Pop and Teddy have been my rocks, too. The way they both care for me and watch over me, my heart is overwhelmed with joy. They are both over the moon about the baby. Listening to them both argue over whether this child will be a boy or a girl is quite humorous and somewhat comforting. I know that no matter what, they will love him or her to the ends of the earth.
It took very little persuasion to convince Teddy to sell the house in Iowa and move down here with us. He and Pop have become best friends. They butt heads now and again but just because they are both so strongheaded.
Deep down, I know they love each other.
They are all my family, and although our connection might not be comprised of blood and bone, it is a bond that is forged in loyalty and love.
That is what makes us family.
I will always miss my mother, and I will never forget the hard road that she walked in order to bring me into this world. There isn’t one second of my life I’ll ever take for granted. I vow to live each day to the fullest because I know better than anyone that the things one takes for granted are the things someone else is praying for.
The ceremony was beautiful. Simple. Elegant. MaryAnn looked lovely in her wedding gown and the love shared between her and Ryker is so beautiful.
I cried almost the entire time they exchanged their vows. I wasn’t the only one. I’d met the rest of the family last night at the rehearsal dinner. I was overwhelmed at first. Justin’s family is large and loud but the love they have for each other is unlike anything I’ve ever seen. They welcomed me into their tight circle right away, his brothers ribbing him about becoming a father, but it was plain to see how happy they are for him.
For us.
Justin sits next to me, talking to one of the officers in attendance. I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many police officers or firefighters in one place. It’s a sea of blue out in the courtyard as the band plays a familiar tune.
“Hey, Selena,” Cassidy greets, leaning down to give me a hug. I haven’t had much of a chance to talk to her since we arrived. She and Reid had arrived early this morning because he’s been on assignment so they weren’t able to fly in sooner.
“How’ve you been?” I ask, releasing her.
She takes the empty seat on the other side of me.
“Good, how are you?”
Rubbing a hand over my swollen belly, I sigh with contentment. “Nervous and excited.”
“I’m so excited to be an aunt.” She beams. “Do you know what you’re having yet?”
“I do but Justin wants to be surprised so I haven’t told a soul.”
“Considering the bloodline, I’m putting my money on blue.”
I smile knowingly. “We’ll see. What about you and Reid? When are you two going to start a family?”
“Not anytime soon. I just opened up my own surf shop and he works a lot so having a baby right now is not ideal for either of us but we both agree we want children. Eventually. When the time is right.”
“How is Max?”
“She’s doing good. Writing like crazy. I swear the woman is a machine. She keeps me busy that’s for sure.”
“What about Bodie? How is he?”
“He’s doing good too, I guess. He checks in from time to time but he’s undercover right now so I haven’t heard from him in a few months,” she says, sadness taking over her voice.
“He loves you very much, Cassidy. You are all he ever talked about.”
“I know he does. I just wish we could have that time back, you know?”
I nod, a lump forming in my throat. I know better than anyone the importance of time and how precious it is.
“I guess I better go find my man. He’ll be looking for me soon.” She leans in to hug me once more. “It’s so good to see you, sweetie.”
“You too.”
Cassidy disappears into the crowd and I gaze out over the dance floor, spotting Denver dancing with little Izzy, beaming with pride for his only daughter. Justin had told me of his wife and my heart broke for the man and Isabelle. I know the pain of losing a mother all too well but I was fortunate enough to have nine years with her.
