Page 114 of Watercolor Skulls

I clear my throat before beginning.

To my special little boy,

How exciting it is that you are celebrating your sixth birthday. Now you’ll have to use two hands to count the years.

We all laugh as Jackson holds up six fingers.

Today I’m going to tell you the story of how I picked the perfect parents for you.

I glance up catching Raffe and Rachel smile at each other.

You see I searched through dozens and dozens of folders, looking for just the right couple. But when I opened your parent’s folder I knew that the dragonfly had struck again. It had brought me two more angels.

I was lucky indeed because a dragonfly had already given me one angel, my best friend. She was there the day I found out that you were in my tummy. We cried on her bedroom floor for hours, happy tears, because we knew you were going to be special. You were our bright spot.

My heart pumps faster as I continue to read.

A dragonfly will bring you an angel at just the right time. It’s why they have two sets of wings so they can carry them on their backs.

You’re not going to believe this but not only did that dragonfly bring me a best friend and two parents for you, he brought you an entire family. Isn’t that incredible? That’s why I chose them. You see your parents showed me who they were in that folder. There was a picture of them, pictures of your grandma and grandpa, and pictures of your motorcycle club family.

I liked that they showed me everything. They held nothing back. The picture of your family radiated love. It exploded right out of that photo and struck me in the heart. I knew they were a perfect fit for you.

I hope you’re getting to spend the day with them. Remember to cherish every moment. They may not be your family by blood, but they are your family by choice and that is even better.

I want you to know how much I love you. I hope you have the best birthday ever.

Love, Your Angel Mom

Tears are pouring down my cheeks. Jackson takes the letter from me and hugs it to his chest. “My angel mom always writes about dragonflies. That’s why I love them so much.” He takes his chubby little hands and wipes my face. “It’s okay, Lily. Don’t cry. You are my family now too.”

He hops off and runs over to his parents showing them the letter.

Dan wraps an arm around me. “I know that hit a little close to home with the dragonflies and all. Are you okay?”

Sniffing back tears I nod. He keeps me cuddled up by his side as we watch Jackson rip into his presents.

You know, this could all be just another one of those weird coincidences. I mean I’m sure there are lots of girls who sit and cry on the bedroom floor when one of them gets pregnant. Right? Right?

Oh god. Jackson smiles at his dad as he helps him rip the wrapping paper off a package. His smile is like hers. No. No. It can’t be. Because if it is then that means Jackson is my….

“Dan, I’m not feeling very well. Could we maybe go up to your room for a minute?”

His face falls. “Yeah, baby. Of course.”

“I…I don’t want to take you from the party.”

He waves me off, leaning over to whisper something in Dirk’s ear. Dirk’s eyes slide to mine, and he frowns, nodding his head.

Dan and I quietly leave the patio and head to his room.

When he closes the door behind us I lose my shit.

Are they going to hate me for keeping her pregnancy a secret?

Oh, god.

Dan is sitting on his bed, leaning against the headboard as he watches me pace back and forth.

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