And now, everything I secretly dreamed of is standing right in front of me.
My wife.
My daughter.
My unborn child.
Somehow, without planning or hoping for it, I built the family I thought I’d forfeited the right to want.
Kia’s gaze lifts to mine over Elody’s head, and within it, I recognize the same mix of awe and fear along with the understanding that what we’re building is bigger than either of us expected. Before I realize I’m on the move, I’m already crouching beside them. As soon as my hand settles at Kia’s waist, she leans into me. Her fingers slip over mine before giving them a squeeze.
“This is so much more than I could have hoped for,” she murmurs.
My thumb brushes her knuckles. “I promise, it’s only the beginning.”
Elody pops her head up, gaze bouncing between us. “So we’re a family now? A real one?”
“We’ve always been a family,” I tell her, voice rough with emotion. “We’re just adding to it.”
With a grin, she pivots abruptly in a way only a four-year-old can. “Can we play at the park? I want to go down the dragon slide.”
Kia laughs, the sound light and easy. “Absolutely. That sounds fun.”
“You’ll slide with me?” Elody asks, her excitement growing.
“Maybe once or twice.”
Elody pumps her fist. “Yay!”
When my phone buzzes, I slip the device free of my pocket and glance at it. My lawyer’s name lights up the screen. As tempting as it is to ignore the call and continue living in our little bubble, that’s not possible. Not when there’s so much at stake.
“Go on,” I say, flashing them a smile. “I’ll meet you there.”
My gaze stays locked on my girls as I answer. Mark dives straight into paperwork and timelines.
Elody waves. “Bye, Daddy! See you at the park!”
I watch as they head toward the elevator, my daughter tugging my wife along. Kia laughs as she fixes Elody’s scarf before pulling on her own jacket.
They look like a family.
Because they are.
I spent years holding the world together with control.
Now I have something worth letting go for.
Something I’ll fight like hell to protect.
39
Kia
Elody’s smaller hand is secured in mine as we walk out of the building and turn toward the park. She chatters nonstop about the dragon slide and how Daddy said he’ll meet us there soon. And how maybe he’ll push her really high on the swings if she asks politely.
I listen intently as the sound of her voice settles over me. For the first time in longer than I can remember, I’m not bracing for the fallout.
Everything feels steady.
