Natalia sat in the nursery, gently rocking Nicole in her arms. The soft hum of the lullaby playing in the background was a soothing contrast to the whirlwind of emotions that had been swirling inside her since Nicole's birth. Motherhood was nothing like she had imagined. It was more exhausting, more overwhelming, and yet, more beautiful than anything she had ever experienced.
The early weeks had been a blur of sleepless nights, feedings, and an endless cycle of diaper changes. She had felt so unprepared, despite all the books she had read and the advice she had received. But no one had told her about the guilt—the deep, gnawing guilt that came when her milk didn't come in as expected, or when she was too exhausted to hold Nicole for one more minute.
And then there was the C-section. It had been necessary, of course, but recovering from major surgery while trying to care for a newborn was one of the hardest things she had ever done. There were moments when she felt like she was failing, like she wasn't enough.
But through it all, Gabe had been there. He had stepped into the role of father with such grace and dedication, caring for Nicole when Natalia couldn't, and supporting her in ways she hadn't even realised she needed. He had been her rock, her safe harbour in the storm of early motherhood.
She looked down at Nicole, who was now fast asleep in her arms, her tiny face serene and peaceful. The weight of her daughter in her arms was a comforting reminder of how far they had come. Despite everything, they had made it through together.
Her thoughts drifted back to her own family, particularly her mother. Natalia's relationship with her mother had been strained, to say the least. When her twin brother, Nicholas, took his life after years of struggling with his sexuality, her mother had blamed her.
That day, the tenuous threads of their bond had snapped. They had been estranged since Natalia was 21. The wound was deep, and every now and then, something would reopen it, flooding her with a pain she thought she had buried.
The most recent blow had come during her pregnancy. When her mother turned up at Amber's baby shower in Texas—a baby shower Natalia had invited herself to after running into Amber at the mall—it had sent shockwaves through her. The shock had been too much, exacerbating her pre-eclampsia, and sending her into a spiral that led to her hospitalisation. She had never felt so betrayed, so blindsided. Ashley had been there, too. Her brother, whom she once considered close, had not even told her they were in town. The hurt was deep, and while time had dulled it, the scar remained.
Yet, as she looked down at Nicole, she felt a surge of resolve. She didn't want her daughter to grow up in a family fractured by old wounds. She wanted to create a different legacy for Nicole, one filled with love, forgiveness, and understanding. She wasn't ready to forgive her mother or Ashley just yet, but she was willing to try—to open the door, even if just a crack, to the possibility of healing.
Her mind wandered to Lima, who had been staying in Texas to help out. Lima had been a constant source of support, bringing humour and light into the most challenging days of her recovery. Natalia had always been close to Lima, but the past months had deepened their bond further, if that was even possible.
"Hey, Mama," Gabe's voice broke through her reverie, and she looked up to see him standing in the doorway, a soft smile on his gorgeous face. Gabe was gorgeous all year round but fatherhood had made him especially delicious. Now that her hormones had somewhat settled she was starting to understand how people put themselves through multiple pregnancies. "How are my girls doing?"
"We're good," Natalia replied, her voice thick with emotion. "Just...thinking."
Gabe crossed the room in a few strides, gently taking Nicole from her arms and placing her in the crib. He then pulled Natalia into a warm embrace, his hand running soothingly over her hair.
"I couldn't do this without you," she whispered against his chest.
"You don't have to," Gabe replied, kissing the top of her head. "We're in this together, Nat. Every step of the way."
Natalia leaned into him, feeling the strength of his arms around her, the steady beat of his heart against her cheek. She was so grateful for him, for how he had stepped into fatherhood with such ease and confidence, especially during those first weeks when she had been too weak and overwhelmed to do much more than hold Nicole for a few minutes at a time. Gabe had taken on the bulk of the caregiving without a word of complaint, feeding and changing Nicole, rocking her to sleep, and soothing her cries in the middle of the night.
He had been the one to stay up with Nicole when Natalia couldn't keep her eyes open for another second, the one to comfort her when Natalia was in too much pain from the surgery to hold her. He had been there, every step of the way, giving Natalia the space to heal while ensuring that Nicole was loved and cared for.
She didn't know how she would have managed without him. Gabe had been her rock, her partner, and her greatest support. She was so grateful to him, so deeply, profoundly grateful for everything he had done for her and for their daughter.
