Chapter 143
ISABELLA
Luca’s first birthday had dawned bright and clear, the kind of day you dream of when you plan something special. The early morning sunlight streamed through the windows of our home, bathing the kitchen in a soft golden glow as I finished icing his tiny cake. The house was already alive with energy—Knox chasing after Luca, who had just discovered how fast his little legs could carry him, Jax trying to keep things in order, and Asher, as always, calm in the middle of the chaos, giving directions with a quiet authority.
“Come on, Luca, let’s put on your special birthday outfit!” I called, scooping him up as he giggled, his chubby little hands reaching for the balloons tied to the chairs. His laughter was contagious, filling the room with joy. He was too young to really understand what today was all about, but the happiness radiating from him was all I needed. This was his day, and everything was perfect.
We’d decided to keep the party small—just family and a few close friends. I wanted it to be intimate, a celebration of love more than anything else. Luca deserved to be surrounded by the people who adored him, and that’s exactly what we had.
Maggie arrived first, of course, bearing gifts and immediately swooping Luca into her arms. Her laughter echoed through the house as she spun him around, whispering sweet things to her grandson. Spencer came in shortly after, helping her with the load of presents she’d brought. He winked at me as he placed them near the cake. "Looks like he’s spoiled already."
“Not spoiled,” I corrected, smiling. “Just... loved.”
Alex, Chase, and Mikaela arrived next, bringing even more life into the house. Chase, who always had a soft spot for Luca, immediately got down on the floor to play with him, making exaggerated faces that sent Luca into fits of laughter. Mikaela helped me finish setting the table outside, while Alex and the boys joined Knox to set up the rest of the decorations in the garden.
When everything was ready, the garden looked like something out of a dream—bright, colorful balloons tied to the trees, a long picnic table covered in food, and a scattering of toys in every corner for Luca to explore. The sun was warm but not too hot, a gentle breeze playing through the trees.
As we all gathered outside, I looked around at the faces of the people who had become my family. Asher sat beside me, his hand on my knee, watching Luca with that quiet, protective gaze I loved so much. Jax was standing with Alex, discussing something intently, while Knox was attempting to get Luca to wear a tiny birthday hat, a challenge that had him laughing more than succeeding. Mikaela and Chase were nearby, capturing the moments on their phones, giggling together as they tried to get the perfect picture of Luca’s every move.
We all sang "Happy Birthday" together as I held Luca in my arms, his little face lighting up at the sound of everyone cheering just for him. When it was time for the cake, he wasted no time smashing his tiny hands into the frosting, smearing it all over his face while we all laughed and took pictures. It was messy and chaotic, but it was perfect in every way.
The day passed in a blur of laughter, stories, and love. There was no rush, no urgency—just the gentle ebb and flow of family enjoying the presence of one another. Luca was the center of it all, toddling from person to person, accepting hugs, kisses, and gifts with wide-eyed wonder.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm, golden glow over the garden, I sat back in my chair, watching everyone around me. Knox was holding Luca, showing him the bubbles Jax was blowing into the air. Asher was chatting with Spencer and Alex by the grill, their voices low but filled with easy conversation. Mikaela and Chase were still taking pictures, and Maggie, well, she was basking in the joy of her grandson’s day.
For a moment, I closed my eyes, taking it all in. This was the life I had dreamed of—the love, the laughter, the sense of belonging. Everything felt right, like this was where I was always meant to be.
And then, as my gaze drifted lazily over the garden, something—or someone—caught my eye. Standing at the far end of the yard, almost hidden in the shadows of the trees, was a figure I recognized instantly.
My mother.
She stood still, watching from a distance, her expression unreadable. My breath caught in my throat as our eyes met. A chill ran down my spine, but I remained where I was, not moving, not speaking.
The perfect day suddenly felt like the calm before the storm.