The Golden Couple

Epilogue

*8 years later*

The doorbell rang as my foot hit the bottom step to the staircase.

Perfect timing.

It rang again as I crossed through the living room, making my way towards the front door. And a third time as I made it to the foyer.

I let out a laugh, unlocking the front door to reveal Lily. She was innocently smiling up at me, as though she hadn't just incessantly rang my doorbell.

"Sorry," Kayla apologized, with a laugh. "She has a thing for doorbells."

"I just like the sound that they make," Lily defended.

"Well aren't you going to give your Aunt Sophie a hug?" I challenged.

Lily barreled into me, wrapping her small arms around me with a squeal.

"I've missed you," I said, lightly pressing my lips to the top of her head.

I ushered Kayla and Lily inside, closing the door behind them.

"So let me see the ring," Kayla gushed, dropping her purse on my dining room table.

I held out my left hand, Kayla letting out an excited squeal as she saw my engagement ring. "Why is he so perfect?"

I couldn't help but roll my eyes. "Far from it. But I am lucky to have him."

"He's lucky to have you," Kayla countered.

I dropped my hand, letting it graze the necklace around my neck as it dropped back down to my side.

The two of us laughed, heading out into the living room, where Lily was sitting on the couch, her game console in her hands.

"I blame Clayton," Kayla said, with an eye roll.

I let out a bit of a forced laugh at the mention of his name.

"Leave him to babysit your kid and this is what happens," she said, gesturing towards Lily. "She turns into a gamer."

"I just have to beat this one level mom," Lily countered.

"How many times have I heard that?"

"Is Clayton enjoying it out there in New York?" I asked.

"I'm not sure," Kayla declined. "I think he's still trying to find his niche."

"Uncle Clayton is here," Lily spoke up.

I raised my eyebrows at Kayla.

"He's visiting his parents this week," Kayla filled me in. "But remember Lily, I told you that we weren't going to have time to visit everyone."

Lily's head immediately shot up from her game console, her eyes widening. "But we have to visit Uncle Clayton."

"We aren't going to be able to."

Tears began to fill her eyes.

"Oh here we go," Kayla muttered.

Without any kids of my own, Lily was like the daughter I didn't have. I sent her birthday and Christmas presents, and she came and visited me whenever they were in South Carolina. And I couldn't bear to see her cry.

"Well maybe there's something we can work out," I said to Kayla, with a small smile.

"You spoil her rotten."

"I can't help it," I defended. "Look at her face."

"I do. Every single day. And I'm telling you that I told her this morning that we weren't going to be able to fit everyone into our schedule today. So Clayton's out. We see him plenty anyways."