Page 65 of Trust Me

“That’s right. We will get to sleep in the same bed. But it also means that we are going topromise to be together forever. That means I’m not going anywhere. I will always be here for your mommy and for you.”

“Do you get to be my daddy?” My heart literally stops beating. I blink several times, trying to get the tears out of my eyes, but it’s no use. A few slide down my face.

“Yes, that means I get to be your daddy. If you want me to be.”

“I want you to be my daddy!” she exclaims as she throws her arms around my neck. “Dis is my bestest Cwismis ever!”

“Mine too, sweetie. Mine too.” I kiss her forehead and look over at Avery. She’s standing there sobbing, hands clutching together at her heart.

“I have a present for you, baby girl.” I open up the second little velvet box and remove the necklace inside. “This is a chocolate diamond, just like the one in your mommy’s ring. I want you to have the same thing since I’m not just marrying your mommy. I’m marrying you too.” I use my shaky fingers to fumble the hook on the little clasp and slide it around her neck.

“It’s pwetty. Tank you, Daddy,” she says with another big hug. I savor this moment for afew more seconds before she’s ready to get down and go play with her new stuff. “Oh, can I have a brudder too?” she asks, face full of excitement. I don’t even get a reply out. “Ohhh, wait! Maybe a puppy instead!”

Avery and I are both laughing as she slides back into my embrace. “A brother or a puppy,” she says quietly with a smile.

“Oh, I like the idea of both. Maybe a puppy this spring after we’re all settled. And until the wedding, lots and lots of brother making practice.”

She giggles and lays her cheek against my chest. “Oh, there will be lots and lots of practice.”

I fucking love this woman.

Avery and I have both grown over the course of the past three months. I guess we just had to fall apart so we could come back together even better than we were before. Hell, I never planned for any of this. And maybe that’s just it. Life doesn’t always go as we plan. Sometimes, it’s better. Sometimes, it’s perfect. Trust me, I know.

~ THE END ~