Page 109 of Edge of Heaven

I don’t know what color white blush is, beyond the tie she made me wear, but if that’s what she’s wearing it’s my new favorite color. It’s the softest, lightest pink imaginable, with enough white to look bride-like but pink enough to be different.

And like the woman wearing it, it takes my breath away.

Taryn

Like most little girls,I’ve always dreamed of what my wedding day would look like. This isn’t anything like what I imagined, but in some ways it’s so much better.

I couldn’t have dreamed up a man like Mick.

Having my son walk me down the aisle was emotional.

And being surrounded by the people who made today possible is absolutely magical.

As I dance in my new husband’s arms, I feel a lightness I haven’t felt in a long time, like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be with the people who mean the most to me.

“Guys, do you have a couple of minutes?” My mother approaches us as the song ends. “I wanted to talk to you about something.”

“Of course.” Mick and I follow her to the den, away from the music and laughter of our friends.

“Is everything okay?” Mick asks. As always, he’s protective of me, and I’ve started to love that aspect of our relationship.

“I wanted to talk about Toby.”

My heart sinks.

Not today.

Please don’t drop any bombshells on me today.

“Can this wait?” Mick asks, frowning.

Mom shakes her head, a faint smile playing on her lips. “No, this isn’t anything bad. I promise.”

“What’s up?” I ask quietly.

“I’ve been thinking a lot about Toby and the truth of the matter is… you know the saying that it takes a village to raise a child? It’s true. And Toby needs all of us. You and Mick are navigating not just a new relationship, but important, busy careers. In the long run, that’s what’s best for Toby. We’ve gone back and forth about custody, and if you really want to make the change, I won’t stop you.

“But here’s my thought—what if we leave things as they are for now? I have a good job with great, inexpensive benefits that include Toby. I also live in a decent school district, which is important now that he’s not being homeschooled anymore. So what I’m saying is, why can’t we raise him together? The two of you can live with me while you save money and focus on your careers. Maybe in the summertime, when I’m off, you can take Toby on the road or whatever, so I can have some free time. And then when school starts, I’ll take over again, in whatever capacity works for us. Does this make sense?”

“Mom.” I hug her tightly. “I love you.”

“I love you too. Both of you.” She pulls Mick into our hug. “I truly want you to be happy and I think with three of us working to make Toby’s life as wonderful as it can possibly be, we can all follow our dreams. The truth of the matter is I wouldn’t know what to do with myself if you moved Toby away. And you’d both have to sacrifice professionally if you had full custody. Between travel and him being in school, there’s a lot to consider. Taryn, you’ve already sacrificed so much. Frankly, I think this could be win-win for all of us.”

“Grandma? Did you tell them yet?” Toby stage whispers from the doorway.

I turn and hold out my hand. “Tell us what?” I ask playfully.

“If we can all be a family together!” His eyes twinkle with excitement.

“We already are, big guy,” Mick says, lifting Toby up and drawing him into our group hug.

“Can I call you Dad?” he asks quietly, his little face sobering slightly.

As if there’s a chance Mick might say no.

My heart swells with love as Mick grins.

“I was going to ask you the same question.”

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