“Ladies and gentlemen, the time has come for me to threaten the groom—I mean, give my best man speech.” Everyone laughs at that, even my sister. She rolls her eyes, probably remembering how protective I was growing up. “When Reagan and I got to Carolina Tech, I told her the only rule was that she could never date my teammates. She listened so well that she’s now marrying one. And I couldn’t be happier for her and Riggs. I knew as soon as he laid eyes on my sister, he was going to fall for her. She wasn’t quite sure at first, but thankfully, they found their way together. Riggs, you’re the perfect man for my sister and honestly, you hit the jackpot marrying her. I love you both.” Holding up my glass, I end with, “Let’s raise a toast to Reagan and Riggs, may you live a life full of love and happiness.”
The crowd echoes, “To Reagan and Riggs.” We all took a sip of the sparkling cider passed out before the speeches began. I hug both my sister and her new husband before placing the microphone on their table.
Stepping down, I walk over to Mackenzie and London. Seeing both my girls, I know the moment has arrived. It’s been in the works formonths, but now that enough time has passed and it’s official, I’m bursting at the seams to tell my wife.
Leaning down to her ear, I whisper, “Come with me, Mack.” Goosebumps race down her neck and arm as I speak the words. She nods and hands London to her mom before heading out the door.
I guide her into a small room I set up before the reception started. Having cleared everything with Reagan and Riggs, I wait until she’s inside before starting, giving our family enough time to gather outside the door with London, behind Mackenzie’s back.
“What’s going on, Jordan? We’re already married, so I know you’re not proposing.” She teases me and my answering smirk confuses her more.
It’s been six months, two weeks, and three days since London was born. It’s also been six months and three days since Mackenzie and I were married. For six long months, I’ve held on to this surprise and the words finally tumble out of me.
“Baby, the day London was born, I told you she was mine. We’ve talked about it for a little while, even filled out our part of the paperwork, but today, it’s official. London Marie Banks is my daughter. I submitted the adoption papers three days ago.”
“What?” Her eyes fill and tears start falling as she looks at me. I can’t tell if she’s pissed or thrilled.
“Mack, I thought that’s what you wanted…”
She shakes her head. “No, it is. I can’t believe you did all this. How did you get Trey to sign off so quickly?”
“Well, I actually met up with Trey before London was born and we sort of buried the hatchet. He agreed to sign over his rights and I got everything prepared so that the moment we’d been married six months, I could submit the paperwork to adopt London.”
“Jordan Mills—you are a good man. I can’t believe you did all this forme. For London. For us.” She’s sobbing and I pull her into my arms, kissing the top of her head.
“Don’t you get it? I would do anything and everything to give you the world, Mackenzie Mills. I’ve been London’s dad since the day she was born. This just makes it official. I told you I wanted both of my girls to have my name. What do you say?”
Lifting her chin up, she meets my eyes with hers. “I say London Marie Mills has a nice ring to it.”
“What do you think, London?” Mack turns quickly to see our family gathered behind her, not a dry eye in the bunch.
London lets out a squeal, clapping her hands together. “Da-da” falling from her lips and tears falling down my cheeks freely.
“Come see Daddy, baby girl.” I walk over and she reaches for me as I take her into my arms. Mackenzie follows, leaning into my side as everyone congratulates us and then heads back to the party before we send Riggs and Reagan on their honeymoon.
I look down at my wife, then at our daughter in my arms and I can’t help but smile.
“I love you, Mackenzie Mills.”
“I love you more, Jordan Mills.”
We walk out of the room together as a family of three. I know without a doubt that no matter what comes next, I have everything I need right here.
THE END
EPILOGUE
EIGHTEEN MONTHS LATER, APRIL
MACKENZIE
Iflush the toilet, wipe my mouth, then wash my hands before brushing my teeth. The pregnancy test sits a few feet away, taunting me, two blaring pink lines bringing a smile to my face and sending my heart racing.
I’m pregnant.
Jordan and I have been married almost two years, and we’ve wanted to have another baby for a while. After six months of trying, I took a test today and I can’t wait to tell him. But I’ll have to wait, because today isn’t my day. It’s London’s.
My sweet London is two today and we’re celebrating her by taking her to the Asheboro Zoo and then going to my parents’ house for cake and ice cream. She’s still so young, and I’m not one of those moms who throws parties for grownups. Sorry, not sorry. So many of Jordan’s teammates have wives that go all-out for their baby’s parties and they’re great, but it’s just not my thing.
