34
Reyes
The house was far too quiet as I paced the living room, tapping my phone to my lip nervously. I hadn’t been able to sit still all day. Jake was supposed to be home soon, and then we were going to call my family before going to get Harrison from school. Des had acted on my plea to help, successfully arranging a family lunch on the only day everyone had off. I had no idea if we would get them to listen, but with the upcoming adoption, this simply couldn’t be put off any longer.
The moment I heard Jake’s truck pull into the driveway, I practically ran outside, shivering at the bitter wind.
“Fuck, it’s cold,” I said, folding him in my arms.
Jake laughed. “Then why the hell did you come outside?”
“I can’t stay still. What took you so long? You should’ve been home an hour ago.”
“Linda called.”
All thoughts of my family vanished. It had been a long four days since we last heard from the social worker, and it had been torture waiting.
I couldn’t read his expression. “And? Tell me! What did she say?”
He turned us to head back into the small house and hung his coat on the hook before answering. “It’s not the news we wanted,butit’s still good.”
I shifted on my feet, barely able to contain my energy. “Okay. So?”
“It’s what I told you might happen. Since we’re not married, it’s easier for one of us to adopt him first. Then after we get married, we can make it so both our names are on Harrison’s files. But trying that now will stall the process and take much longer than necessary.”
I tried to stay still as he continued.
“She gave me a list of everything she needs to get started. She also said that because I was already approved for temporary custody, we’re five steps ahead. It can still take a while to be finalized, but… babe? You okay?”
I hadn’t realized it but I’d placed a hand to my chest and closed my eyes. My lungs felt like they were on fire, making it damn near impossible to take in a full breath. Too many thoughts and emotions were hitting me from all angles, making it hard to focus. Jake was saying it would work though. Harrison was going to be ours!
“Babe, you’re scaring me a little. What’s going on? Are you having second thoughts?”
I snapped my gaze at him. “Hell no.”
“Okay, then what’s wrong?”
“I’m just… FUCK!” I sucked in another sharp breath, raking my free hand through my hair.
The corner of his mouth hitched up slightly, and he crossed the room in slow, tentative steps. “You’re just what? Freaking out? Overwhelmed? Feeling as if your world is turning upside down? Or… right side up, I guess.” He stopped, taking a breath. “Because I get that. Believe me, I do.”
I blinked. “You do?”
He laughed. “Yes! This is scary shit, Rey. We’re adopting a kid! And I do meanwe.Don’t for a second think you’re not a part of this just because your name isn’t on the papers yet. Trust me, I would prefer that too. But Harrison isours, babe. I don’t see it any other way.”
It shouldn’t have surprised me Jake knew I was bothered by that. Jake knew me better than anyone ever had or ever would.
“I’m sorry,” I said. “I’ve been a mess today.”
He drew me in closer. “Can I kiss you now, or are you still freaking out?”
I quickly kissed him as I pulled him against my chest. Jake’s familiar, comforting scent and his warm breath against my neck were exactly what I’d been craving all day. He was exactly what I needed.
“Sorry,” I said again in a whisper.
“Don’t be. We’re okay.” His lips grazed my skin as he ran a hand up and down my back. “Something tells me it’s because you need to get this call out of the way too.”
I sighed and pulled away. “Yeah. I’m nervous as fuck, Jake. If they don’t listen—”
