Page 263 of On a Fault Line

“It’s a girl!” Nic announces, full of pride and love.

“It’s a girl,” Claire whispers, as tears flood her eyes.

* * *

I am overcome with every emotion as I stand back and look at the scene before me.

This room encompasses my entire heart, with each person holding a special place inside.

Claire is propped up against pillows, holding her precious baby girl—Scarlett Ann—while Nic and the medical staff tend to both of their immediate needs. I couldn’t be more proud of my brother and the love of his life for bringing this child into this world safely, despite being early. And the little miss is such a little squish, looking healthy and content being close to her momma.

Graham and Angie embrace in a hug, and the worry wrinkles that once lined their foreheads have since vanished. I know witnessing her best friend deliver her baby on the rug in her dream home, while she is unsure if she can conceive one of her own, has to feel bittersweet. But I wouldn’t know it by the beaming smiles on everyone’s faces.

Momma and Dad are fluttering about, making sure everyone is comfortable, and a gazillion pictures are taken to capture this moment. They were destined to be the best grandparents ever, and I can already tell they would gladly welcome more children into their hearts if the circumstances allowed for it.

Then there is Collins standing on the sidelines, like he has for the last year and a half of my life, like an invisible but constant thread, woven into my support system. I feel him looking at me, while I look at all of them. And it’s in his quiet, calm nature that I see his true heart.

I am his, as he is mine.

He accepts me at my best. But embraces me at my worst.

Looking up at him, I see the worry broadcasted back at me, probably wondering what I’m thinking and what my next move will be.

But I’m tired of pretending…

I’m tired of acting like I’d be better off without him, when he’s never really left me.

He’s been with me the whole time.

Collins shows up in my life when it matters most, and he’ll keep showing up.

Then without thinking, I slide my arm around the back of him and settle my head on his heart. He tucks me into his side and gives me the gentlest squeeze. His lips press against my hairline and it’s the sweetest thing.

This is love.

And we do it through the good times and the bad times, through the hard times and the easy times, and in sickness and in health.

It’s about showing up and fighting for who we want to spend our short time on this earth with…

And I choose him.

“Collins?”

He pulls back a tad, just so he can see my eyes. “Yeah?”

“I’m willing to try.”

He smiles down at me and then presses a gentle kiss on my lips. “All I need is a chance.”

52

COLLINS

I escort Penny inside the corner coffee shop where just months ago I almost committed murder on the streets in her name and where I came face-to-face with my true feelings for her.

So much has happened since then. While I wish some things didn’t have to occur, I have to find gratitude that every moment since then has led to us being able to be together—out in public and as a couple.

Linking fingers with mine, Penny snuggles in closer to me. She has snuck her way into all aspects of my life, and I’m forever thankful she pursued me when I was so scared to reciprocate.

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