Damn. He could never hide anything from Sam. That police training made it impossible, even though Zach thought he had a good poker face. “I’m going to say something, but please let me finish before you tell me why I’m being crazy.”
Sam chuckled. “Has anyone ever said you have a flair for the dramatic? Almost as much as Marcus.” When he didn’t join in the laughter, Sam’s brow furrowed. “You’re upset. I’m sorry. What’s wrong, baby?” Sam took his hands and played with his fingers.
“We said we’d never keep things from each other, so I want to tell you how I’m feeling and what I’m thinking.”
“Okay. I’m listening.”
Zach licked his lips. “You know I’ve been spending lots of time with Jessica, helping her with the babies. Today she told me that there’s a couple coming from New Jersey tomorrow, and she’s going to interview them for adoption.”
Sam’s fingers tightened around his. “Go on.”
“When she told me, I was holding Clara. And she made the cutest little noise and even though I know it’s only gas, she smiled and I wanted to hold her and never let her go. Sam…I can’t bear the thought of someone adopting them and never seeing them again. I—”
“Want us to adopt them.” Sam finished off for him and Zach’s jaw dropped. Sam leaned over and kissed him softly on the mouth. “I knew this would happen the moment Jessica asked you to come to the hospital with her when she went into labor.” Sam’s big hand cupped his cheek. “I’m surprised it took you this long to figure it out.”
“Does that mean you’re thinking the same?” His heart pounded. “Do you want to adopt them too?”
“I know we’ve talked about surrogacy or adoption, but something always came up to stop the conversation—your business, my jobs or our traveling. But I’m going to be fifty soon. And if we’re ever going to do this, I want to be able to play with my kids—toss a ball with them, go to the playground.” His eyes took on a faraway expression. “I don’t want to wake up one day and be sixty and have regrets that we let an opportunity slip away.”
Zach blinked at the burning in his eyes. “Are you serious? You want to adopt them too? You’re not just saying that because of me?”
“I’m saying it because ofus. We’re at a great place in our lives to give a child everything. And now that we’ve gotten to know Jessica, she can stay in their lives as much as she wants.”
“I love you.” Zach flung his arms around Sam. “You’re the best husband, lover, friend, and I know you’ll be an incredible father.”
Sam held him close. “None of it is possible without you. Every day I wake up, I look over at you and know I’m so damn lucky to have you by my side. I love you, baby, and I can’t wait to start this next step of our lives together.”
They spent the next few minutes kissing until he reluctantly pulled away from Sam. “I think we should talk to Jessica tonight, so she can tell the other couple not to come tomorrow.”
Sam sprang out of his seat. “Good idea. Call her while I get ready.” He gazed down at Zach who’d remained seated. “You don’t think she’d have a problem with us adopting them, do you?”
“I can’t imagine she would.” Zach sent her a text.
Hey. Can Sam and I stop by in a few? We have something to ask you.
He waited a few minutes.
Sure. I’m warning you, they’re both up so it might be a little hectic.
He smiled.
Not going to be a problem.
* * *
An hour later,they stood outside the door of Jessica’s apartment, listening to the sound of babies crying. Zach nudged Sam. “You sure you’re ready for this?”
“Full speed ahead.” Sam’s hazel eyes twinkled and Zach squeezed his hand, then knocked.
Hurried footsteps sounded and the door bounced open. “Oh, thank God you’re here.” Jessica was about to burst into tears. “I can’t get them to stop crying. I’ve changed them and fed them, but they just want to be held and my arms feel like they’re going to drop off.”
A wail sounded behind her and in two long strides, Sam crossed the space to Matty’s bassinet and picked up the baby. Watching him lift the tiny bundle so carefully and pat his back, turned Zach’s insides all soft and he could see the future in front of them, with Sam holding a little child by the hand as they walked to school. Sam sat on the bed and put a pacifier in Baby Matty’s mouth, and all you could hear was the sound of his sucking.
Jessica ran her hands over her face. “That’s the first time they stopped crying in an hour. Sam, you’re a miracle worker. I can’t believe how much they love you two. You just walked in and they quieted down.”
Zach caught Sam’s eye and he tipped his chin as if to say,Now’s a good time.
First peering into Clara’s bassinet, Zach pushed his glasses up on his nose and huffed out a breath. “Uh, Sam and I wanted to talk to you. About the babies.”
