Page 45 of Rock the Chardonnay

Joy balloons inside me as Declan squeezes me close to him, lining me up against his side. One thing I’ve learned over the last two years is that Declan is a world-class snuggler. His spooning is Olympic-level dedication. I had to buy a special pillow to mimic the feeling of him beside me in bed for when I’m on the road.

“I’m getting to it,” Declan tells his mother. “Don’t rush me.”

Zoey shrugs and bumps my hip with hers. “This is an amazing gesture, Daughtry.”

“Family goes the extra mile for one another,” I say.

“Literally.” Declan kisses the top of my head as the lights dim and the middle school orchestra starts playing an off-key “Pomp and Circumstance.” “Weren’t you in Tokyo? You must be exhausted.”

“Nope,” I reply, wrapping my arms around him like he’s the guidepost I’ve been looking for all along. “I’m wide awake.”

When Alex walks across that stage, the Fosters and I all leap to our feet, whooping and hollering. Honestly, we do that for pretty much every kid in the fifth grade class, because everyone deserves applause on such a momentous day. Alex’s eyes widen and his grin nearly splits his face when he sees us.

I’m a part of this. A part of this occasion, and a part of this family. Declan has given me the world in this tiny corner of Wisconsin. Later tonight, I’m going to show him exactly how much he and this family means to me. This is my epic love song.

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