Page 150 of Forever After All

Jameson must have picked up on the emotion welling inside her because he ushered everyone toward the door. “Let’s get inside, and everyone can take turns staring at the babies.”

Colt, Remi, Ben, and Abby made their way inside, and Jameson hung back to wrap Ava in a hug. She nuzzled into his neck and squeezed his middle.

“Welcome home,” he whispered into her hair.

Paul’s truck headed up the drive, and Ava reached down to get Ron from his carrier. “We’ll be right in.”

Jameson gave Paul a wave as the truck parked in front of the house. “Take your time.”

Ava bounced Ron against her chest as Paul met her on the porch. His dark eyes met hers, and his mouth turned up in a grin beneath his short beard. “You doin’ okay?” he asked.

“Better than okay.”

His rough hand cupped the back of her head as he pulled her close to place a light kiss on her hair. “You’re a great mama.”

Thane stopped beside her and rested his head on her foot. Even the tough wild dog was calmed by the baby.

Ava looked down at Ron and repositioned him so Paul could get a better look. “All I’ve done so far is sit by his bedside. I’ve been pretty helpless.”

Paul turned his attention to the baby and let out a deep sigh. “That was all you needed to do. Just love him.”

“Got that part down,” she said.

“You forget I found out about you after you were already grown. I didn’t have to do much either.”

She’d grown up with a great dad, but Paul had been the blessing she hadn’t expected. How many people got to have two amazing dads in their life? “You didn’t have to do anything.”

“I guess the first step is just loving your kid. Things probably fall into place after that.”

Ava nodded, unsure if words would start the waterworks she’d been holding off for weeks.

Her baby was home now. They were happy tears.

“Thanks for everything,” Ava finally said.

“I love you, Ava. And I’m glad I get to see Ron grow up.”

“You didn’t miss too much. I’m still growing too.”

Paul’s big hand brushed over baby Ron’s head. “I know. But you don’t need me anymore.”

Her chin quivered, and her vision went blurry. “That’s not true. I always need you.”

He wrapped her and Ron in a warm embrace. “You’ll always have me.”

When her dad released her, she wiped at her face and bounced Ron in her arms. “Will you come over for dinner tonight? Vera said she’d stop by with food after the dinner rush.”

“I wouldn’t miss it. I think that means I better get back to work.”

Paul turned and headed back toward his truck, and Ava cleared her throat before shouting, “Love you, Dad!”

Jameson and their friends were inside waiting, but she watched her dad drive away until his truck disappeared from view.

She’d come to the ranch years ago knowing she was probably severing ties with her mother, the only family she had left. Now, she had a Heavenly Father, dad, grandpa, husband, son, and countless friends. She even had a loving mother. They’d turned their relationship around, and they spent as much time together as possible.

Sometimes, life works out for the better when you least expect it.

Colt

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