Page 207 of Healed in the Alpha's Embrace
“Me too.”
We fell into a comfortable silence, all the troubles and worries of the past few months slowly fading.
“So, are you ready for your happily ever after?” I asked.
Zoey laughed, the sound like music to my ears. “I think I am.”
I pulled her in for a tender kiss. We had fought hard for this moment, for the chance to build a life together without fear or pain. Whatever awaited us in the future, we would face it as a family.
EPILOGUE
ZOEY
Six months later, I nervously paced in the living room, waiting for Noah to get home. My heart raced, my stomach twisting. Ro looked up at me from where he was sprawled on the couch.
“Mom, calm down. It’s all going to be great, you’ll see.”
I forced a smile. “I’m glad you’re so sure. I’m a wreck right now.”
“Don’t worry, he’s going to love the surprise. I just know it.”
I took a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. “I hope you’re right, kiddo. This means so much to me. To both of us.”
I glanced around the room one more time, making sure everything was perfect. The adoption papers sat on the coffee table, neatly stacked. I’d strung a banner on the wall, its colorful letters spelling out,Congratulations, Dad!
Just then, the familiar rumble of Noah’s pickup truck came up the driveway. My pulse quickened as the engine cut off. This was it, the big moment. Ro jumped up excitedly.
“He’s here! Ready, Mom?”
I exhaled slowly and nodded. “As I’ll ever be. Let’s do this.”
The front door clicked open. I held my breath, waiting for Noah’s reaction as he stepped inside our home, completely unaware of how our lives were about to change forever.
Noah walked through the door, his eyes widening as he took in the decorations. “What’s all this?” He gestured at the banners and balloons. “Are we celebrating something?”
Ro bounced on his toes beside me, barely able to contain his excitement. He tugged at my shirt, and I nodded.
Ro stepped forward, clearing his throat. “Noah, I... I wrote you a letter. I want you to hear it.” He unfolded a piece of paper, his hands shaking slightly.
“Of course, buddy. I’m listening.”
Ro began to read. “‘Noah, I want you to know how much I love you and look up to you. You’ve been there for me and Mom through everything. You make us happy, and I feel safe when you’re around.’”
Tears poured down my cheeks as my son poured his heart out.
“‘You’re the closest thing to a dad I’ve ever had. And I was hoping...’” He paused, glancing back at me. I smiled reassuringly. “‘I was hoping you would officially be my dad. Will you adopt me, Noah?’”
Noah’s lips parted in shock. He blinked rapidly, clearly overwhelmed with emotion. “Ro, I...”
I picked up the adoption papers. “We had Margaret draw these up. Everything’s ready, if you want to make it official.” I held them out to Noah, my heart in my throat.
Noah stared at the papers, then back at Ro’s hopeful face. A tear slid down his cheek as he plucked Ro off his feet and hugged him.
“Nothing would make me happier than to be your dad. I love you so much.”
“Really? You’ll be my dad?”
Noah grinned from ear to ear. “You bet I will. I’d be honored.” He ruffled Ro’s hair affectionately.
