Page 209 of Halo

“Are those my boys?” She asks over her shoulder as she adjusts a platter of hors d'oeuvres.

“Mama!” Grady removes his headphones before throwing his arms around Leah's waist.

“There’s my Mouse #2!” She quickly embraces him, holding him tight against her hip.

Grady still doesn't know Leah is actually his aunt, nor does he know that Uncle Matthew is his father. He is, however, in therapy with an excellent group of professionals that specialize in unique fostering cases. It felt like the right step after the adoption was finalized. Will we ever tell him the truth? I don't know. Does he have the right to know? Probably. We're taking it one step at a time, navigating through what's best for our son. For now, our family is whole. Grady has a home. He is loved, he is safe, and he is surrounded by so many people—including two parents—who love him very, very much.

“How was dress rehearsal, partner?” Leah ruffles Grady's hair as Angus rushes in to greet his favorite kid.

His head falls as he quietly pushes up his glasses.

Leah flashes me a worried glance before taking a seat and holding our son’s hand. “Did something change?”

While scratching behind Angus's ears, Grady slowly nods.

“Want to tell me about it?”

He scrunches up his nose. “Miss Lindsay changed my mark.”

“Oh gosh.” Leah’s face falls. “And you practiced the other one.”

“Twenty-six class rehearsals and then on my own.”

I bite back a smile.

“Wow,” Leah scoffs. “I'd be frustrated, too.”

“It—” he huffs—“it wasn't right.”

Leah squeezes his hand. “But … you figured it out anyway, right?”

He slowly adjusts his glasses, looking up at his mom. “I did.”

A smile spreads across Leah’s face. “Grady! That's a really big deal! I'm so proud of you.”

His mouth twitches into a crooked grin. A blush creeps across his face as he buries himself against his mother’s waiting arms.

Leah peppers the crown of his head with kisses. “Okay, buddy. Our friends will be here soon.” She stands, adjusting the headphones over his ears. “Why don't you head upstairs and read for a bit?”

My son eagerly agrees, skipping to his room, Angus in tow behind him.

I saddle up next to Leah, pulling her body against me.

“Hello there.” She giggles softly.

“Hello,” I whisper before pressing my lips to hers.

“What do you think?”

I kiss her again. “Absolutely amazing, Mrs. Crawford.”

She hums against my mouth. “Thanks to you and all your help, Mr. Crawford.”

I cradle her cheek, shaking my head. “I’m talking about you, darlin’.”

The air catches in her chest as her hands slide around my neck. Her eyes glitter with adoration, and God help me … I fall for her all over again.

The doorbell chimes, abruptly shifting us into host mode. Before Leah can reach the foyer, the front door swings open and the Santiagos spill into the house in a whirlwind of winter coats, shopping bags, and excited chatter. Julian barely gets a greeting out before Chelsea is ushering their daughters inside, reminding them not to shake the presents.