Page 87 of Sparks Still Fly

We lock eyes, and I can see the specks of doubt swimming in them. Owen needs reassurance. He always has. So I freely give it to him. “Yes, Owen. I want this. I want you. I want this life. This is my dream come true. My biggest, wildest, most beautiful dream. The one I thought I had to let go of. The one I was certain would never come true. And here you are, making it real.”

He closes his eyes, a slow breath exhaling out of him as he touches his forehead to mine.

“I love you,” we both whisper at the same time. A quiet giggle builds in my chest, and Owen’s shoulder shakes lightly with his own laughter. The sounds are filled with relief, joy, more love than I know what to do with.

I wipe at the tears on his face in the gentle way he always does mine, and he leans into my touch, turning his face to kiss the middle of my palm before bringing our hands to the middle of his chest.

“Always,” he says.

“Always,” I echo.

51/

this is it.

owen

This is it. This is how we begin. Out on the front porch. Not in a moment of lust, not in passing, but looking into each other’s eyes, wholly present.

I might not remember reciting our vows in Vegas, but I’ll never forget this. I’ll never forget how it feels to have the woman I’ve loved for a decade commit herself to me in a way I wouldn’t even allow myself to daydream of. It’s real. It’s really happening.

Once we both stop crying, we make our way back to the living room. All eyes are on us as we walk in, including Mamá’s worried ones.

“We’re going to be Julia’s parents,” I open with.

“Well, Owen was always planning to adopt her…” Maeve looks at the floor, a small smile playing on her lips, telling me without words to continue.

“But Maeve’s name is officially going on the adoption paperwork, and—” I stop, because the whole room breaks into whispered cheers as Julia sleeps soundly.

“Oh, sweetheart.” My mom hugs Maeve as tightly as she can with Julia cradled to her chest, pulling back to pat Maeve’s cheek, as she always does. “Two of my girls are becoming moms. What a beautiful day this is.” She moves to take Maeve’s hand in her own, eyeing the rings there with tears in her eyes. “These suit you, Mae. They're perfect. That green, it’s…”

“My favorite color,” Maeve finishes for her, and they both nod in agreement. “I couldn’t have picked a better ring myself, Eva. Thank you.”

Jesus, how did I get this lucky?

My sister practically rams into me, hugging me tightly around the waist. “Thanks for making my best friend my real sister, O.” And goddamnit, my eyes are stinging with tears again. Rafael is usually the crier, but I think I’m about to fight him for that title.

Everyone, Charlie included, congratulates us with hugs, and as the party calms down, my sister claps and bounces on the spot.

“Welcome to the family, Mrs. James. Permanently,” Elaina says right as my mother sobs behind me. We all turn to her, worried something is wrong.

“I’m sorry.” Ma quickly wipes at her tears. “I’m just so happy. Mrs. James. Oh, it’s just…” Another sob. Raf quickly wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her into him as he rubs her back.

“All right, Mom and Dad. What can we do to help you today? We’ve got lunch ready, and Adam’s prepping dinner.” Rafael turns to the kitchen and waves at Adam, completely unaware of what he’s just done. Unaware that my heart just nearly burst in my chest at hearing his words.

Mom and Dad.

There’s a mix of sadness that my friend and his wife aren’t here, but gratitude for the fact that Maeve and I are. I teeter between grief and glee, knowing Julia’s real mom and dad can’t be the ones to comfort her, to watch her grow. But there’s also immense joy in the fact that Maeve and I will happily step into those roles and do everything we can to give her the best life. To be called her dad is so bittersweet right now, but I know that one day the word will bring me nothing but pure joy. I know I’ll earn that title and make my friends proud.

Maeve looks up at me, eyes shining with tears again and a wide smile on her face.

“This is more than enough. Thank you. Thanks for showing up for us.” I squeeze my wife’s hand as we take in this family that Julia is going to be so lucky to be a part of.

We eat lunch, and Rafael, Charlie, Lainey, and Adam leave shortly after to get back to LA. Arthur somehow managed to get the bat situation taken care of so my mom can stay in the guesthouse. She doesn’t want to impose on newlywed and new-parent life, but she wants to make sure we know that she’s there for support if we need it. I think we both feel relieved to have her here for a few days, especially knowing Julia is still recovering.

Bringing her home was such a massive relief that, by the time evening came, I passed out. I hadn’t really slept for two days, and both Maeve and my mom forced me into the bedroom to sleep.

The sun is shining brightly when I open my eyes and, I roll over, expecting to feel Maeve there, but the bed is empty. I’m alone.

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