Chapter 335
The mansion’
garden had turned into the perfect children’s party scene. Colorful balloons decorated every corner, a long table overflowed with traditional Verdanian sweets. The birthday cake was shaped like a little car because it was Matt’s current obsession, and it held the place of honor at the center of it all. The sound of children laughing mixed with animated adult conversations created the ideal soundtrack for celebrating my nephew’s first year of life.
Matt was glowing in his party outfit, a navy-blue romper with suspenders that somehow made him even more adorable. He toddled around the guests with wobbly but determined steps, occasionally stopping to show off a new toy to anyone willing to pay attention. Ginger followed him closely, as if she’d officially taken on the role of canine nanny, always alert to keep him from wandering too far or tripping.
“Look at this,” Gwen said, coming up beside me with two glasses of sparkling wine in hand. “Ginger became a professional babysitter in less than twenty-four hours.”
I accepted the glass gratefully, watching our puppy gently steer Matt away from a puddle that had formed near the decorative fountain.
“She has a natural family instinct,” I agreed, unable to hide the silly smile spreading across my face as I watched them.
“Speaking of family instinct…” Gwen nudged me with her elbow, her eyes gleaming with mischief. “Where’s the ring? Zoey told me about yesterday!”
I held out my hand, the diamond solitaire catching the sunlight. It still felt surreal to see that ring on my finger, like at any moment I might wake up and realize it had all been an incredibly vivid dream.
“Oh my God, Annie!” Gwen practically shouted, drawing curious looks from nearby guests. “That ring is absolutely stunning!”
“Thank you,” I murmured, blushing slightly at the attention.
“Zoey!” Gwen called to my sister, who was chatting with friends near the dessert table. “Come take a proper look at this ring!”
Zoey walked over with Matt in her arms. Apparently he’d decided he needed a mom break after so much social excitement. Her eyes lit up when she saw my hand.
“I still can’t believe it,” Zoey said, shaking her head in awe. “Things happen so fast when they’re meant to, don’t they?”
“Christian told me Nate was nervous from the moment you arrived,” Gwen added, clearly enjoying every romantic detail. “Apparently he stayed up half the night practicing his speech.”
“Really?” I asked, touched by the image of Nate rehearsing his words in the dark.
“Completely true,” a male voice said behind us. “This is a very important moment for a man.”
I turned to see Joseph approaching, elegant as always even at a children’s party, with Lucy by his side. The Kensington patriarch looked genuinely happy, his blue eyes shining with approval as he took in my hand.
“Grandpa!” I exclaimed, standing to hug him.
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“My dear girl,” Joseph said, embracing me with his usual warmth. “I’m so happy for you both. Nathaniel is a lucky man.”
“I’m the lucky one,” I corrected softly, feeling tears of gratitude threaten to spill.
“You both deserve all the happiness in the world. And this ring…” he took my hand to examine it more closely, ” is an excellent choice. Very good taste.”
‘Auguri per la vostra felicità,” Lucy said with a warm smile, gesturing between Nate and me. “Molto bello nsieme.”
Joseph translated with a fond smile.
“She’s wishing happiness to both of you,” he said. “And saying you make a very beautiful couple.”
“And when’s the wedding?” Gwen asked, already clearly planning every detail in her head.
“We haven’t talked about that yet,” I admitted. “It just happened yesterday. We’re still processing.”
“Don’t wait too long,” Joseph advised, the weight of a lifetime of experience in his voice. “When you find the right person, there’s no reason to delay.”
“Speaking from personal experience?” Zoey teased gently, glancing between Joseph and Lucy with a mischievous smile.
Joseph laughed, slipping an arm around Lucy’s waist in a gesture that was both protective and affectionate.
“Exactly from personal experience,” he confirmed. “Life is too short to waste time on unnecessary hesitation.”
11
Just then, Nate appeared carrying a tray of snacks, clearly having been recruited to help feed the younger guests. His eyes found mine instantly, and the smile that spread across his face made my heart race like it always did.
“All the kids are fed,” he reported, setting the tray down on a nearby table. “And apparently Ginger is officially the main attraction of the party.’
We looked over to where our puppy was surrounded by a group of fascinated children, all eager to pet her and play. Ginger was clearly loving every second of the attention, tail wagging furiously as she handed out generous kisses.
“She’s going to sleep for a week after today,” I said, amused.
“Same as us,” Nate agreed, stepping closer and wrapping an arm around my waist.
“Congratulations, sonny,” Joseph said. “You made an excellent choice.”
“Thank you, Grandpa,” Nate replied, his voice thick with genuine emotion.
The afternoon unfolded in a string of happy moments-lively conversations, children running and playing, Ginger being thoroughly spoiled by every little guest in attendance. When the sun began to set, painting the sky in shades of gold and pink, it was finally time for the most anticipated moment.
“Happy birthday to you!” everyone sang enthusiastically as Matt stared in awe at the lit candles on his car- shaped cake.
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The entire garden buzzed with joy. Children clapped excitedly, adults smiled with quiet tenderness, and Matt, perched on Zoey’s lap, tried to blow out the candles with his mother’s help. When he finally succeeded, the crowd erupted into applause and cheers.
It was in that moment that Nate leaned in and whispered in my ear, his voice filled with promise, “We’re going to have so many of these for our kids,” he said softly. “I promise.”
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The readers' comments on the novel: Hired a Gigolo Got a Billionaire (Zoey and Christian)
excellent epilogue!...