Page 72 of Daddy's Mail Order Mate

“Aww, look at his face! He’s so darling!”

“What an angel.”

“Why’s he not eating it yet Mommy?”

“He’s not sure what it is yet.”

“It’s cake! Everyone knows what cake is.”

There’s another wave of laughter from the cute child commentary. Rowan finally seems to get the gumption to try out the meal set in front of him, digging his fingers into the chocolate buttercream and getting a nice fistful. The absolute joy that blooms across his face fills me to the brim, and I sneak my hand into Thorn’s as everyone watches the birthday boy dig in.

He smiles down at me and pecks the top of my head, and the both of us are contentedly quiet among the bright chaos of everyone else’s exuberant glee.

After a moment more, he gently pulls his hand from mine and picks up the cake knife.

“Now that the birthday boy’s been served, grab your plates.”

There’s a bunch of boisterous chirping from the kids insisting on the kind of pieces they want, and I laugh as they all mob around my husband like vultures.

I’ve laughed so much these last few months, as though to make up for years of feeling deprived of joy and hope. All of my days are full of warmth and love, and I finally have a home of my own.

Thorn looks back at me and offers out a plate laden with cake.

“Here, Gwen.”

I blink back a happy tear and take the plate with a grateful kiss on his cheek.

“Thank you.”

*****

THE END

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