Page 121 of Your Soul to Keep

He cleared his throat. “I’d like to make a toast.”

Gabe sprawled on the new brown couch that was the same as the old brown couch, with me tucked tightly against his side. A small, indulgent smile graced his face as he watched his parents dance around each other in a well-rehearsed choreography.

Brian lifted his glass. “To friends. Thank you for being with us today. To Maeve. Thank you for being with me always. To Dylan, the prettiest birthday girl I’ve ever seen. Happy Birthday Dilly-Bar. To Shae and the sweetest of new beginnings. And to my son, Gabe.”

Gabe’s body turned to marble.

Brian stopped, dropping his eyes to the floor as he cleared his throat.

Maeve sidled up to his side, leaning into him ever so slightly.

He nodded at the floor, lifted his head, and found Gabe’s eyes. “To my son, Gabe. You have made me proud, over and over again. You are already twice the father I ever was.” His voice hitched.

Gabe fairly vibrated beside me.

Brian rubbed a hand over his belly and continued, “But hopefully you’ll keep your girlish figure and ever be half the man.”

Gabe laughed along with everyone else but fooled no one when he leaned forward and swiped a finger under his eyes.

After dinner, Maeve came up behind me and touched my elbow to get my attention. “You want to help me with the cake?”

“Of course.” I followed her into the kitchen, knowing in my gut there was more than cake on her mind.

“I expect you’ll be taking over the party planning for next year?”

“I hope so. Is that okay with you?”

She cupped her hand around my cheek. “Darlin’, it would make me the happiest.” She dipped her chin and smiled into my eyes before repeating, “The happiest.”

“I wasn’t sure what you were thinking when Dylan called me Mommy.”

She tilted her head to the side and hummed. “I’ll be honest. Last time I saw you, I didn’t think you were ready to take them on.”

I nodded slowly. “That’s fair.”

“Are you ready now?”

I wanted it.

I wanted it as much as I’d ever wanted anything in my life, but a monstrous fear lived inside me, constantly whispering of everything I’d lost, and how much more I had to lose.

Still, I wanted it.

Every love story ends with a broken heart.

“I think so, Maeve.”

She looked down at the floor and nodded her head a few times before answering slowly. “I know I’m overstepping. I know it, but I’m still going to speak my piece.” She met my eyes. “Thinking’s fine but not with that little girl’s heart on the line, not to mention my son’s. You’ve gotta be sure, darlin’. You ever need to talk it out with someone, I can be that someone for you.”

“Thank you.”

“I can’t guard their hearts if you don’t. If you’re not sure you can be her mommy, you need to correct this now.”

I swallowed hard. “Maeve.” My voice broke. I took a breath and tried again. “I can tell you honestly, there is nothing else in the whole world I want more.”

Her eyes welled. “I’ve never seen my Gabe so happy.” She huffed out a laugh. “I don’t know if I’ve ever seen him happy, period.” She waved away my protest. “He’s full of life, chaotic, energetic, but never has he been happy and content. Until now.”

I nodded, my throat tight.

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