This is what I want. This right here. Julie and Maddie and the family we’ve created together.
I take Julie’s hand and thread our fingers together as I lead her farther into the house. “Everyone, you remember Julie, Maddie, and Josie.”
Willow and Eliza immediately step forward, their eyes bright with excitement. “Julie, it’s so great to see you again,” Willow says warmly, pulling her into a hug.
Eliza reaches out to stroke Maddie’s cheek. “And this little angel has gotten so big!”
My brothers exchange a knowing look, and I chuckle. I have a feeling there may be some more Donovan babies coming very soon.
“Why don’t we let Blake give Julie the grand tour?” Drew suggests, jerking his head toward the kitchen. “We’ll get the food ready in the meantime.”
“Sounds perfect.” Heath rubs his hands together. “I’m starving.”
Willow and Eliza take Maddie from Julie’s arms, cooing and fussing over her as they head toward the kitchen with Josie in tow. That leaves Julie and I alone in the entryway.
“Shall we?” I offer her my arm.
She takes it, her fingers gripping my bicep as she looks up at me through her lashes. “Lead the way.”
As we walk through the house, I point out the different rooms and watch her reaction closely. I want everything to be perfect for her, for our family.
But more than that, I want her to know that she’s safe here. That she’s home.
With me.
I lead her down the hallway and stop in front of the first door on the right.
“This is Josie’s room.” I push the door open.
Julie steps inside, her eyes widening as she takes in the queen-sized bed, the plush comforter, and the brand-new MacBook sitting on the desk.
“Blake, this is too much. You didn’t have to do all this.”
“Of course I didn’t have to. I wanted to,” I insist, stepping closer to her. “Josie’s family now. And I take care of my family.”
Julie swallows hard, her eyes searching mine. “About that. The school thing, Josie is still in high school. She plays softball too.”
“You don’t have to worry about that. The Cooper Hills High girl’s softball team has gone to the state championships for the last three years in a row. I noticed that Josie was wearing a softball sweatshirt earlier, and I made a few calls. The coach assured me there is a spot for her on the team.”
Julie stares at me in shock with her mouth open. “You did that? For Josie?”
I nod and reach out to tuck a strand of hair behind her ear. “I told you, baby. You’re not alone anymore.”
She blinks rapidly to clear the tears welling in her eyes. “I don’t know what to say.”
“You don’t have to say anything. Just let me take care of you,” I murmur, brushing her cheek with my thumb. “All of you.”
The air between us crackles with tension, and for a moment, I think she might kiss me.
But then she steps back and clears her throat. “What’s next on the tour?”
I lead her farther down the hall to Maddie’s room. I push open the door, revealing a bright, airy space with a crib, a changing table, and a rocking chair in the corner.
“I know it’s not fully decorated yet. I wasn’t sure what kind of stuff Maddie liked or what she needed for baths and clothes. My assistant only had a few hours, but I hope this is a good start.”
Julie walks into the room, trailing her fingers over the crib railing. She picks up a stuffed elephant from the shelf and hugs it to her chest as she turns to face me.
“It’s perfect,” she says, her voice thick with emotion. “You did a great job, Blake.”
