Page 30 of Softest Touch

“I still have one more thing to tell you. It's not a gift since it's for all of us, but be ready because London, Paris, and Milan are waiting for us in September.”

“I knew you could do it!” Sienna exclaims, pulling her into a hug before I can blink. Witnessing your lifelong dream come true is indescribable, and she's managed to surprise me once again.

My heart can't take any more. It's full of happiness.

“Better not say anything because I still can't believe it!” I chuckle, still astonished.

“And the first present?” Sienna asks impatiently.

“Hey, I should ask for it!” I had completely forgotten about it.

“Are you sure you can handle all this in one evening?”

“Bring it on, baby, after all, it's my birthday!” I'm starting to enjoy receiving presents. This time, I pull the strings and open the package right away, revealing a pen drive. I raise an eyebrow at Melinda, but she takes it out of my hand.

“Okay, everyone, please sit down,” Mel instructs as she walks toward the television and plays the video.

Images flash before my eyes: photos of my childhood, set to the song ‘All of Me’. Watching my life as a movie is strange, but it makes me realize I've lived life to the fullest so far and I'm ready for the next chapter. With her. The final part is a video of Melinda and Sissi.

“I don't know what to get you, and I admit defeat. I mean, you have me, you have Sissi, you have James and Sienna. You have everything your heart desires, or maybe not?” she says, showing a wrapped gift. “I've seen original, curious, and even strange ways to say it, but I prefer to start like this,” she continues, pulling the bows that tie the package and opening it with trembling hands. I stand up as if wanting to open it myself.

I'm so curious.

Removing the lid, she reveals a pregnancy test, but it's the ultrasound next to it that hits me, making this moment even more real.

Our baby.

I turn to Melinda and scoop her up before kissing her. To say I'm happy wouldn't express how I feel right now.

A new chapter is about to begin.

A new life.

I thought I had it all, but now I feel complete.