Page 100 of Miss Fortune

She nodded. “I named him Henry, but I just realized whoever adopts him can change his name, can’t they?”

Next thing I knew, Tabitha was sobbing, and I was murmuring soft words and telling her it would be okay. I made eye contact with Caleb, trying to convey my feelings wordlessly. He’d indicated he was ready to jump into the deep end, but could he do it now? Would he be ready if I wanted to adopt baby Henry?

Tabitha took the tissue box Caleb offered her. “Will I get to meet the adoptive parents? I’m in no position to select them, but I’d prefer an open adoption where I can still find out how he’s doing?”

“Absolutely, we can make that a stipulation,” Caleb responded, again meeting my gaze.

“He can stay with us until we work out the next steps. If you’re comfortable with it?” I offered. Given how emotional she was, now wasn’t the time to ask her if she’d consider me for the adoption. Plus I wanted to speak with Caleb first.

“Yes. I can bring over his things. In fact, I couldn’t stand to see them in my house without crying if I don’t.”

Which meant she could change her mind. I was sure Caleb was considering the same thing by the way his jaw set.

Tabitha finally sat back, drying her eyes and focusing on Caleb. “I’m not sure I properly thanked you for looking after him before.” She turned to me. “I’m assuming you were part of it too. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Tabitha and her brother stayed another few minutes before getting up to leave.

“I’ll be in touch with you about the next steps. Can I email you?” he asked Tabitha’s brother.

“Yeah, let me give you the address.” While the men went into the kitchen, I looked at Tabitha, who was staring at me.

“You seem familiar, but I can’t place you.”

I didn’t think now would be the time to tell her we’d met the day I’d rear-ended her and Caleb on the freeway. “I was there the first night to help with the baby.”

She nodded, probably not remembering much about that night.

Caleb walked them to the door and then came back into the room. “Daisy—”

I held up my hand. “I know what you’re going to say. Tabitha could change her mind at any time.”

“She could. I’ve seen it happen. The birth father or someone in her family could also make a claim.”

“Then she does and Henry’s place will be with his biological mother or another family member. I can’t begrudge them making a claim. But I feel this connection to him. And I realize this won’t be easy, from the late-night feedings to the upcoming surgeries. But I love him already. Here I’ve been searching for my purpose, for something to fulfill me in a way which told me this is what I’m meant to do. I believe I’m meant to be his mom. This wasn’t part of our plan, but if you meant it when you said you were ready to jump into the deep end, it doesn’t get much deeper than this.”

“I don’t want to see you hurt if this doesn’t work out.”

“But life isn’t about avoiding the hurt. It’s about taking chances despite not knowing what the future might hold. So long as Henry is with someone who loves him, then I’ll be okay. I realize you don’t believe in fate or the universe giving you signs, but I do.”

He took a seat beside me, stroking the baby’s soft hair with his finger. “I meant what I said before. I’m all in.”

“I didn’t believe it was possible to love you more, but I was wrong.”

“I was just thinking the same thing. Your capacity for love takes my breath away. As for the universe or fate, or just incredible luck, I’m pretty sure I knew the moment I got out of my car and saw you in the rain, my life would never be the same. I can’t make promises about how this adoption will turn out, but no matter what happens with this little one, we’re in this together.”

I leaned into him, knowing he meant every word.

He kissed my temple. “Are you okay with putting off our travel plans?”

“Being with you and baby Henry are all the adventure I need.”

Epilogue

Caleb

“What are you doing out of bed, little man?”