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Just as the laughter around Alaric’s smug reveal began to settle, another voice cut through the room—deep and firm.

“Are they planning anything without me?”

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Everyone turned toward the grand entrance of the living room.

There he was—Mr. Bellamy, Nico’s father—his eyes scanning every face in the room.

Nico’s breath caught, his smirk faltering. “What a surprise…” he muttered under his breath, though his voice trembled just slightly. “Dad.”

The room went completely still, the air thick with shock and tension—until Mr. Bellamy finally stepped forward, his gaze lingering on Nico, then flicking briefly to Red, and even to Alaric with a raised brow.

Mr. Bellamy’s stern expression  softened, as he took another step forward.

“Did I hear wedding?” he asked, his voice carrying a warmth that made everyone exhale at once.

Nico blinked, caught between disbelief and relief. “You… came for this?”

A slow smile tugged at his father’s lips. “I did promise Nico I wouldn’t come back unless he settled things with his wife.” His eyes gleamed with mischief as he added dryly, “Guess I ran out of excuses.”

The room broke into laughter.Granny clutching her stomach, Nico’s mom wiping happy tears, and even Alaric throwing his head back with a bark of laughter.

Red’s cheeks burned, but she couldn’t stop smiling as Nico slipped an arm around her waist, pulling her close. “See?” he murmured against her hair. “Even Dad thinks we’re finally doing it right.”

Noah’s sleepy little voice carried from upstairs, just waking from his nap. “Mommy? Daddy?”

Everyone paused, listening as his  small feet padded down the stairs. He appeared at the landing, rubbing his eyes, holding his toy car.

When he saw the whole family gathered, his face lit up. “Yaay! Family party?”

The entire room erupted again in soft laughter and affection, Mr. Bellamy crouching slightly to open his arms. “Come here, champ. You’re the real reason I came back.”

Everyone froze for a split second as Noah blinked sleepily .

The boy squinted his eyes, tilting his head like he was studying a stranger. His little voice came out serious, curious, and unintentionally hilarious—

“And who are you?”

Nico’s jaw dropped, then he burst out laughing so hard he had to lean on Red for support. “Oh my God—Noah!”

Mr. Bellamy froze mid-crouch, stunned… then slowly broke into the biggest smile anyone had seen on him in years. His eyes watered, his deep laugh booming through the house.

“I’m your grandpa, champ,” he said warmly, hugging Noah closer. “Guess your daddy forgot to tell you about me, huh?”

Noah blinked again, then gasped. “Grandpa?!”

“Yes,” Mr. Bellamy chuckled, nodding.

Noah’s face lit up instantly, his arms tightening around his neck. “Yaaay, I have another grandpa!”

The whole family melted, laughter and joy filling every corner of the house.

Red stepped closer, her hand smoothing over Noah’s hair as she pressed a kiss to his temple.

“Yes, you do,” she whispered softly, her voice full of warmth. “And don’t worry—your other grandpa will be on his way too.” She kissed his cheek again, her smile tender as Noah’s little face lit up with excitement.

Turning in her arms, Noah wiggled down and padded over to Granny, tugging at her hand with those wide, hopeful eyes.

“Granny,” he said in that sweet, sing-song tone, “can we play? Please?”

Granny’s heart melted on the spot. She crouched down, cupping his cheeks. “Of course, my darling. What game are we playing today?”

Noah giggled, bouncing on his little feet. “Hide and seek! But you have to count loud ‘cause Daddy cheats!”

Nico glanced around the room, his lips twitching as Noah squealed and ran off with Granny to hide. The laughter and chatter of family filled the air, but Nico’s attention was fixed on Red.

He slid his hand into hers, fingers lacing tight, and leaned close so only she could hear. “At least time for Daddy,” he whispered, his voice low, teasing, and a little desperate.

Red’s brows arched, a laugh threatening her lips. “Nico—”

“Shh.” He tugged her gently toward the hallway, steps soft and sneaky, like a boy caught in mischief. “They’re all distracted. Perfect chance.”

Red bit her lip, heat blooming in her cheeks as she let him lead her up the stairs. Nico peeked once over his shoulder, smirk playing on his face as if he’d just stolen the crown jewel, then opened their bedroom door with a careful hand.

“Finally,” he murmured, pulling her inside and pressing her against the door the moment it clicked shut. “Daddy’s turn.”

Nico set her down on the edge of the table with an easy lift, his hands tight on her waist like he couldn’t get enough of holding her.

His grin was wicked, his eyes drinking her in as though she was the only thing alive in the world.

Red looped her arms around his neck, cheeks flushed, her laughter bubbling out as she leaned close. “The surprise wedding is tomorrow, Mr. Bellamy,” she teased, her voice lilting. “Can’t you wait a lil bit?”

Nico’s lips hovered at her ear, his breath hot and husky as he whispered, “Tomorrow’s for the world. Tonight’s for me.”

Her smile widened, heat rushing through her as she bit her lip, trying and failing to hide her giggle.

He kissed her slowly.

Her soft laughter broke off with a tiny wince when the edge of the table pressed too sharply against her hip.

Nico froze immediately, eyes darkening with concern. “Shit—did I hurt you?” His hands loosened at once, worry flickering across his face.

Red shook her head, brushing it off. “It’s nothing.”

But Nico wasn’t having it. He scooped her gently into his arms, carrying her away from the table as if she weighed nothing, before setting her down carefully on the bed.

“No,” he said firmly, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his voice dipping softer. “I’ll stop. Let me take care of you.”

He slid beside her, wrapping her up in his arms, his palm patting her hair in a soothing rhythm. “Yes, wifey. You need rest.” His voice cracked into a whisper, tender and aching. “I just… I just want us to make another baby. One we can raise together, with me there this time. I’ll be present in his growth, I swear it.”

Red’s lashes fluttered as she teased softly, her lips curving into a smile. “You want a girl?”

Nico chuckled low, his thumb caressing her cheek as he leaned forward. Instead of answering, he kissed her forehead with infinite gentleness. “Any,” he murmured against her skin. “Just a lil one… for Noah.”

She closed her eyes, melting into his arms.

Ending book soon❤️