Page 179 of Fielder's Choice

“Olive…” he grins, so unbelievably happy right now.

“These are…” I trail off, unable to get the words out.

“Adoption papers,” he finishes for me. “They’re adoption papers.”

I look over at Sage with tears in my eyes. “You’re asking me to adopt her?”

He wraps his arms around us both and pulls us closer. “We should make it official, don’t you think?”

I nod hastily before I can finally find my voice again. “Yes. Oh my God, yes!” Tears stream down my face as I look at my daughter. “I love you so much, sweet girl.”

“I love you, Mommy,” she smiles, and I just melt into a puddle on the floor.

It’s Lane’s birthday, but he just gave me the best gift he could have ever given me.

He gave me a daughter.

After Lane and I both cry for most of the afternoon, we eventually calm ourselves down. I’m throwing a party for him tonight, so we definitely need to be composed.

There isn’t much in the way of decorations, but that’s what he wants. He wants tonight to be low-key and simple, just family and friends.

But Idoknow my boyfriend well enough to know he’ll get a kick out of the Taylor Swift cake that’s currently hiding in the fridge.

Everyone arrives, and we all just enjoy a relaxing night together. Sage is still the center of attention as her grandparents dote on her—both my parentsandRory’s dad. The rest of us mingle and drink and have fun.

I top off my glass of wine and walk over to where my friends are standing by the balcony doors.

“Hello, ladies!” I chime, a bright smile on my face.

“You look really happy right now, Liv.” Harlow gives me a curious look.

“It’s my boyfriend’s birthday,” I shrug, trying to appear nonchalant.

Lucia smirks at her. “You expect us to believe you’re just happy because it’s Lane’s birthday? No, something happened, didn’t it?”

“She probably got laid this morning,” Rory laughs.

“I mean… we definitely had some fun earlier.” I smile even wider. “That’s not why I’m happy, though.”

“What’s going on, Liv?” Ella asks.

“Lane asked me to adopt Sage this morning.”

“What?!” they all shriek in unison.

“You’re going to officially be her mom now?” Lo’s excitement is palpable.

“Yes,” I grin. “We’re going to complete the paperwork tonight to start the process.”

“Liv, that’s amazing!” Lucia says happily. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m so fucking happy,” I admit. “I get toofficiallybe a mom. I finally get everything I’ve always wanted.”

“I’m so damn happy for you,” Ella squeals, throwing her arms around me.

“Me too,” Rory smiles. “Even if you are going to put me out of a job.”

I throw back my head and laugh. “We haven’t talked at all about what that looks like. But considering I want to go back to school soon, I’d say your job is still safe for now.”

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