Page 102 of If the Ring Fits

As if on cue, K-2P scurries in from the kitchen, carrying a tray of hard-boiled tiny eggs.

He lifts it up to me. “Quail eggs?”

“No, thanks,” I refuse with a smile.

The droid beeps in approval. “You’re right. I wouldn’t want to eat something that came out of a bird’s ass either.”

Thomas, Reese, and I all burst into laughter, and K-2P scurries on to delight his next victim. I follow him, wanting to greet everyone.

As I make my way through the room, accepting hugs and well-wishes, a profound sense of peace settles over me. These people, who’ve been by my side through the highest highs and lowest lows, are more than friends—they’re the family I chose. The family that chose me. Like Adrian chose me and Soleil.

I watch my husband move effortlessly through the crowd, Soleil perched on his hip as if she was always meant to be there. The easy rapport he’s developed with my friends—ourfriends now—fills me with warmth. Two worlds, colliding and intertwining into something beautiful.

“Better get used to being outnumbered, Adrian!” Hunter calls out, eyes twinkling. “You’re officially a minority. Girl power woo-hoo!”

Adrian laughs, bouncing Soleil playfully. “I think I can handle it.”

The room dissolves into good-natured ribbing and shared laughter, the camaraderie palpable. As the celebration continues, stories and memories flow freely, painting a picture of the winding road that led us here.

“Remember when Winnie called in a panic, convinced she was in labor at thirty weeks?” Nina giggles, sipping her champagne. “Turns out, it was just gas.”

“Hey, in my defense, it felt very convincing at the time!” I protest, chuckling.

The tales continue, each one a thread in the tapestry of our shared history. The late-night cravings runs, the nursery decorating debacles, the moments of sheer terror and overwhelming love. And through it all, the unwavering loyalty of the people in this room.

As I lean against Adrian, Soleil back in my arms and dozing contentedly, I’m struck by the incredible journey that brought us to this moment. The path wasn’t always smooth or straightforward, but every twist and turn, every challenge and triumph, led us right where we were meant to be.

Here, surrounded by the love and laughter of our chosen family, I’ve never felt more at peace. More at home.

Later that evening, after our friends are gone and the apartment is quiet again, Adrian and I put Soleil to bed together. The nursery is awash in a soft, golden glow from the crescent moon nightlight, casting playful shadows on the pastel-colored walls.

“Once upon a time, in a land far, far away,” Adrian narrates Soleil’s favorite bedtime story. He takes on the role of the brave knight, his voice deep and heroic, while I play the part of the wise and kind fairy godmother.

Our daughter’s eyes sparkle with delight as Adrian brings the story to life, her tiny hands reaching out to touch the colorful illustrations. When he gets to the part where the knight faces off against the wicked ogre, Adrian’s voice drops to a comical growl, sending Soleil into a fit of giggles.

I watch them, my heart so full it feels like it might burst. The love between them is palpable, a bond that has grown stronger with each passing day—beyond biology and genetics. And now, with the adoption finalized, we’re even more united than before.

As Soleil’s eyelids droop, we tuck her in, placing gentle kisses on her forehead. “Sweet dreams, my little love,” I whisper, marveling at the perfect miracle that is our daughter.

Hand in hand, Adrian and I move to our bedroom, the events of the day still swirling in my mind. The moment the door closes behind us, he pulls me into his arms, his lips finding mine in a kiss that is both tender and passionate. Restless and content.

We make love slowly, savoring each touch, each sigh. In the afterglow, Adrian holds me close, his fingers tracing lazy patterns on my skin. “I love you, Sunshine.” The words are thick with emotion. “I promise to always be there for you and Soleil, to love and support you both, no matter what.”

Unshed tears sting my eyes as I gaze up at him. “I know you will,” I whisper back. “You’ve already proven that, time and time again.”

We talk about the future, about family vacations and holiday traditions, about the adventures we’ll have and the memories we’ll make. We discuss our hopes and dreams for Soleil, imagining her first steps, her first words, her first day of school.

And as we drift off to sleep, our fingers intertwined, a sense of peace and contentment washes over me. Gone are the doubts and fears that once plagued me, replaced by an unshakable faith in the strength of our love and the promise of our future together.

This is where I’m meant to be, with my husband and our daughter. And I know, with absolute certainty, that no matter what challenges may come our way, we’ll face them together, hand in hand, heart to heart.

Always.

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