Epilogue 1

Mallory

21 years old

Today was my sweet girl's first day of school, ever.

I couldn't believe it. Orla was no longer my tiny baby; she was growing up so fast. I remember when she was just a newborn in my arms, completely dependent on me, and now here she was, all grown up in her little Sacred Heart uniform. My heart swelled with pride as I watched her, the little blonde curls of her hair tied neatly into two pigtails, courtesy of me.

She looked so smart. So grown up. I felt a lump in my throat, but I swallowed it down quickly. This was a big milestone, and I didn't want to get all emotional in front of her.

Kian was busy in the kitchen, making her lunch, and I couldn't help but smile at how natural he was at this whole dad thing. I could hear the soft clinking of the sandwich bags and the rustling of fruit being packed into her little lunchbox.

"You ready for your first day, baby?" I asked, crouching down to her level.

Orla gave me a big smile and nodded, though I could see the tiny spark of nerves in her eyes. "I'm  scared, Mammy," she admitted, her small voice just above a whisper.

I leaned in and kissed her forehead. "It's okay to be scared, love. But you're going to make so many friends, I just know it."

"I hope they like me," she said softly, her big blue eyes wide with uncertainty.

"Of course they will," I reassured her. "You're the sweetest girl. Everyone's going to love you."

Ki came over then, holding her lunchbox in his hands, looking so proud of his little girl. "Here you go, little princess," he said, handing it to Orla. "Got your sandwich, some fruit, and a juice box."

Orla took it eagerly, looking up at him. "Thank you, Dada."

I stood up, watching the two of them, feeling so much love in my chest. "We'll pick you up at 12:30, remember?" I said, brushing a stray hair from her face.

Orla nodded, grabbing my hand as we walked toward the door. "I'll be good, Mammy. I promise."

"Just be yourself, sweetheart. That's all anyone could ever ask of you."

I kissed the top of her head one more time before she climbed into the car, looking out the window as Kian and I waved her off.

I wanted her to be happy. I wanted her to make good friends, find people who would care for her as much as we did. But more than anything, I wanted her to know that no matter what, we'd always be there for her.

Watching her drive off with Kian, my heart swelled with pride, and yet, there was a part of me that felt empty. My baby was growing up, and no matter how much I wanted to keep her little, she was already stepping out into the world.

But she was ready. And I was ready to cheer her on every step of the way.

"She's going to be just fine," Kian said softly as we stood there, watching the car disappear down the street.

"I know," I said, squeezing his hand. "I just... I can't believe how big she's gotten."

"She's our girl," he said, smiling at me. "And she's going to do amazing things."

I smiled back at him, my heart full. "Yeah, she is."