Page 103 of From Wink to Kink

But it's also exhilarating. When I told my boss at the library about my desire to finish my degree, I expected resistance. Instead, I got nothing but support. They even agreed to let me cut back my hours to part-time, assuring me that there would always be a place for me at the library.

"You're going to make an amazing reference librarian," my boss said, her eyes twinkling. "Just don't forget us little people when you're running the whole library system, okay?"

Needless to say, my BFF Matthew is doing backflips, he’s so psyched for me.

Now, as I fill out form after form, I feel a sense of purpose that's been missing since I left college. I'm not just Ruby Brooks,sister of a hockey star or girlfriend of a hockey star. I'm Ruby Brooks, future reference librarian extraordinaire.

And with Chuck by my side, cheering me on every step of the way?

I’m killing it.

Two Years Later…

"I'm going to be an aunt," I say for probably the millionth time, still not quite believing it.

Chuck laughs, pulling me closer on the couch. "Yes, you are. And I'm going to be an uncle. Tyler's going to be a dad. The world's a crazy place."

I snuggle into his side, my mind whirling with possibilities. "Do you think it'll be a boy or a girl? Oh god, what if it's twins? Can you imagine Tyler with twins?"

"I can imagine Tyler fainting in the delivery room, twins or no twins," Chuck chuckles.

I swat his arm lightly. "Be nice. He's going to be a great dad."

"Yeah, he is," Chuck agrees. "And you're going to be an amazing auntie."

I look up at him, seeing a wistfulness in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat. "Yeah? What about you, Uncle Chuck? Ready to spoil this kid rotten?"

Chuck's smile is soft, a little shy. "Absolutely. And maybe... maybe someday we could have a few of our own to spoil?"

The question hangs in the air between us, both sweet and intimidating. We've talked about the future before, about marriage and kids, but always in vague 'someday' terms. This feels different. More real.

"Yeah," I say, my voice barely above a whisper. "I'd like that. Someday."

His arms tighten around me, and I feel him press a kiss to the top of my head. We don't say anything else. We don't need to.

Two and a Half Years Later…

"Do you have enough blankets? I can get you more blankets. Or maybe another pillow? Are you sure you don't want to take the recliner? It's really comfortable, and?—"

"Dad," I interrupt gently, placing a hand on his arm. "I'm fine. I have everything I need."

My dad looks around what’s soon to be my former bedroom, now mostly empty except for a few boxes we still need to move. His eyes are suspiciously bright, and I feel a lump forming in my throat.

"I know, I know," he says, his voice gruff with emotion. "It's just... it's a big step, moving in with Chuck. I want to make sure you're ready."

I smile, pulling him into a hug. "I'm ready, Dad. I promise."

He hugs me back tightly, and I feel a few of his tears dampening my hair. When we pull apart, he wipes his eyes, trying to compose himself.

"Your mom would be so proud of you," he says softly. "She’d be so happy you found someone worthy of your big heart."

I feel my own eyes welling up. "Thanks, Dad. That means a lot." I love hearing stories about the mother I lost when I was just a baby. Sweet… and bittersweet.

He clears his throat, clearly trying to lighten the mood. "Just remember, if he ever hurts you, I may be old, but I can still throw a mean right hook."

I laugh, the tension breaking. "I'll keep that in mind. But I don't think you need to worry. Chuck's a good man."

"He is," Dad agrees. "And I hope... I hope you two have the kind of love your mom and I had. The kind that lasts, through good times and bad. Even when life cuts it short. It’s still worth it all."

I think about Chuck, waiting patiently downstairs to help with the last of the boxes. About the way he looks at me like I'm the most precious thing in the world. About how he supports my dreams, makes me laugh even on my worst days.

"If I have a fraction of what you tell me you and Mom had, I’ll consider my life a success."

As we head downstairs to where Chuck is waiting, I feel a sense of completion. This isn't an ending, far from it. It's the beginning of… so much.

With Chuck by my side, my family's love and support behind me, and a future full of possibilities, I know one thing for certain:

Our story? It's just getting started.

It’s going to be one hell of a read.

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