jeopardize them in any way. She didn’t want to bring the wrath
 
 of their husbands or their father down on them. Maybe one
 
 day, she would be able to do it.
 
 “Yes!” Cassia nodded emphatically. A sudden radiance
 
 bubbled up in her, a feeling she could barely contain. “Yes, I
 
 want kids. I want a family of our own. If you’re okay with it, I
 
 would like to adopt. I think we were both given amazing
 
 opportunities in life, even if we had rougher starts. Neither of
 
 us knew a lot of love growing up, both for different reasons.
 
 I’d like to share all the love I have now with someone who
 
 needs it. Or would you like to have our own children?” She
 
 grabbed Adalynn’s hand, drawing her close and clutching it
 
 tightly between them. “I know you had very painful losses
 
 before. I know how hard it is for you to think of ever being
 
 pregnant again. I know you’ve said that the loss fades with
 
 time, but I’m sure that even talking about that time is painful
 
 for you.”
 
 Adalynn smoothed her fingers over Cassia’s gently. “It’s in
 
 the past. It was painful, but each year that passes eases some
 
 of that sting. I’m more than okay with talking about this, and
 
 absolutely okay with thinking about starting a family with you.
 
 When I think about that, I feel so much joy. If you want to
 
 have our own children, I would love to give you that, but if
 
 you’re open to adopting, I really like that idea too. There are
 
 kids out there who have been through hell. I’d like to give
 
 them a place that, even if it’s crazy and has too many goats
 
 and only one turret, is a full of happiness and patience and
 
 love.”
 
 “I think kids would like it out here. I like the idea of
 
 adopting, no matter how long or difficult the process is.”