“I wouldn’t have missed it for the world,” he replies with a warm smile. “I hate that I wasn’t there for so many of them when you were growing up. You deserved betterthan that.”
I nod, my lips pressing into a tight line. “I know. So did you.”
His soft, grateful expression comforts me, and I can’t stop my heart from swelling in my chest at how complete I feel after a lifetime of loneliness. I grew up thinking I wasn’t worthy of love, but now I have more than I ever dreamed of. Between Theo, his family, our friends, and now Vince, I’ve been given the opportunity to build something brand new and share it with my daughter. She’ll never know what it’s like to be alone, because she’s surrounded by people who love her to the ends of the earth.
“Is it okay if I steal my girl for a few minutes?” Theo says, walking our way with a sleeping Norah in his arms. He’s got her swaddled in a dinosaur blanket that matches his pajamas, which he had made for her right after she was born because—and I quote—You can never have too much good luck.
“Of course,” Vince replies. “But only if I get to cuddle that little one while you’re gone.” Theo chuckles, pressing a gentle kiss to Norah’s forehead before passing her off and extending a hand to help me up. He intertwines our fingers, a sly smile playing at his lips as he leads me through the kitchen. I try to stop when I hear Stella ribbing on Austin over the fact that he’s retired but still hasn’t gone on a single date, knowing that the impending quarrel will be hilarious to watch. I swear, those two are like brother and sister, always poking around in each other’s business uninvited. But Theo doesn’t let me stay for the fireworks, pulling me right past until we’re standing at the back door.
“What are you doing?” I ask. “It’s freezing out there.”
He smirks, sliding the closet open and emerging with a thick blanket. I roll my eyes playfully as he wraps it around me, dropping his lips to my cheek as I draw it in tight. “I’m giving you your birthday present. We’ll only be outside for a minute, I promise.”
“Okay,” I reply softly, warmth spreading throughout my body like it always does when he’s around. I wonder if I’ll ever stop feeling this way—like my heart is doing little somersaults in my chest just from being in his orbit—but I already know I won’t. Theo Calloway is etched into the deepest part of me, where he’ll remain long after I take my last breath.
He wraps his fingers around the handle, pulls the door open, and ushers me out into the cold Cleveland air. I scan the back yard, my eyes immediately locking onto the carefully curated setup as a smile blooms across my face.
“I get to go in?” I ask, leaving him where he stands and running toward the hot tub. He’s hung string lights all around, illuminating the space in a soft glow as steam rises from the water. Quiet music plays through the speakers, mingling with the sound of the jets whirring and bubbles dancing across the surface. Pair that with the thick layer of snow that’s blanketing the rest of the yard, and it’s like a dream—one that I never want to wake from.
“Yep,” he says, joining me as I lean down and swipe my hand across the heated waves. “I called your doctor yesterday to make sure, and she said we were good togo.” I stand, and he grips my waist, stepping into me. “But this is for later. There’s something else I wanted to give you now.”
I want to argue—to tell him that he’s already done so much already—but I know it wouldn’t make a difference. This man loves giving meaningful gifts more than anything in the world, and I’m not about to rob him of that level of happiness. It could be a container of chicken tenders or an entire nursery, but one thing is certain…he’s going to put his whole heart and soul into it.
I wait with bated breath as he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out a long, black velvet box. My gaze locks onto it, softening when he opens the top and reveals the most beautiful necklace I’ve ever seen. It’s got a dainty vine chain, the lights around us reflecting off the white gold and making it shine. There are three small bezel-set round stones dangling from the bottom, each a different color, but equally as beautiful.
“Theo,” I gasp, reaching out and running the tips of my fingers across the piece. “It’s gorgeous. Are those?—”
“They’re our birthstones,” he cuts in, the dimples I love so much sinking into his cheeks. “Mine, yours, and Norah’s. There’s plenty of space for more, too, if you want to add to it.”
I press up to my toes, grab the back of his neck, and crash my mouth to his in a passionate kiss that says everything I’m thinking.Of course, I want to add to it.I want as many of Theo’s babies as possible. We have so much love to give, and I can’t wait to grow our family.
We make out for several minutes, until we’re bothshivering and our noses are bright red from the nippy Ohio winter. He clasps the beautiful chain behind my neck before wrapping me in his arms and ushering me back inside. I can’t help but snap a quick photo of Norah and Vince on the couch, both sacked out with their mouths hanging wide open. It’s the most grandfatherly thing I’ve ever seen, and I’m filled with gratitude at the thought of him being there to watch her grow up.
We spend the rest of the evening laughing and dancing with our friends, my heart swelling as I embark on a brand-new year of life. It feels like just yesterday that I was spending my last birthday alone, waiting for phone calls and text messages that I knew would never come. Now, I have the most incredible team surrounding me, all of whom make their love known in so many different ways.
Theo was right. Family isn’t always who you’re born to, or whose blood you share, and I’m beyond thankful for the chance I’ve been given to be a part of this one.
FORTY-THREE
THEO
“Mom,are you sure you’re good? We can come pick her up if you want us to,” I say into the phone, anxiety heavy in the pit of my stomach.
“Honey, no,” she replies. “I understand that this is your first night away from Norah, but you and Finley need some time to rest. I promise she’s safe right where she is. We’ve got plenty of breastmilk, the suite door is locked, and our perfect girl hasn’t cried a single tear since we left your house. Enjoy some time with Finley. We’ll call if we need anything, okay?”
I take a deep breath, my shoulders relaxing slightly. “Yeah. Thanks again, Mom.”
We end the call, and I drag my hands down my face. When we agreed to let my parents take the baby overnight, I certainly had no idea how I’d feel once they were gone. They’re only at a hotel about ten miles from our house, but it may as well be across the world with the way my heart is twisting in my chest. I miss my little girl like crazy already, and it’s only been an hour.
She’s fine. She’s safe.
I repeat the mantra over and over in my head as I climb the stairs. Finley was taking a bubble bath when I decided to check in with my parents, but we haven’t really discussed our plans for the night beyond that. I’m hoping she wants to stay in, because we haven’t had a minute alone since Norah was born almost nine weeks ago. Not to mention, there’s a possibility of me getting laid tonight, and I’d really like to see where that goes.
We were cleared by the doctor to go back to normal sexual activity at Fin’s last checkup, but shortly after, she experienced a blocked milk duct, which led to an extremely painful case of mastitis. My girl was in agony, up all hours of the night because she couldn’t get comfortable. I felt so helpless watching her go through it all, but after a round of antibiotics and plenty of rest, she’s finally feeling like herself again.
Making my way down the hall, I notice our bedroom lights are unusually dim. Soft, sensual music bleeds out from the half-open door, making my pulse speed up at the thought of what I’ll find when I push inside.
And let me tell you, the sight before me doesnotdisappoint.
