The front door opened, and Rose entered just as Bliss began to stir. Oaklyn hopped off my lap, running to Rose with her arms outstretched. Rose kneeled and opened her arms to receive her.
They embraced as if it had been months since they’d last seen each other, and it was the most wholesome thing I’d seen. I had no question that making Oaklyn a permanent part of our lives was the right thing to do.
Three Months Later
Although Russell and I were together, but not together, for two years before parting ways for a year, we’d never spent several uninterrupted days together. The engagement and wedding happened fast, not giving us time to plan a proper honeymoon until months later.
Today was our last day at theSpice Island Beach Resortin St. George, Grenada. It had been the most beautiful and relaxing seven days of my life. Russell catered to me in ways I had only imagined, and I did the same for him.
We spent hours lounging on the beach, enjoyed full spa treatments, including massages, ate gourmet meals, and went on exciting excursions. I’d literally had the time of my life.
As Russell and I relaxed in a cabana, with the beautiful Caribbean Sea before us, I felt an abundance of joy and gratitude. The only man I’d ever loved was lying beside me, holding my hand, sending positive vibes and energy my way.
For so long, I thought I wouldn’t be enough for any man, let alone a man like Russell. How I viewed life changed ten years ago. Society made it seem like the epitome of womanhood was being a mother, and since I couldn’t have children, I felt like less of a woman.
Happiness lies within, but unless you believe you deserve to be happy, it will forever seem out of reach. I learned in therapy over the past three months that I didn’t believe I deserved to be happy.
Russell’s love for me healed parts of me I didn’t realize were damaged. His love reminded me that even with my flaws, I was enough, I deserved all the happiness in the world, and I was worthy of his love.
We became Oaklyn’s foster parents approximately two months ago. She’d visited us several times, leading up to her coming to stay with us permanently, so we thought the transition would go well.
For the first week, she cried for Bliss to stay with her. Of course, it wasn’t a problem, but Bliss had to go home eventually. On the first and second nights without Bliss, Oaklyn cried for hours, and it broke my heart.
Once we got through the first week, Oaklyn was a bit more adjusted. Her attachment to Bliss was still very strong, but she understood that Bliss had her own room at the main house, and she had her own room at our house. We explained to her as bestwe could that she would see Bliss every day, and sometimes they could have sleepovers.
The first week, it was hard not to question if we were the right parents for Oaklyn, but we already loved her so much, and even through all the tears she shed, we knew she loved us too. We had to remember that she’d been through a lot over the past several months, and there was no telling what she experienced before her mother passed away.
“You’re quiet. What are you thinking about?” he asked.
“Us. Life. The past.”
He released my hand and rolled onto his side. I turned to face him, and he put his hand on my waist, pulling me close.
“The past?” he questioned.
“I was thinking about how far we’ve come.”
He kissed the tip of my nose before pressing his lips against mine for a moment.
“We’ve come so far, baby, and in a few months, we will officially be Oaklyn’s mommy and daddy.”
“I still can’t believe we’ve been so blessed. She fits into our family perfectly, baby.”
“Because she’s perfect, just like you.”
“Aww. Thank you, baby. You’re kinda perfect too.”
“Just kinda perfect? I feel a little slighted.”
I sat up and pulled the rope to close the cabana's curtains. Instead of returning to my spot next to him, I straddled him.
“You shouldn’t feel slighted, baby, because you are absolutely perfect. There’s no man better for me than you.”
I leaned forward, kissing him, as he palmed my ass and pressed my center against his. We spent our final afternoon on the beach, making love in the privacy of our cabana, with the sounds of the waves from the Caribbean Sea a few feet away.Life is beautiful when you’re surrounded by love.
We’d landed about thirty minutes ago, and as much as I enjoyed our time away, I was anxious to get home. While we were away, Mayor Harris had a judge fast-track Oaklyn’s adoption paperwork, and we were officially her parents. Rose had no idea, and I couldn’t wait to surprise her.
“You think Oaklyn missed us as much as we missed her?” Rose asked.
