Page 57 of Secrets Within Us

“I do, but I think I have one that fits better.” I looked away from our beautiful daughter’s face to gaze at the man who saved my life in more ways than one. “What do you think about Molly?”

Kip froze and stared back at me as my words processed through his head, “Molly?” He whispered. “Why would you want to name her that?”

He wasn’t angry, but I knew my man felt like he was walking on a billion eggshells as he waited for some sort of sign of why I’d recommend naming our daughter after his late wife.

When we first got together and even after we were married, he offered to have her name removed from his tattoos, so that I didn’t feel like I was in competition with someone else. A part of him felt guilty, loving two women at once. But I never felt like I had less of him because of it.

So, I refused, strongly, reassuring him I didn’t feel lacking to her like I did in the beginning. I knew he loved me. I knew he cherished our life and our family the same way he did theirs, and I knew his position was impossible to be in, so I wouldn’t make it harder for him.

I never wanted him to feel like he was living two lives. It was why I had integrated Daisy and Dalton so deeply into our family and life, I just didn’t know how to integrate Molly as well.

Until looking into our daughter’s beautiful eyes for the first time.

“You’ve always spoken of Molly’s strength and independence. Of how she was a steady wife and mother, holding down her own fort when you were gone and needing no one else.” I ran my fingers over his dark beard and smiled at him, “That’s exactly the kind of woman I hope our daughter becomes someday. I want her to be resilient and unique in her own way, so she never has to rely on others. I want her to be incredible. And from all the stories you’ve told, that’s exactly who I imagine Molly as. So I think our baby’s name should be Molly, to honor your first wife and the mother of our children’s siblings. They were the family that taught you how to love and nurture, and today, our children are benefiting from your incredible nature.”

“Hadley.” He sighed, closing his eyes and resting his forehead against mine as he trembled with emotion. “Our daughter will be strong and resilient because of who her mother is. You’re the bravest woman I’ve ever met, and you’re also the most loving, kindhearted, and gentle mother. And I love you so fucking much. I don’t deserve your brand of love, Hadley Catherine Montgomery. But I hope that someday you understand just how loved you are in return.”

Our daughter, Molly, cooed in my arms, drawing our attention back down to her as she stretched and fussed.

“I do, Kip.” I kissed her soft forehead and then turned to him for a kiss. “I love you too.”

The End.

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