Page 99 of The Stipulation
Betty is there too, standing near Axel and our baby. She looks proud, protective. She will never need money again for the rest of her life, but she wanted to be our nanny and be part of our family. That gave me the idea of naming her as Jackson’s godmother. Without her, none of this would have even been possible.
“Are you ready?” Axel whispers, nudging me gently with his shoulder.
I nod. He’s right. It’s time to start.
The vicar smiles warmly at us.
“We are gathered here today to celebrate the christening of Jackson Joseph Rhodes, son of Axel Rhodes and Jo Button. Today we welcome him into this community of love, guidance, and faith.”
I glance down at my son, the weight of him so light in my arms, but so monumental in my heart. “Hello, little one,” I murmur, brushing a curl from his forehead. “Welcome to the world.”
The ceremony is simple, elegant, and filled with laughter and joy. Axel’s best friend, Ethan Carrow, stands proudly as godfather, and I catch him exchanging a wink with Axel during the vows. My eyes flick to Betty, holding Jackson gently, smiling softly. I mouth a thank you to her, and she nods, her eyes glistening with unshed tears.
When it’s time to pour the holy water over Jackson’s tiny head, I feel a lump rise in my throat. The cool water touches his forehead, and he blinks up at me, wide-eyed and curious, as if sensing the enormity of the moment. Axel’s hand is steady on mine. We share a look, silently acknowledging that this is more than just a ritual; it’s our life, our commitment, our joy made manifest.
“Jackson Joseph Rhodes,” the vicar says. “I christen you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.”
The moment lingers. Cameras flash, and a quiet round of applause ripples through the church. Axel carries Jackson down the aisle, careful not to spill even a drop of his formal enthusiasm, and I trail beside him, my hand on his arm.
Outside, sunlight spills over everyone, golden and warm. People are mingling, laughing, congratulating us, and sharing inthis day that feels impossibly perfect. I can see my mum and Axel’s mom chatting with Betty, Jenny holding Serena’s hand while Olivia fawns over Jackson. There’s a sense of completeness here, the kind I didn’t think I’d ever experience.
I turn to look at Betty. She cradles him expertly, whispering reassurances.
“I’ve got him,” she says softly, looking up at me. “Don’t worry.”
I glance at Axel, who’s already slipping me a mischievous grin.
“Come on,” he murmurs, tugging me gently out of the large function room and to what used to be my father’s home office and is now our private sitting room, the one for just us, somewhere we can relax and be ourselves without worrying about guests.
“What is it?” I ask, curious.
He’s holding an envelope, small and thick, with my name and his written across the front in Joseph’s unmistakable handwriting. My breath catches in my throat.
“Gavin gave me this. He said we have to watch this after the christening,” Axel says quietly. “It’s from him. From Joseph.”
We sit together on the couch. Jackson is safe with Betty, and the quiet of the room stretches around us. Axel opens his laptop and inserts the flash drive from the envelope into it. He presses play on the still of Joseph’s face that flashes up on the screen. The video flickers to life. And there he is, the father I never knew, smiling warmly, his eyes sparkling, filled with the kind of happiness that makes you ache just to see it.
“Hello, you two,” Joseph begins, his voice strong, steady, full of affection. “If you’re watching this, then everything has gone according to my plan. Or at least … mostly. I wanted to tell you that I always knew you would find each other. Always. You weremeant to be the perfect couple. All you needed was someone to put you together.”
Axel and I glance at each other, our hearts squeezing with emotion.
“And now,” Joseph continues, his voice softer, a little more tender. “You have a new addition to your family. My grandson, or granddaughter, I bless that baby, and I bless both of you. Always love each other. Care for each other. And most of all, be happy.”
I feel tears pricking my eyes. I lean into Axel, who wraps his arm around me, pulling me close.
“He looks so happy,” I whisper.
“He always did when he spoke of you,” Axel murmurs, pressing a kiss to the top of my head. “And he’d be proud of us. Proud of our little family.”
I close my eyes for a moment, letting the warmth of Axel’s chest, the thought of Jackson’s laughter, and the echo of Joseph’s words fill me completely. We made it. We’ve built something beautiful from chaos, fear, and a love that point blank refused to break.
I open my eyes, looking at Axel. “We did it,” I say softly.
He smiles, brushing a thumb across my cheek. “We sure did,” he agrees. “Together.”
And in that quiet, perfect moment, I know nothing could ever undo this happiness.
Epilogue
