Chapter 405 - Finish

Chapter 405 - Finish
Carol knew immediately who was behind her.
“What are you doing?” she asked, not daring to turn around.
Marlon took her right hand firmly. When she looked, she saw that he was holding a ring. With a decisive gesture, he slipped it onto her ring finger and, before she could react, took her lips in a soft kiss.
“Your aunt was right,” he murmured against her mouth. “I'm impatient.”
Carol pushed him away gently, snorting.
“Marlon, you're too simple-minded. Are you going to ask me to marry you just like that, out of the blue?”
He smiled, with that mischievous gleam in his eyes.
“Tomorrow I'll do it properly, in the highest and oldest place in town. I want everyone to hear.”
Carol felt a shiver. Just imagining it made her blush.
“No, that's enough. This is fine. I accept.”
He smiled contentedly, squeezing her hand.
Even without the number, Carol's mother managed to get in touch with Marlon's mother. In no time, the two families discussed, agreed, and set the date. Carol's residence registration booklet was sent, and before she knew it, she was standing in front of the office, next to Marlon, signing papers.
When she received the two little red books in her hands, she sighed suspiciously.
“How was I so easily fooled?”
Marlon held up the books proudly.
“Because I'm irresistible, Mrs. Fisher.”
“Shameless!” she snorted, but couldn't hide her smile.
Carol's cell phone rang. It was Stella.
“Congratulations, Carol! So you've already registered the marriage? Are you officially Mrs. Fisher now?”
“Yes... we've already done that,” she replied, almost incredulous.
“How wonderful!” Stella laughed on the other end. “Oh, I have some news: before dawn, I just gave birth.”
Carol almost dropped the phone.
“What?! The little princess is here?!”
“Yes, she was born healthy. I'm so happy.”
“Then I need to see you right away. I'm the godmother, remember?”
“Don't rush,” Stella calmed her. “Enjoy your days there. When you come back, you can come see her.”
Carol stubbornly shook her head.
“No way. I need to be with you. I'll get ready and be right back.”
Stella smiled. She knew her friend well.
“Okay. We'll be waiting for you.”
The baby had been born at full term. Stella had gone into natural labor, and the little one was strong and healthy.
At that moment, the newborn lay in her crib, curled up like a sleeping ladybug. Liam and Julie pulled up two stools and sat side by side, their eyes glued to the girl.
Julie could barely contain her urge to pick her up.
“Can I hold her?” she asked anxiously.
Liam shook his head seriously.
“Not now.”
“But why?”
“Because you're not strong enough.”
Julie pouted.
“Then you should hold her, Brother Liam.”
He smiled slightly, without taking his eyes off the baby.
“She's sleeping. We mustn't disturb her.”
Julie sighed, defeated. But she soon smiled again, resting her chin in her hands to watch her in silence.
Meanwhile, Nathan was standing next to Stella's bed. He was holding a bowl of hot soup, freshly poured from a thermos.
“What is this now?” she asked, exhausted.
“Your mother spent the whole morning preparing it.” He blew on the liquid carefully. “She said it's good for regaining your strength and helping with milk production. She researched it in several books. She told me not to let you leave a drop.
As he spoke, his gaze shamelessly drifted down to her lap.
”But honestly, I think your mother is too anxious.
“Nathan!” Stella scolded him, embarrassed.
He just laughed.
“Drink up. Don't waste her effort.”
Sighing, Stella drank the soup, resigned.
Later, everyone gathered to discuss the baby's name. After many suggestions, they reached a consensus: Sofia Collins.
The name was received with smiles and discreet applause. Liam repeated it softly, as if he wanted to memorize it:
“Sofia... my little sister Sofia.”
Julie also whispered the name affectionately.
Stella rested her head against the pillow, exhausted but happy. She looked at the crib, then at Liam sitting beside her, and finally at Nathan, who never left her side. The soft sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating the scene with a peaceful warmth.
With tears in her eyes, she took the initiative to hug him.
“Nathan... it's so good to meet you in this life.”
He returned the hug, kissing her tenderly.
“Thank you for coming into my life, Mrs. Collins.”
And in that moment, Stella felt that despite all the suffering they had endured, she had finally achieved what she had always wanted: a complete family.