chapter 134

---

Chapter 134 – Amara's POV

One year.

It had been one whole year since Arya gave birth to baby Hope, and Amara still couldn't believe how fast time had flown. The tiny, fussy newborn had grown into a giggling, curly-haired baby girl with sparkling eyes and an attitude far too big for her small frame.

Amara stood at the kitchen counter of Arya's house, carefully arranging cupcakes onto a white ceramic plate. It was just a small get-together — no extravagant decorations, no loud music, just family and a few close friends celebrating Hope's first birthday. But to Amara, it felt like so much more.

This past year had changed everything.

For Arya.

For herself.

For all of them.

"You're putting way too much effort into those cupcakes," Arya teased from behind her, walking into the kitchen in a soft beige dress with her hair tied up in a loose bun. "They're going to end up smashed in Hope's hands in two seconds."

Amara laughed. "And that's why the pictures matter. The before shot, at least."

Arya leaned on the counter across from her, resting her chin in her palm. She looked a little tired — motherhood always left traces — but there was a peace in her eyes that hadn't been there before. A softness.

"You look happy," Amara said gently, offering her a smile.

Arya blinked, surprised. "I am."

She said it like a confession.

"Truly?" Amara asked.

Arya nodded. "It took time… a lot of time. Adjusting, forgiving, accepting. But yeah, I'm happy. Hope healed parts of me I didn't know were broken."

There was a pause as they both stood in the quiet hum of the kitchen. The faint sounds of Liam's laughter floated in from the backyard where he played with Damon.

Amara wiped her hands on a towel and moved around the counter to sit beside her sister-in-law. She didn't speak right away. Instead, she reached out and gently took Arya's hand.

"You're the strongest woman I know," Amara said quietly.

Arya's eyes shimmered, but she didn't cry. "Don't make me emotional. Hope will come in here and find me a mess."

"You've been through so much," Amara continued. "And yet… you're here. Whole. Loving. Gentle. Still full of art and laughter and kindness. I watched you fight for your peace. And you did it so beautifully."

Arya squeezed her hand. "I had people who didn't let me fall apart completely. You were one of them."

Amara looked down, a little shy. "You were the first person who made me believe I could be more than someone's side note."

Arya smiled. "You've always been more, Amara. You just needed to see it."

The words struck something tender inside her. There was a time Amara used to feel like a shadow — always standing in the background of someone else's story. Her brother's, her mother's, even Ethan's. But here, now, with Arya beside her and the sound of a child's laughter in the distance, she felt... seen.

A soft giggle pulled both their attention to the kitchen door.

Hope had toddled in, Damon not far behind her, one hand steadying her as she squealed in excitement. She wore a fluffy pink dress with a little gold crown headband, her chubby cheeks rosy and eyes wide.

"Princess has arrived," Damon said with a mock bow, then winked at Arya before walking back outside.

Arya picked Hope up with ease, planting a kiss on her cheek. "Someone's ready for cake."

Amara reached out to tickle Hope's tummy, making the little girl squeal and clutch onto Arya's dress. "She's gotten so big. It feels like just yesterday we were in that hospital, scared and overwhelmed."

"And now she's ruling the house like a queen," Arya added, laughing. "She's changed everything."

"She changed you too," Amara said.

Arya turned to her, eyes warm. "She reminded me how to love without fear."

Amara looked at Hope, now babbling and trying to reach for the plate of cupcakes. "I think she did that for all of us."

Arya shifted so that Hope could sit on her lap and turned fully to Amara. "And you? Are you happy?"

Amara hesitated, surprised by the question. "I think… I'm learning to be."

"And Ethan?"

A blush crept up Amara's cheeks. "He's patient. And gentle. And really bad at pretending he doesn't get flustered when I wear his clothes."

Arya chuckled. "So… he's still in love."

Amara nodded, smiling softly. "And I think I'm finally ready to let someone love all of me."

Arya leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "I'm proud of you, Amara."

The front door opened, and the sounds of more guests arriving filled the house — Ethan's familiar laugh, Liam shouting something about balloons, and Damon's voice telling someone to be careful with the cake.

Arya stood, lifting Hope. "Let's go give this baby her birthday crown."

They stepped into the living room, Hope giggling as her crown tilted sideways and everyone gathered to sing.

Amara stayed back for a second, just watching.

The house was full of warmth.

Of second chances.

Of healing.

She glanced at Arya — radiant and glowing with joy — and felt a lump form in her throat. A year ago, she had witnessed the beginning of something new for Arya, and now she was witnessing the beauty of what it had become.

Love wasn't always loud.

Sometimes it was found in soft mornings, baby giggles, the press of two women's hands across a kitchen counter, and cupcakes smashed too soon.

Amara smiled.

This was a good life.

And it was only just beginning.