Page 100 of Could Have Been Us
“More than anything.”
Jack places his mug down. “We were young. We knew that we couldn’t give you a life like this. One where your mother would be at your school events or your father could take time off to go on fun vacations. I was still in college, and Stella hadn’t even started yet. We had nothing, and . . . giving you nothing felt like a selfish choice.”
I fight back the tears and hold on to the strength we had that day. “Misty and Samuel were wonderful people. They loved you before you were even born, and Jack and I knew they were the right choice.”
Kinsley looks over at the wall of family photos. “They never made me feel . . . less.”
“Oh, honey, you weren’t less. Not in any of our eyes. When we chose your parents, it was because we knew they were the right option. We knew they’d always love you, do the best thing for you, and they did. They honored what we wanted with the open adoption. Jack and I, along with your parents, agreed on that for your benefit.”
“So I could’ve found you if I wanted?” Kinsley asks.
“Yes, and your mom was always gracious to send us updates so we knew about you.”
Jack scratches the scuff on his face. “None of us ever saw it going this way. I can’t imagine the strength it took for your father to call us. I know it may not seem like it, but admitting he needed help and then asking his daughter’s biological parent to help had to have been one of the hardest things he’s ever done. There’s a lot of trust in that, and we don’t take it lightly.”
Kinsley runs her finger along the rim of her plate. “So now what?”
I look at Jack, who nods. “We wish we could stay down here for the time your dad needs, but while we’re starting with thirty days, Samuel did tell us it could be more if he needs it. We can stay here a few more days if you need, but then we need to get back to Willow Creek Valley.”
A tear falls down her cheek. “I don’t want to leave my home.”
I reach out, placing my hand on hers. “I know, and I’m sorry, but it’s only for a short time.”
“Can I take what I want from here?”
Jack speaks first. “Of course.”
“Will I meet everyone?”
“Slowly, and only if you want,” I say quickly. “You don’t have to get to know any of them, but . . .” My stomach is in knots. I don’t know how to explain that she has a family, a wonderful one, who will love her instantly. “They’ll be there if you want to.”
* * *
“This is my home,” I say as we enter.
Thankfully, Oliver already moved into Jack’s cabin and brought Jack’s things to my place.
Since I have a two bedroom loft, it made the most sense.
“Wow, it’s really cool.”
I smile. “I like the rustic warehouse feel.”
“Do you live here too?” she asks Jack.
“No, I have a cabin, but Stella’s brother is staying there, so I’m going to sleep here, if that’s cool?”
“It’s cool.”
Kinsley has been amazing with us so far. She asks questions, wanting to know us, but then backs off when she gets overwhelmed. Jack and I aren’t pushing and are just allowing it to happen at her pace.
I have no idea how I’m going to get to know this brilliant girl and then watch her leave again.
I keep reminding myself not to fall in love with her, but it’s already happened. If I’m honest, it happened the first time I held her, and it hasn’t ebbed.
“I need to use the bathroom,” she says.
“It’s right through there.” I point down the hall. “The first door is my room and the bathroom is past that on your right. Your room will be back out this way and to the left.”
