The one who’d seeped in and got under my skin.
The one who’d breathed new life.
The one who’d taught me what it meant to love.
“I think I have to be the happiest man in the world.”
Because Jace had been right.
Money didn’t buy happiness.
I weaved my fingers through hers and led her out our bedroom door and down the hall. We slipped into the nursery, and I went right for the crib.
Collin gurgled and cooed, his little fist working with all its might to get to the giraffes that spun on his mobile. I scooped him up, lifted him out in front of me.
The sweetest smile pulled up one side of his crooked mouth, and I brought him to me, kissed him there, breathed him in.
Let my heart fill full.
I handed him over to Grace who nestled him in her arms, and the two of us headed down the stairs of the modest two-story house we’d purchased in Broadshire Rim, two minutes from Jace and his family.
We edged down the stairs, our house full of laughter as everyone was there in anticipation of our celebration.
My brother was there with Faith at his side. Bailey, Sophie, and Mallory were in the middle of the living room chanting an alternate version of ring-around-the-rosie, all of them bursting out into laughter when they fell to the ground.
Thomas was playing with Benton on the floor, helping him build large cubes of Legos.
Couldn’t stop my grin when I saw Grace’s grandmother flirting with Mack where they stood by the table.
Our attorney smiled when he turned around. The paperwork had been signed by the judge that morning.
My heart tremored and expanded, emotion soaring, pouring free and somehow filling me up.
My shattered world whole.
I dropped Grace’s hand and moved for the table where the documents were spread out, ready for me to sign.
Mallory was suddenly at my side, jumping up and down, shouting, “Do it, do it, do it!”
My smile was soft when I turned to look at her.
Mal Pal.
I touched her chin, kissed her head, breathed her in.
Sophie ran over. I scooped her up into my arms and pressed my lips to her cheek.
Thomas appeared at my side, the little man that he was, eyes poring over the papers.
He looked up at me.
For reassurance.
For a sign.
For a promise.
I ran my hand through his hair, making his head tip back. I dropped a kiss to his forehead.
I lingered there for a beat.
This little boy who reminded me so much of myself.
Kisses are only for who you love most.
Mallory wrapped her arms around my leg and held on tight, Thomas at my side, Sophie hooked in my left arm.
For so many years, I’d scribbled my name across documents of shame. Had been the partner of disgrace and dishonor.
I glanced over at Grace.
She cast me the softest smile where she rocked our youngest son in her arms.
One in a billion.
That energy surged.
Rolled and expanded.
I finally got what it meant.
I leaned over and signed my name.
This family was mine.
Forever and ever.
THE END