chapter 123

Alana’s point of view.

Almost three years later…

Taking a deep breath, I leaned forward, my hands covering my face. Overwhelmed might have been an understatement. Alec and I had welcomed our first child into the world—a vibrant and healthy baby boy named Adam Richard Fisher. He was a bundle of joy with an overflow of energy, a trait he seemingly inherited from his father. Adam bore an uncanny resemblance to Alec, with captivating blue-green eyes and brown hair. The only hint of me in him was the cascade of curls that adorned his little head.

Motherhood was an unpredictable journey, far more challenging than I had envisioned. Yet, with Alec by my side, I felt we navigated it decently well—except for those moments when Adam decided it was time for a house-wide sprint, utilizing his tiny size to explore the narrowest of spaces. Cheeky and adorable, his antics always earned him a favor, especially from his doting grandfather. Dad absolutely loved this little guy.

At present, I found myself in a negotiation with my son. He yearned to play while I needed to steal some time to work. My mother had graciously offered to spend time with her grandson, but Adam had staged a mini protest, anchoring himself between my legs while I sat at my desk. His small hands rested on my thighs, creating an adorable yet effective blockade. I could easily move them, but that would upset him, and I dreaded causing him distress.

Working from home had its perks, but moments like these tested my patience.

“Adam, sweetheart, mommy needs to work now, okay? It won’t take long,” I assured him, knowing it would be a brief stint, less than two hours. “How about a lollipop and cuddles with grandma?” I offered, running my fingers through his curls and planting a gentle kiss on his forehead.

“Wanna cuddle you,” Adam pouted, nuzzling into my warmth.

"Me?" I teased, gently tickling his sides to coax a playful reaction, hoping to strike a compromise.

“Please, Mommy,” Adam pleaded sweetly, batting his long lashes at me. Those eyes, a reflection of Alec’s, always had a way of melting my resolve. If baby number two inherited Alec’s eyes, I’d be outnumbered by three irresistible persuaders.

“But I have to work, my love. I promise, after work, I’ll shower you with all the cuddles and kisses in the world. We’ll make Daddy a little envious,” I promised, selling the idea big, knowing I'd indulge him fully right after the movie.

“Okay, fine,” Adam sighed dramatically, eventually relenting.

“Thank you, sweetie,” I winked, planting a kiss on his cheek.

“Come here, pumpkin! Mommy promised you a lollipop, but I'll get you a cookie bar instead,” Mom called out, and Adam dashed over to her, throwing himself into her arms. She caught him with a smirk, playing her grandma card.

Part of me wanted to protest, but I remembered Adam was spending the night with them. If he decided on a late-night escapade, it would be their challenge, not mine. As the meeting commenced, it turned out to be swift. This could very well be the most significant movie project I'd worked on—a venture into the superhero genre, something Alec was thoroughly enjoying. He seemed like a devoted fan, engrossed in the world of comics, just like my mother. I remained focused, knowing this project would be demanding. In about four months, I’d welcome my second baby, and two months after that, this movie would hit theatres.

An hour and a half later, I closed my laptop, knowing work wouldn’t demand my attention for the next three days. I looked forward to relishing three days of blissful peace. A knock interrupted my thoughts, and I welcomed the visitor, expecting Adam. Instead, it was Alec, bearing a healthy pregnancy smoothie and my favorite candy bar, a peace offering of sorts.

"You're back early." I grinned, stepping toward Alec. He placed my gifts on the table and leaned down, planting a gentle kiss on my stomach before pressing his lips briefly against mine.

"I thought you might need some help with the party preparations," Alec said, cupping my face and brushing my cheek with a soft smile. In just three years, this man seemed to grow more striking by the day; it wasn’t a shock that I found myself pregnant again.

However, his expression shifted. "Your mother seems to have everything under control. She even managed to put Adam down for a nap?"

"She’s amazing," I hummed in agreement, truly impressed by her effortless handling of kids. She was a master at everything—cooking, baking, reading, watching movies, cuddling, and adventuring into the backyard with Adam. Her love for kids was unmistakable.

"Your dad has been busy decorating outside," Alec added, chuckling.

"Dad decorated?" I raised an eyebrow. That could go either way—really good or, well, interesting.

"He sure did, and it looks lovely," Alec grinned, watching me take a sip of the smoothie. "How's the movie coming along? I can’t wait to attend the premiere; being married to the director has its perks," he beamed proudly, his unwavering support for my career shining through.

"What's next? Are you aiming for the cast's autographs?" I teased.

"Who says I haven't already got them?"

"Oh goodness, you're something else," I laughed, shaking my head.

"You adore me." Alec leaned in, capturing my lips with his.

"I do." I winked playfully.

"Come on, let's get ready."

Today marked our monthly family Sunday, an occasion everyone cherished. Alec and I dressed and made our way downstairs, where I caught sight of Adam giggling at something Dad had said. It was one of those rare moments when he wasn’t cranky right after waking up.

"Mommy!" Adam spotted me and dashed over, wrapping his arms around my legs. Then, catching sight of Alec behind me, he quickly abandoned me to embrace his dad instead.

"Hey, little buddy, I missed you," Alec scooped him up, planting a kiss on his cheek.

While the two engaged in conversation, I noticed Sean's car in the driveway and rushed to help them with the door. Sean and Ryan had tied the knot just a month after our wedding, discovering they were expecting right after their honeymoon. They certainly wasted no time. Initially, Ryan had only wanted one child, but they were blessed with twins instead—a boy and a girl. Chris and Chloe, their adorable twins, had quickly become Adam’s closest friends, always getting into mischief while wearing their most angelic expressions.

"Oh, my darling twin babies!" Mom exclaimed, opening her arms for Chris and Chloe, fully embracing her role as their grandmother. The twins greeted everyone politely before spotting Adam.

"Mommy?" Adam looked up at me with pleading eyes. He was about to ask for something—I could sense it.

"Yes, sweetheart?" I encouraged.

"Can we play in the house?" Adam asked, pointing excitedly to the kid's playhouse that Dad and Alec had set up for him. It was like a mini-mansion for toddlers! I couldn't resist his plea, not when he was giving me those cute eyes and pouty lips.

"Absolutely, let's go," I followed him and the twins outside.

"You're the best!" Chloe chimed, and I blew her a playful kiss, reveling in their infectious enthusiasm.

***

As dinner time arrived, Izabel and Killian seated themselves at the table, signaling for our attention. The two had been jet-setting quite frequently, and Izabel, an exceptional talent manager, had successfully nurtured four rising stars, a feat that amazed me. Her knack for discovering talent was truly remarkable.

Dad reached for the wine bottle, ready to fill Izabel’s glass, but she halted him. “She’ll be staying away from that for the next few months,” Killian proudly announced, and it took a moment for the revelation to sink in. Gasps echoed around the table.

"Oh my goodness! Are you expecting?" I turned to Izabel.

"Yup! 8 weeks along, and keeping it under wraps was the hardest," Izabel admitted, a radiant smile lighting up her face.

"Our kids are going to be the best of friends," I exclaimed joyously, raising my wine glass to hers. Both glasses were now filled with sparkling wine.

At that moment, my heart swelled with love and contentment. I was married to the love of my life, surrounded by a family that had expanded, filled with supportive souls. Most importantly, I had achieved the career aspirations I'd held since my younger days. This, right here, felt like perfection—my personal pinnacle of happiness.