"I love you," Natalia said, her voice breaking slightly as she looked up at him. "I don't think I say it enough, but I love you so much."
Gabe smiled down at her, his eyes filled with warmth and love. "I love you too, Nat. More than anything in this world."
Natalia's heart swelled with emotion as she leaned up to kiss him, their lips meeting in a lingering kiss. She knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them together, as a family.
Six months later, the farmhouse was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun, the fields around it stretching out in every direction, golden and full of promise. The renovations were finally complete, and the house had been transformed into the perfect family home—every detail lovingly crafted by Gabe, who had spent months working tirelessly to turn their dream into a reality.
The garden was in full bloom, with wildflowers swaying gently in the breeze and the scent of freshly cut grass filling the air. It was the perfect day for a wedding—a day that Natalia had dreamed of for so long, and now, it was finally here.
Inside the farmhouse, Natalia stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the delicate lace of her wedding dress. It was a simple gown, elegant and understated, with a flowing skirt that brushed the floor and a bodice that hugged her curves. Lima had really outdone herself in the design, it made her feel like herself—beautiful, confident, and ready to start this new chapter of her life.
Lima and Porsha were fussing over the final touches, making sure everything was perfect. Lima, ever the perfectionist, was straightening the lace trim on Natalia's veil, while Porsha was adjusting the flowers in her hair.
"You look amazing, Nat," Lima said, stepping back to admire their handiwork. "Gabe's going to lose his mind when he sees you."
Natalia smiled, a mix of nerves and excitement bubbling up inside her. "I hope so."
Lima handed her a bouquet of fresh flowers, gathered from the garden that morning. "Here, these are for you. I thought it would be nice to have something from the garden, you know? A little piece of home."
Natalia took the bouquet, breathing in the sweet scent of the flowers. "Thank you, Lima. It's perfect."
Lima nodded, her eyes shining with unshed tears. "I'm so happy for you, Nat. You and Gabe—you're perfect together. And I'm so glad I could be a part of this."
Natalia felt a lump form in her throat as she looked at Lima, remembering all the ways she had supported her over the years. "Thank you, Lima. For everything."
Lima smiled, a tear slipping down her cheek. "Don't make me cry before the ceremony, okay? I just got my makeup perfect."
Porsha laughed, nudging Lima with her elbow. "Don't worry, I'll make sure you don't cry until after the vows."
As they shared a light-hearted moment, the door opened, and Ella walked in, her usual busy stride softened by the emotion of the day. She was carrying Nicole, who was dressed in a tiny white dress that matched Natalia's. The baby cooed happily, her chubby hands reaching out toward her mother.
"There's my beautiful girl," Natalia cooed, taking Nicole from Ella's arms and holding her close. "Are you ready to see Mommy and Daddy get married?"
Nicole gurgled in response, her bright eyes taking in the flurry of activity around her.
Ella grinned, giving Natalia a thumbs-up. "You're going to knock Gabe's socks off, Nat. He won't know what hit him."
Natalia laughed, feeling a wave of love and gratitude for her friends. They had been there for her through everything, supporting her, lifting her up, and helping her navigate the challenges of motherhood. She couldn't have asked for a better group of women to stand by her side on this special day.
"Thank you, all of you," Natalia said, her voice thick with emotion. "I don't know what I would do without you."
"We love you, Nat," Ella said, pulling her into a tight hug. "And we're so damn proud of you."
After a few more final adjustments, it was time to head outside. The ceremony was held in the garden, with the farmhouse as a picturesque backdrop. Rows of chairs lined the lush green lawn, and a simple wooden arch adorned with white roses and ivy stood at the end of the aisle. The guests were already seated, their excited murmurs blending with the gentle rustle of the wind through the trees.
Gabe was already standing at the altar, looking more handsome than ever in a tailored suit that emphasised his broad shoulders and strong build. His vibrant green eyes were fixed on the entrance of the farmhouse, waiting for his bride to appear. The anticipation was palpable, and every now and then, he glanced at his best man, Ty, who stood beside him with a grin.
"Relax, man," Ty whispered, clapping Gabe on the shoulder. "She's coming."
Gabe chuckled nervously, his heart pounding in his chest. "I know. I just... I can't wait to see her."
