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Scarlett has been a rock for Finley, always there to lend a helping hand at the bakery or offer a listening ear. Their friendship is the kind that withstands the test of time.
“Fine.” She ducks behind the counter, reappearing with a small suitcase in tow a moment later. She checks her watch before glancing toward the door. “I've got to run. My ride's here.”
I frown, sensing something isn't right. “Everything okay?”
Scarlett hesitates, her grip tightening on the suitcase handle. For a moment, it seems like she wants to say more, but instead, she shakes her head.
“Later,” she tosses over her shoulder, hurrying towards the exit.
There's more to the story than meets the eye, but with Finley and Amber waiting for me, I push the thought aside, making a mental note to check on Scarlett later.
I pause at the threshold, my heart melting at the sight before me. Amber and Finley stand side by side, aprons dusted with flour, faces smeared with frosting.
They laugh and chatter, oblivious to the world around them. I drink in the scene, committing every detail to memory.
Their love is palpable, and their beautiful bond grows stronger each day. I realize that this is what I've been searching for all along—a family.
I step into the room, a grin spreading across my face. Two pairs of eyes turn towards me, shining with joy.
“Daddy!” Amber squeals, racing into my arms.
I scoop her up, peppering her face with kisses. “There's my favorite little baker! What delicious treats have you and Finley been whipping up today?”
“We made cupcakes with super special frosting!” Amber declares, her eyes shining with excitement. “Finley even let me mix the colors!”
“Did she now?” I ask, shooting Finley a grateful smile. “I bet they turned out beautiful, like you, pumpkin.”
Amber giggles, clinging to me tightly before I set her down. My gaze locks with Finley's, and she smiles, her eyes soft and warm. “Hey, you.”
“Hey, yourself.” I pull her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You've got a little something,” I tease, wiping a smear of frosting from her cheek.
“Occupational hazard,” she quips.
“Can we talk?” I ask, my heart suddenly racing.
She nods, turning to Amber. “Sweetie, why don't you go wash up? We'll frost the cupcakes in a minute.”
As Amber scampers off, I take Finley's hands in mine. “I got the call from Richard. The divorce is finalized. Natalie approved the documents.”
Finley's eyes widen. “That's wonderful news. You fought so hard for Amber, and now you can finally breathe easy knowing she's yours, forever.”
Ours.
Amber belongs to both of us.
I clear my throat. “There's more. Natalie agreed to monthly supervised visits, provided that a full-time parent is present. I won’t always be available, though.”
Tears well up in Finley's eyes as the implication sinks in. “You mean–”
“Yes, with either me or you present.” I bring her hands to my lips, kissing her knuckles softly. “I love you, Finley. You're my rock; I can't imagine my life without you. I want us to be a family, with you by my side as Amber's mother and my partner in everything.”
Finley throws her arms around my neck, holding me tight as she buries her face in the crook of my neck. “I love you too, Jake. More than anything. You and Amber are my world.”
“With the custody battle behind us, we can finally start planning for the life we want.”
Finley's eyes cloud over, and she smiles dreamily. “I was considering expanding the business.”
I grin, caressing her hand. “Great idea. I was thinking the same. A bigger space, more delicious creations, and maybe even a little play area out the back for Amber and any future little ones who might come along.”
