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Nico stepped out of the store carrying two large bags in one hand, the weight of several gowns inside, but his eyes went straight to Noah waiting with his little legs swinging off the chair in the lobby.

“Daddy!” Noah shouted, jumping up.

Nico’s grin widened as he bent low, scooping the boy up with one arm like he weighed nothing. “Let’s go home, kid,” he said, kissing Noah’s cheek. “We’ve got all the gowns your mommy could ever want.”

Noah’s eyes lit up. “Mommy’s a princess now?”

“The only princess that matters,” Nico said warmly, giving Red a pointed look that made her cheeks flush. He adjusted Noah on his hip and glanced at the bags. “Time to go announce it to Mom and Granny. And…” his voice softened, his jaw tightening with unspoken emotion, “…I’m sure Dad will finally come—at least to see the mini me.”

Noah giggled proudly, pointing at himself. “That’s me!”

Nico chuckled, pressing his forehead to his son’s. “Yeah, that’s you, champ.”

He slid his free hand into Red’s, threading their fingers together.

The moment they stepped through the doors, Nico didn’t even let Red take her heels off.

“Granny! Mom!” his deep voice echoed through the house, loud and full of boyish excitement.

Red laughed softly, shaking her head as Noah darted past them with his toy car, already rolling it along the hallway floor.

Granny appeared first, wiping her hands on her apron, her brows raised. “What’s all this noise, Nico?”

Hot on her heels came Nico’s mother, her eyes curious.

Nico didn’t hesitate—he dropped the shopping bags onto the couch, still holding one of Red’s hands as he announced, almost bursting, “We’re getting married again.”

Granny froze mid-step, her hand flying to her mouth. Nico’s mother’s eyes widened, then immediately welled up.

Red stood there, smiling softly, her heart swelling as she watched the two older women process his words. Noah, completely oblivious, zoomed his car under the coffee table, making engine noises.

“Oh, Nico…” his mother whispered, her voice breaking as she moved forward, her eyes landing on Red’s sparkling finger.

Granny let out a shaky laugh, wiping at her eyes. “About time,” she muttered, though her lips trembled into a smile.

Nico pulled Red close against his side, grinning like he’d just won the world. “I told you. This time, we’re doing it right. All of us—together.”

Noah peeked up from the floor, waving his toy car. “And I’m the prince!” he declared proudly.

As the laughter settled, one of the maids stepped quietly into the living room, bowing her head respectfully.

“Sir, Ma’am,” she said softly, her eyes flicking toward Noah, “shall I take young master Noah for his bath and nap?”

Red glanced down just in time to see her little boy rubbing his eyes, his toy car slipping from his tiny fingers as a yawn escaped him.

She smiled gently. “Yes, please. He’s had such a long day.”

Nico crouched, scooping Noah up one more time before handing him over. “Go on, champ,” he said, kissing his son’s hair. “Freshen up and rest. Big days ahead.”

Noah mumbled sleepily against his father’s shoulder, “Okay, Daddy… but wake me if there’s cake…”

Everyone chuckled as the maid carried him upstairs, his little arms limp around her neck, leaving Red and Nico standing with Granny and his mom.

Just as the maid disappeared upstairs with Noah, the living room fell into a calm silence. Red leaned against Nico’s side, her smile still lingering when—

The door creaked open.

A deep, playful voice boomed across the room.
“Yaaay! I’m the best man!”

Everyone’s heads snapped toward the entrance.

Everyone froze, stunned into silence. Even Nico’s confident grin faltered as his cousin came fully into view, his eyes gleaming with mischief.

Alaric spread his arms, voice smooth and unapologetic. “Sorry, cous, I came without your knowledge.” His gaze flicked to Red, softening just a little. “And yes… sorry, Red. It’s been a while.”

Red blinked, completely caught off guard. “Alaric…” she murmured, breathless.

But before anyone could react further, his grin broke wider, eyes dancing. “And—yeahhhhh—did someone say wedding?” He clapped his hands dramatically, his tone half-joking, half-deadly serious as he locked eyes with Nico. “I’m mad at you, Nicolas Bellamy. Your cousin should’ve had a special invitation.”

The room went still for a beat—then Granny snorted, Nico’s mom covered her mouth to hide a laugh, and even Nico shook his head, a low chuckle escaping him despite the tension.

Nico didn’t hesitate—he strode right up to Alaric and without warning, flicked his cousin’s ear.

Alaric froze, eyes wide, before smacking Nico’s shoulder hard. “Ow! You still do that?”

“Always,” Nico smirked, then bent low in a goofy mock-bow. “Your Majesty Cousin Alaric, ruler of bad decisions.”

The whole room burst out laughing, especially when Alaric responded by poking Nico’s ribs the way they used to as boys. Nico jerked away with a strangled laugh, swatting his cousin’s hand like a kid.

“You two,” Granny muttered, shaking her head, though she was grinning ear to ear.

Alaric grabbed Nico’s head in a playful headlock, ruffling his hair. “Still the same punk, huh?”

“Let me go, idiot!” Nico wheezed, laughing and shoving him back. For a moment, it was like no time had passed—just two cousins messing around, the room echoing with the kind of laughter that only came from childhood memories.

Finally, Nico stilled, catching his breath. His laughter faded into something softer, more wistful as he looked at Alaric, eyes burning with unspoken emotion.

“Life’s gonna be so good again,” he said quietly, almost like a vow. “If we can just… go back to the way we were, cous.”

Alaric’s smirk softened, his eyes narrowing just slightly as if he, too, was remembering those lost years.

Alaric dusted off his suit jacket dramatically, then clapped his hands once like he’d just taken command of the entire room.

“Alright,” he announced, grin sharp and cocky, “leave the wedding venue and every fucking thing to me. I’ll handle it all. You two just show up looking stupidly in love.”

Before anyone could reply, the sound of heels snapping against the floor.

A beautiful blonde woman stepped gracefully into view, her hair catching the light, her blue eyes curious as they scanned the room.

Everyone blinked in surprise, and Alaric immediately smirked, throwing one hand up to cover his mouth like he was trying not to laugh at their stunned faces.

“So…” he drawled, lowering his hand to point at her with his thumb, “…that’s my girl. Met her on a business trip.”

Nico raised a brow, half-amused, half-skeptical. Red’s jaw dropped a little, and Granny actually gasped, covering her mouth with both hands. Nico’s mom, meanwhile, was already smiling warmly at the newcomer.

Alaric leaned back against the doorway, arms folded, smirk widening. “What? You thought I was showing up solo to this family circus?”

The blonde gave a small wave, cheeks flushed as everyone’s eyes lingered on her, while Alaric’s grin screamed proud troublemaker.