Page 49 of Allure
As we settled into our seats, Joy leaned forward, her eyes twinkling with excitement. “Well, well, it seems congratulations are in order! I couldn’t help but notice that glow, Lore. You two are expecting!”
Lore’s hand instinctively cradled her belly, a radiant smile on her face. “Yes, we are! We couldn’t wait to share the news with you, Joy.”
Joy ushered us into her office, her smile never wavering. As we took our seats, she leaned forward, her eyes filled with genuine curiosity. “So, do you know what you’re having? I can’t wait to hear all about your journey!”
I glanced at Lore, our eyes meeting in a moment of shared excitement. “Actually, we’re finding out today at our gender reveal party. Our families are already gathered at our home, waiting for us to return with the news.”
Joy clapped her hands together, her joy palpable. “Oh, that’s absolutely wonderful! I’m so thrilled for you both. You truly deserve all the happiness in the world.”
As we sat there, recounting the past year’s experiences—from our incredible honeymoon in Barcelona to Lore’s triumphant moment at the Turner Prize ceremony—I couldn’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. Joy had brought us together, had seen the potential for a love story that would stand the test of time.
“We can’t thank you enough, Joy,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “Your intuition, your guidance, and your belief in us… it’s what brought us to this moment. You helped us find each other, and for that, we’ll be forever grateful.”
Lore nodded, tears glistening in her eyes. “You gave us the greatest gift, Joy. The gift of love, of understanding, and of a partnership that knows no bounds. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts.”
Joy wiped away a tear, her smile radiant. “It’s moments like these that make my job so incredibly rewarding. Seeing two people find their soulmates, watching their love grow and flourish… it’s a true privilege.”
As we said our goodbyes, promising to keep Joy updated on our growing family, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement for what the future held. We had found each other, had built a life together, and now, we were ready to welcome a new chapter—one filled with the laughter and love of a child.
The drive back to our home was filled with a sense of anticipation. Lore’s hand rested on her belly, a soft smile playing on her lips. “I can’t wait to find out,” she whispered, her eyes shining with love.
I reached over, placing my hand over hers. “Me too, baby. No matter what, this child will be so loved, so cherished, just like their amazing mother.”
As we pulled into the driveway, we were greeted by the sight of our loved ones gathered in the backyard. Streamers and balloons adorned the space, a testament to the celebration that awaited us.
We made our way to the center of the gathering, hand in hand. Mahalia rushed over, engulfing Lore in a warm embrace. “I’m so happy for you both,” she gushed, her eyes misty with emotion.
My sister, Alexis, and her husband stood nearby, their faces etched with joy. Kole, fresh out of rehab and looking healthier than ever, gave me a thumbs up, his smile genuine and unburdened. Lore’s parents, Jia and Silas, beamed with pride, their love for their daughter and our growing family evident in their eyes.
My father approached, a football in his hands. He extended it to me, a symbolic gesture of the reveal that was about to unfold. I took the ball, feeling the weight of the moment, the significance of this new chapter.
I turned to Lore, our eyes locking in a moment of pure love and understanding. With a deep breath, I threw the football, watching as it spiraled through the air. As it burst open, a cloud of pink smoke billowed out, eliciting cheers and applause from our gathered loved ones.
Lore’s hand flew to her mouth, tears of joy streaming down her face. I pulled her into my arms, our lips meeting in a kiss that held the promise of a lifetime.
“A girl,” I whispered, my voice filled with awe. “Our little princess.”
Lore smiled, her eyes shining with the allure of a love that knew no bounds. “She’s going to be so loved, Niko. So cherished. Just like the love we found through Arranged Hearts.”
As we stood there, surrounded by the people who meant the world to us, I knew that our journey had been one of destiny, of two hearts finding their way to each other against all odds.
And with Lore by my side, our daughter growing within her, I knew that every day would be filled with the a love that could conquer anything, a love that would stand the test of time.
The End