Page 75 of Worship Him

I pull out a dusty cookbook, flipping through the pages. "How about that pasta dish we used to make? The one with the fancy Italian name I could never pronounce?"

"Ah, Pasta al Limone," he says, his accent flawless. Show-off. "I'm impressed you remember."

"Please," I scoff, gathering ingredients. "As if I could forget anything about our time here."

I start preparing the meal and he entertains Avery, his deep voice rumbling through the kitchen as he tells her elaborate stories about his latest tech ventures.

I can't help but smile, watching them together.

"And that, princess, is how Daddy's going to revolutionize the entire industry," he concludes, pressing a kiss to her forehead.

I roll my eyes. "You're incorrigible. She's three months old, not a board member."

"Never too early to start," he winks. "Right, baby girl?"

Our daughter responds with a happy gurgle, and we both laugh.

The kitchen fills with the aroma of lemon and garlic as I finish cooking. Adam sets the table, one-handed, Avery still tucked against his chest. It's a sight that makes my heart swell.

As we sit down to eat, I can't help but feel a surge of excitement for our future. This is what I've been missing, what we've both been missing. The simple joy of being together, of being a family.

"You outdid yourself, Des," he says, taking a bite. "Almost as good as I remember."

I kick him lightly under the table. "Watch it, mister. I'll have you know my culinary skills have only improved with time."

He grins, that cocky, self-assured smile that used to drive me crazy—and still does, if I'm honest. "Oh, I don't doubt it. You've always been full of surprises."

As we eat and talk, laughing over old memories and making plans for the future, I feel a sense of rightness settle over me.

This is where we belong.

29

ADAM

Istand in the kitchen, watching Destiny expertly navigate her way around. The aroma of seared salmon fills the air, mingling with the fresh scent of basil from the pesto.

"Need any help?" I ask, leaning against the counter.

She glances over her shoulder, a smile playing on her lips. "I've got it under control. But you could open that bottle of wine."

I grab the corkscrew and get to work. "So, tell me about these friends of yours. Jackie and Barrett, right? He is, was, your lawyer, if I'm not mistaken."

She nods. "They're amazing," she says, flipping the salmon with practiced ease. "Barrett may have been my lawyer, but he and Jackie became so much more than that. They were my rock this past year."

I nod, pouring two glasses of wine. "And now I get to thank them for taking care of my girls."

Destiny pauses, her eyes meeting mine. "Adam, I?—"

The doorbell interrupts her. I set down the wine and head for the door. "I'll get it. You focus on not burning my favorite meal."

"As if I would," she calls after me, laughing.

I swing the door open and I’m greeted by Jackie and Barrett's smiling faces, their kids in tow.

Barrett extends his hand. "Adam, it's good to finally meet you properly."

I shake his hand firmly. "Likewise. Come in, please."

---