Page 20 of Hooked on Mack (Hooked #7)

Mack

Three years later…

Larissa and I stood side by side in our living room.

“Can you believe it's been three years already?” Larissa asked as she cradled Serenity.

I grinned. “I know, right? It feels like just yesterday that we were two lawyers trying to outwit each other in court.”

“Ha! And look at us now,” Larissa teased, her sharp wit as quick as ever, softened by the warmth of her smile. “We moved in together, got married, and now we're raising this little bundle of joy.”

I nodded, my heart swelling with pride as I watched Larissa tenderly stroke Serenity's cheek. It was true—we had taken our relationship to the next level, motivated by our shared desire to be good parents and devoted spouses. We combined our lives seamlessly.

“Remember the day we decided to move in together?” I asked, reminiscing about our journey. “We spent hours debating whose apartment was better, only to realize that neither of them was big enough for both of us, let alone our extensive law libraries.”

Larissa laughed. “Yes! We ended up finding this place, which is perfect for us. And I have to admit, I really love our home office.”

“Me too. I'll never forget our wedding day, surrounded by all our loved ones, pledging our lives to each other. It was the happiest day of my life.”

As we pulled apart, Serenity let out a coo, reminding us of the joyous responsibility we shared. Together, hand in hand, Larissa and I faced the future, ready to embrace whatever challenges and triumphs life had in store for our little family.

“Being a father is the most amazing thing I've ever experienced. I mean, don't get me wrong—being a husband to you is pretty fantastic as well.”

“Flatterer,” she teased, but I could see in her expression that she felt the same way about our life together.

As I wiped Serenity's face clean, I marveled at the miracle of her existence—this tiny person who was equal parts Larissa and me, and yet so uniquely her own individual.

From her golden curls inherited from Larissa to her feisty spirit that was unmistakably mine, Serenity was the living embodiment of our love.

“Her first steps, her first words, even her first tantrum… I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. And the best part is knowing that we get to guide her through life together, as a team.”

“Absolutely. We're in this parenting adventure side by side, and there's no one else I'd rather have by my side.”

As Serenity babbled incomprehensible but enthusiastic words at us from her high chair, it was impossible not to feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the life Larissa and I had built together.

We were a family and I couldn't wait to see what new memories we would create as the years continued to unfold before us.

“Mack!” Larissa called out, her green eyes twinkling as Serenity wobbled toward me with open arms. “Our little monster is coming for you!”

“Ah! Save me from this terrifying beast!” I feigned terror, scooping her up into my arms and showering her with kisses as she squealed. We had embraced our roles as parents wholeheartedly, finding joy in even the smallest moments of our daughter's life.

“Your turn, Mama.” I grinned, gently tossing Serenity into Larissa's waiting arms. This was what motivated us—being there for each other and for her, showing her how important family was, and knowing that we'd always be there to catch her if she fell.

“Alright, alright, it's time for bed, little monster,” Larissa cooed, expertly balancing her on her hip. “Say good night to Daddy.”

Serenity reached to me for a hug.

“Good night, sweetheart,” I whispered, my heart swelling with pride as I hugged her. She may have inherited her mother's sharp wit, but she also possessed a warmth that reminded me of her father—me.

After putting her down, she came back downstairs. “I’ve got some wine chilling and a movie cued up for us.”

“Sounds perfect.”

Larissa leaned her head on my shoulder, letting out a contented sigh. “Mack, I never imagined I could be this happy, but every day with you and Serenity just keeps getting better.”

“Same here, love. We've come so far from those headstrong lawyers who couldn't stand each other, haven't we?”

“We certainly have,” Larissa laughed softly. “And I wouldn't change it for the world.”