Four years later
*Pilar*
Today, we are gathered on the grass out behind our home to celebrate me and Zac's daughter Pia's second birthday. The sun shines warmly overhead, casting a golden hue on our little gathering. The laughter of children fills the air, a testament to the love and joy that has flourished in our lives.

"Mommy, look!" Pia squeals, holding up her tiny hands covered in cake frosting. "I'm two!"

I laugh and scoop her up into my arms, showering her with kisses. "Yes, you are, my sweet girl. Happy birthday."

Daniel, now four and a half years old, runs over and tugs at Zac's sleeve, excitement radiating from him. "Daddy, look what I made for Pia! It's a drawing of all of us."

Zac kneels down to examine the vibrant artwork, a smile spreading across his face. "Wow, buddy, this is amazing. Pia is going to love it. You're such a talented artist, and the best big brother."

Nina and Nick's son, Teddy, toddles over, a handful of balloons in his grasp. He hands one to Daniel with a mischievous grin. "Here, Daniel! Let's have a balloon fly race."

The boys giggle with delight as they release their balloons into the sky, watching them float away. Nina and I exchange knowing glances, marveling at the bond our children share.

Nina might have worried about being a being a mother, but She is the best one Teddy could ever wish for and Nick is an amazing father too.

Emily, her baby bump proudly displayed, joins us, her face glowing with anticipation. "I can't wait to meet my little ones," she says, gently cradling her belly. "They're going to have the best big cousins in Pia, Daniel and Teddy"

LZ, standing by her side, wraps an arm around Emily, a look of pure adoration in his eyes. "And they're going to have the most incredible mother."

"And the sweetest father." She tells him.

I am so happy she chose LZ, they are so clearly each other's true mates and so cute together. We are all so excited to welcome their twins in about a month.

"Matt sends his congratulations," Emily says. "And apologized for not coming."

"Thank you and it is totally understandable, everything considered." I say.

Matt has found his true mate, a sweet woman named Nelly, and they are expecting their first kid any minute.

As the afternoon sun bathes us in its warmth, we gather around a table filled with sweet treats and colorful balloons. Our children's laughter intertwines with our own conversations, creating a symphony of joy and love.

"I'm so grateful for all of you," I say, tears glistening in my eyes. "You've become more than friends. You're all family. Our chosen family."

Zac nods, his voice filled with emotion. "We've been through so much together, and I wouldn't change a thing. We're bound by love and the unbreakable ties we've formed."

Nina raises her glass, a toast to the love that has grown between us. "To family, both by blood and by heart. May our bond continue to strengthen and our love to overflow."

We clink our glasses together, a chorus of cheers filling the air. In this moment, surrounded by our chosen family, I feel a profound sense of belonging and contentment. Our lives have been woven together, creating a tapestry of love, friendship, and growth.

As the day comes to a close, the children's laughter begins to fade, replaced by sleepy yawns and contented smiles. We gather them in our arms, cherishing the weight of their love against our hearts.

When the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm glow on our gathering, we know that our story, this grand adventure, will continue to unfold. Our children will grow, our bonds will deepen, and our family will always be there, supporting each other through life's twists and turns.

  And as we watch the stars twinkle above us, we know that this celebration of love and family is just the beginning of a lifetime of joy, laughter, and the enduring power of our connection.
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