Page 109 of Together

“Whatever you say,” I mutter, tying the string for the birthday banner hanging from the mantel on the fireplace. “There. I think that’s about it.”

Nik lifts Jackson off the floor and comes to me, kissing my cheek. “Looks great, babe.”

“It’s nothing.”

“Don’t do that. You worked hard to make his first birthday special. He might not remember it, but he’ll see the pictures some day and see it.”

“Thank you, honey. Want me to go change him so he’s ready when the family gets here?”

He shakes his head. “I got it. You sit down for a few minutes and rest.”

“You’re the best,” I tell him and he grins, carrying Jackson to his room.

“He’s one of the good ones,” Grace says when they’re both gone.

My heart swells. “He is.”

“I’m kind of jealous,” she admits and I shoot her a glare. “Not because I want Nik for myself,” she’s quick to explain, “but because I have never had that. I don’t know what it’s like to be loved by someone like Nik or Grant. Or Dean, either.”

“I’m sorry.” I don’t know what else to tell her. She’s the one who married Samuel. It’s not as if he changed after they said I do.

She shrugs. “It’s my own fault. I was the one who married the dipshit.”

I snort. “That’s true. Wonder how he and… what’s her name again?”

“Blake.”

“Right, Blake. Wonder how they’re doing? Have you heard?”

“I haven’t talked to him since the divorce finalized. But, as much as I hate to admit it, Blake seemed really nice, even if she was a little over-the-top sweet. Maybe it was all fake, you know? Either way, it’s not of my concern anymore.”

“Right. Do you want a glass of wine?”

“You really are a mom now, aren’t you? Wine at your kid’s first birthday party.”

“I’m not having any. I was asking ifyouwanted some.”

“You’re not having any?” she asks, suspiciously.

“Nope. Gotta keep my wits about me for the party.”

“Hmm. I’ll let it pass because I have news that I wanted to tell you before everyone comes and I’m going to be selfish. I know, I know, this is nothing new but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right?”

“What’s going on?” I ask, chuckling.

“I’m adopting.”

I set down the platter of fruit that I just pulled from the fridge. “You’re kidding.”

“Not a bit. Not a baby, though. I’m working with an agency to adopt an older child.”

I sit down at the table because this news is just… a lot to take in. “Wow. Do Mom and Dad know?”

“Yeah. I haven’t told Lucy yet, though. I started the process about a month before her babies were born and I just didn’t want to add to the stress. Plus, I wasn’t sure what would come of it. But now we know. The little girl is six years old. Her situation is, well, it’s really sad. Now that I have my own practice and can make my own hours, having a child of my own makes a little more sense.”

“Wow. I don’t know what to say. Are you sure you’re ready for that?”

Grace nods and pours herself a glass of iced tea then takes a seat at the table with me. After taking a drink, she sets the glass on the table. “I’m one hundred percent positive. I know all other evidence might point to me being a selfish asshole but I want this, have thought this through, and am so excited to share my life with this little girl. We’ve met and spent time together with her social worker. She’s so sweet and adorable. Incredibly shy, which lessened after a bit. She’s been through so much in her short life and needs someone on her side. I’m going to be that person. She deserves someone who will put her first and show her what unconditional love is like.”

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