As if on cue, the door to the farmhouse opened, and Natalia stepped out, holding Nicole in her arms. The sight of her took Gabe's breath away. She looked radiant, her dress flowing gracefully as she walked down the steps and into the garden. The late afternoon sun cast a golden halo around her, making her look every bit the goddess he knew she was.
Nicole cooed happily in her mother's arms, and the sight of his two girls walking toward him filled Gabe with a profound sense of joy and love. He had never imagined that his life could be this perfect, that he could feel this much happiness and contentment. And now, with Natalia and Nicole, he knew he had everything he had ever wanted.
As Natalia made her way down the aisle, escorted by Lima and Elizabeth on either side, the guests rose to their feet. Porsha was right behind her, holding the train of Natalia's dress with a proud smile on her face. The women had been her support system, her strength, and her laughter throughout this journey, and Natalia was grateful beyond words to have them by her side.
When Natalia finally reached the altar, Gabe stepped forward, his eyes filled with tears in a rare sight. He took Nicole from Natalia's arms, cradling her gently as he leaned in to kiss Natalia's cheek.
"You're stunning," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
Natalia smiled, her own eyes misting over. "So are you," she replied, her hand brushing against his cheek.
The officiant, a close friend of Gabe's family, began the ceremony, speaking of love, commitment, and the journey that had brought them to this moment. As he spoke, Gabe and Natalia exchanged glances, their hands intertwined, silently communicating their love and gratitude for one another.
When it was time to exchange vows, Gabe handed Nicole to Ty, who took her with a grin and a playful wink. Gabe then turned to face Natalia, his hands shaking slightly as he took hers in his.
"Natalia," Gabe began, his voice trembling with emotion. "I've loved you from the moment I met you. You've brought light into my life in ways I never thought possible. You've made me a better man, a better father, and a better person. I promise to love you, to cherish you, and to stand by your side through whatever life throws at us. I will be your partner, your protector, and your biggest fan, always. Thank you for giving me the greatest gift of all—our daughter, Nicole. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with you both."
Tears streamed down Natalia's face as she listened to Gabe's words. She had never felt so loved, so valued, so utterly complete. When it was her turn to speak, she took a deep breath, trying to steady her voice.
"Gabe," Natalia began, her voice soft but steady. "You are everything I never knew I needed. You've shown me what true love looks like, what it means to be a partner, and what it means to be a family. You've stood by me through the hardest times, and you've made me believe in love again. I promise to love you with everything I have, to be your partner, your confidant, and your best friend. Thank you for being my rock, my safe place, and the love of my life. I am so grateful for you, for Nicole, and for the life we are building together."
As she finished her vows, Gabe leaned in and kissed her, a tender, loving kiss that spoke of all the promises they had just made. The guests erupted in applause, the sound carrying through the garden as they celebrated the union of two souls who had found their way to each other despite the odds.
After the ceremony, the reception was held in the newly renovated barn, which had been transformed into a rustic yet elegant space, with long wooden tables adorned with wildflowers and candles. The smell of freshly prepared food wafted through the air, and the sounds of laughter and clinking glasses filled the room.
Porsha and Ella were busy making sure everything was perfect, while Lima, Ty, Dan, Shaneese and the other guests mingled and enjoyed the festivities. Gabe and Natalia barely had a moment to themselves, as they were constantly surrounded by well-wishers, friends, and family, all eager to share in their joy.
At one point, Gabe managed to steal Natalia away, leading her outside to a quiet spot in the garden, away from the noise and the crowd. They stood together under the stars, the cool night air wrapping around them as they held each other close.
"This is perfect," Natalia whispered, her head resting on Gabe's chest. "I couldn't have asked for a better day."
Gabe kissed the top of her head, his arms tightening around her. "It is perfect. But the best part is knowing that this is just the beginning. We have a whole life ahead of us, Nat."
Natalia smiled, her heart swelling with happiness. "I can't wait to start this new chapter with you, Gabe."
As they stood there, wrapped in each other's arms, the world around them faded away, leaving only the two of them, their love, and the life they had built together. It was a new beginning, a new chapter in their story, and they were ready to embrace it, together.
——————
Listen, yeah I'm trying to get y'all to trust me again with updates! Lol...is it working????? The epilogue will be up soon and then I'll introduce y'all to the crazy world of Lima and Ty. Leave me some love 😘