
“I guess I always knew you favored your dad, Trevor. I never thought it would affect your judgment too,” Leilani’s voice was soft as she walked towards the door.
“I am not being biased, Mom. I simply reminded you of your promise!” Trevor exclaimed, disliking his mother’s attitude towards him.
“Mom, where are you going?” he inquired, but Leilani walked out of the house without answering.
Trevor then directed his disapproval towards his father. “When will you stop dragging me into your fights?”
Nelson grinned and pulled out a car key from his pocket, extending it towards his son. “It’s not a real fight, son. Take this key and wait for me in the car. I’ll be there shortly.”
Trevor groaned before accepting the key and grabbing his gift from the couch before heading outside.
***
You are right with your guesses!
Three months after Susan’s passing, Leilani and Nelson officially and legally sealed their relationship. They had a grand wedding that was the talk of the city for a whole week.
The following year, Leilani gave birth to a baby boy who bore a striking resemblance to the late Trevor. It was then that Leilani decided to name the baby after her late stepson.
Their marriage had been blissful before Trevor’s arrival, and it only became more wonderful with his presence.
***
After an hour and a half of driving, Nelson pulled up to a grand hall with a projector screen displaying pictures of a pretty little girl with the caption ‘Isabella @ four. Happy Birthday.’
Trevor’s eyes lit up as he gazed at the images of the girl, clutching his gift to himself and ignoring his parents’ playful banter.
“You know I will always love you, my darling. You light up my life and mean everything to me,” Nelson spoke, his gaze full of affection as if he was confessing his love for the first time.
Leilani felt a blush rise to her cheeks, hating herself for not having gotten to her husband’s words over these years.
“You know I love you too much and can’t imagine my life without you, which is why you hurt me all the time, right?” she began to sob once again.
“Please don’t cry, sweetheart,” Nelson pleaded, gently wiping away the tears from Leilani’s face with a handkerchief and kissing her lips softly.
He then leaned down to her belly, planting a kiss on her growing bump.
Leilani’s face lit up with a smile, but her expression suddenly changed to shock.
“My ring!” she exclaimed, her eyes widening in realization.
Nelson chuckled as he pulled out the ring from his pocket. “Here you go, my darling,” he said, sliding it back onto her finger.
Leilani beamed, her gaze shifting to her son who was fixing his hair and tuxedo.
“Even if you were bald, my dear, Isabella would still adore you,” she teased, winking at Trevor.
“Really, Mom? Does that mean I look handsome tonight?” Trevor asked, grinning with excitement.
“You always look handsome, my love. Now let’s go,” Leilani replied fondly.
As they entered the lavish ballroom, they were greeted by the lively atmosphere of children running and playing around.
Trevor hid behind his parents as they greeted familiar faces, including Herbert, who was beaming at them with a lopsided grin.
“Ah, look who we have here. My boss-turned-best friend,” Herbert said playfully, earning an eye roll from Nelson.
Nelson chuckled and shook Herbert’s hand. “You could still lose your job, my friend. Don’t test me,” he replied teasingly.
“Like you could function without me, Mr. Carter,” Herbert retorted with a smirk. “Remember how you used to call me constantly when I was in the Bahamas with my Dad? You called more than Hannah did, and my Dad thought we were dating.”
Nelson shot him a stern look, but couldn’t contain his laughter after Herbert finished his little joke.
“Oh, and here comes the birthday girl,” Nelson beamed as Isabella approached them in a gorgeous pink ball gown.
“Where’s Trevor, Uncle?” she asked, scanning the room eagerly.
“Trevor?” Nelson scratched his nose and exchanged a glance with Herbert.
“Oh, Princess. Your Prince won’t make it to the party,” Herbert crouched and informed his daughter.
“What? What do you mean, Dad? Why wouldn’t he come to my birthday party?” Isabella inquired, her pretty face contorting in anger.
“Well, he mentioned something about being upset with you. You know, something or other,” Nelson answered with a shrug, also crouching beside Herbert.
“You irresponsible fathers!” Hannah shrieked with laughter while Trevor leapt off of Leilani’s back. They were all laughing.
“Don’t pay attention to your Dad and your Uncle, Bella. Happy Birthday, honey. You look stunning,” Leilani whispered softly, kissing Isabella’s hair with a radiant smile.
“Thank you, aunt. You look stunning as well,” Isabella responded, her gaze locking with Trevor’s.
“Happy Birthday, Isabella,” Trevor said with a bashful grin as he handed her his present.
Herbert and Hannah had also tied the knot two years after Trevor’s arrival. Their lives had been nothing short of beautiful, as they were surrounded by incredible people.
“You said you’d tell me today, Trevor,” Isabella reminded him, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Buddy, don’t tell me you’re about to declare your love? You’re still young, for goodness sake!” Nelson exclaimed with disbelief.
“No, Dad! That’s not it!” Trevor defended.
“Then what is it?” they all chorused, their gazes fixed on Trevor who grew increasingly bashful under their stares and ran off.
“You all stay out of our affairs and mind your own,” Isabella scolded their parents before chasing after Trevor. “Wait for me, Trevor!”
They all burst into laughter.
“Those kids,” Herbert said amidst chuckles, shaking his head.
“So, Lani. We’ll soon become in-laws , huh?” Hannah asked with a grin.
“I can’t wait, Hannah,” Leilani responded with a smile as they shared a hug.
Nelson and Herbert exchanged knowing glances.
“Should we embrace as well?” Herbert inquired, chuckling as Nelson’s expression contorted in disdain. “I’ll kill you,” he threatened in jest.
“I wonder if Ethan has made it here yet. Where could he be?” Leilani asked after a few more idle conversations.
“Here I am, big sis.” Ethan’s voice filled the air, drawing everyone’s attention to him and the woman standing beside him.
“Good evening to all of you,” the woman greeted shyly, realizing she was the center of attention.
“Well, well, good evening, my dear. You must be Rose, correct?” Leilani greeted with a warm smile.
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Wow…” they all exclaimed in unison.
“Ethan couldn’t stop raving about how stunning you are, Rose. You work with him, right?” Leilani prodded further.
Rose beamed and nodded her head in affirmation.
“You truly are a beauty, Rose,” Nelson complimented, earning a glare from both Leilani and Hannah.
Nelson simply smiled and shrugged off their disapproving looks.
“Make yourself at home, Rose. Our family can be quite entertaining if you’re open to joining us,” Herbert invited with a genuine smile.
Rose’s boyfriend, Ethan, interjected with a chuckle, “She’s just my girlfriend.”
“So, you’re planning to break her heart soon, then?” Hannah shot him a piercing glare, causing his eyes to widen in shock.
“Oh, come on, Hannah. You never change,” Ethan snapped, perturbed by her teasing.
“Aww, look at the sweet, romantic Ethan,” Hannah teased, and they all erupted into laughter.
At that moment, the children scampered past them, Isabella yelling, “You have to tell me you love me, Trevor! It’s not fair!”
“Wait, hold on. Isabella confessed first?” Nelson raised an eyebrow, taken aback. The others also seemed surprised.
Hannah pursed her lips in disappointment, saying, “She should have let Trevor confess first.”
“But does it really matter? The love between them is evident to anyone who sees,” Leilani interjected with a bright smile as they watched the kids running around.
“I LOVE YOU, ISABELLA!” Trevor cupped his hands around his mouth and shouted, exhilarated as his voice echoed throughout the room.
“Finally!” they all exclaimed, including Ethan. And they burst into joyous laughter.
.
.
.
The End.