Page 112 of Heal
Jeff gave him a tight hug before pulling back. "So, will you move in?"
Parson laughed. "Let me talk to your dad about things later and I promise to let you know. But, no matter what I decide, I'll take the key so I know I can always be with my family."
Beau was pretty sure Parson was okay with moving in. They'd discussed it a lot, talking about what needed to be done to make it all happen. It was a big step, but one that Beau had no doubts about.
"Thank you, guys, this means so much to me." Parson tucked the key back in the box and set it next to him.
"You next." Lisa handed Beau a box.
"You guys didn't have to get me anything."
"Yeah, we did, especially this." Jeff wrapped his arm around his sister with an excited smile. "Open it."
Beau slowly tore off the paper, expecting something his sister helped the kids pick out. He lifted out something wrapped in tissue paper, as he opened the paper, Beau blinked, unable to hold back the tears as he stared at the plaque. It read, 'World's Greatest Dad'. The emotion that those simple words brought forth were overwhelming. He wiped his eyes with the back of his hand. "Thank you. This is the best gift I've ever gotten." He meant it too. He never dreamed that being a father could mean so much to him.
Lisa stood, coming to hug him. "That's not all of it. Jeff and I were hoping that we can call you Dad from now on."
More tears burned his eyes as he opened his arms to both Lisa and Jeff. "Come here." He wrapped them in a tight hug, holding them against his chest. "I love you so much. You two are everything to me. I would be so proud to be your dad and have you call me that." He closed his eyes, hardly able to believe how perfect his life had become.
"I love you, Dad." Lisa smiled.
"Me too, Dad." Jeff hugged him again.
"Best kids ever." Beau didn't even try to hide the tears as he stared at the two children who helped make his life complete. "Family forever. I promise you that." He pulled back and looked at Lisa. "Why don't you grab that thin present over there? It's for both you and Jeff."
"This one?" She picked up the present that was so thin it looked paper.
"Yep. Open it." Beau expected to be nervous when he saw the kids open it, but he wasn't. There was a confidence now that told him they would be happy.
Lisa tore the wrapping off and pulled free a manila envelope, opening it, she pulled several sheets of paper out. As she started to read, her eye grew wide. "Is this real?"
"What is it?" Jeff tore it from her hands. He glanced at it. "Adoption? Does this mean you're adopting us?"
Beau nodded, smiling so big his cheeks hurt.
"Seriously?" Lisa looked up, tears in her eyes.
"If you guys will have me as your family." Beau's voice broke with emotion.
"Yes!" both kids screamed as they ran to him.
As he hugged the kids again, he glanced over at Parson, he was sure everything that mattered in his future was right here in the room with him. Between the kids and Parson, his life was full. He couldn't imagine being any happier.
