As we drive back to Lucas's parents', I keep thinking about how fast my life changed. Looking back, I can see how Greg breaking up with me was actually a good thing, and how starting a new life by myself, that seemed so scary at first, brought me the love of my life and the two kids I always dreamed of having.

Nate was definitely a surprise, but falling in love with him was inevitable. He found his way to my heart without even trying, and I can't imagine Lucas and me without him.

And now we have this little one in the oven and a house to turn into a home. It might be too simple, not as big of a dream for many, but for me, I can't tell you this is everything.

Have you talked to your family about the house?" I ask when he parks back in front of his parents' place.

"Yeah, they're all very excited about us moving here." He turns to me and the intense way he looks at me makes me pause.

"What?" I ask.

"I just can't believe we got to this place where we're really starting a life together." He smiles at me, and I realize we were both lost in the same train of thought.

"Yeah, me too." I pull him into a kiss and he holds my face so tenderly, I pull back a little to look at him.

"What is it? Tell me," I ask again, but he just shakes his head and presses his lips to mine again.

I know how hard moving away from the guilt of Monica's death to start a new relationship has been, and I know he'll need time to fully accept it's okay for him to start over, but buying that house shows me he's actually trying and willing to.

"Come on." He gets out of the car and rushes to open my door.

"What a gentleman." I raise my eyebrows, and he laughs, only it's a nervous one.

"You're impossible." He pulls me to him and bites my earlobe.

"Hmmm. Am I now?" I feel a smile forming on my lips.

"Impossible to resist," he murmurs, trying to contain his laugh.

"Cheesy." I chuckle.

"Dad!" Nate rushes out of the door and stops in front of us. "It's all ready," he says, looking from his dad to me, but before I have time to ask anything, Lucas is covering his son's mouth with his hand

"Okay!" Lucas says. "Remember, I told you it's a surprise?" he asks and Nate nods, his eyes full of mischief.

"So go inside and keep your mouth shut, okay?" Nate nods again, his eyes now moving to me.

"I'm telling you now, Nate, if it's a prank, you won't live to tell anyone if it succeeded or not," I say and the little troublemaker starts laughing.

"Not a word. Inside. Now." Lucas tells him and he rushes inside, laughing.

"I'm serious," I shout to his back.

"Lucas-" I start, but he stops me with a kiss. It steals my breath away and suddenly he is all I feel, all I know. His mouth is urgent, his tongue deep and hot. He's desperate and demanding, and after a minute or ten, I hold his face, slowing him down, remembering we're making out in front of his parents' place.

"Hey," I say, threading my fingers through his hair. His eyes are closed, and I know he is trying to get himself together.

"I love you," he says, opening his eyes to look at me. "I know it's never been easy to love me back and that I have more baggage than what you signed up for. But I love you and I'm so grateful to have you in my life and... you're it! No matter what life throws our way, I just want you to know, you're the one for me."

"God, I love you so much." I throw my arms at him and we stay like this for a moment, just breathing each other in.

"Dad!" Nate shouts from the window, and Ben pulls him inside, rushing to close the door.

"Any chance he saw us making out?" Lucas bites his lips, shaking his head.

"Well, let's hope for the best." I laugh.

"Yeah. Let's get inside so his excitement doesn't ruin your surprise." He holds my hand and we get in.

The house is silent and dark as we make our way to the backyard. Lucas's hand is clasping mine and I look at him, wondering again if he's okay. "Are you sure you're okay?" I ask, but he just nods.

When I open the kitchen door, I gasp, "Oh my God!"

"Surprise!" I hear my parents and Lisa, along with Lucas's gang, shouting.

"What the heck?" I look from them to Lucas and back to the yard. It's all cleaned up from the party and full of flowers and heart-shaped lights hanging around.

"Finally!" Nate shouts.

"Alexia." Lucas guides me to the middle of the yard and kneels right in front of me, making me gasp once again.

"Oh my God," I whisper.

"Yeah..." He bites his lower lip nervously. "I know we still have a long road ahead of us and that I messed up way too many times." He takes a deep breath before continuing, "But I brought everyone we care about here today so I can make a vow to you and to everyone that matters."

"I love you and our family. I love how much you care about us and how sweet and sassy you are. I love how much you love our kids and the family we built, and how much love you have inside your beautiful heart. Have I talked about how much I love you?" he asks, making everybody chuckle.

"I love you too," I whisper, trying to contain my tears.

"Well, since we're on the same page and I have a seven-year-old ready to kill me if I don't pop this question soon... Alexia, I promise to dedicate my life to you and our kids.. I know I'm not perfect, but I'm working to be the man you deserve. So, Alexia, will you marry me?"

"Say yes!" Nate shouts, gaining another round of chuckles from our families.

"Yes!" I smile, laugh, and cry, all at the same time while Lucas puts an exquisite ring on my finger.

"I love you," he whispers, right before touching his lips to mine.

And here, with everyone we love surrounding us, I know I found what I've always wanted. We may not be perfect and we do have a lot to grow and to work on, but we're a family. And together, we'll face everything life throws our way.

______

A/N: You guys are seriously the best readers in the world! Thank you for always being so supportive! ❤️

XOXO

- Celeste.