Page 51 of By Your Side

I love him even more knowing my past doesn’t intimidate him.

Owen comes in, the dogs on his heels and a fluffball in his arms. “Another abandoned kitten.” He sighs.

“I will take it to work since we have room.” Walking over, I stroke the tiny thing’s head. “I don’t understand how people can just toss animals aside.”

Settling it into the bathroom until I head to the shelter, I join Owen on the couch and cuddle into him.

“Mom called while I was outside. The sale of her house went through and Raelynn has been helping her find something here. Are you sure it’s okay for her to stay here while she looks?” he asks.

Nodding, I confirm, “Of course. The apartment over the barn is hers for as long as she needs it. You know I love your mom.”

He kisses me deeply, holding me close. “You’re amazing.”

Smiling, I snuggle into him.

“So, now that we’re living together, I was curious about how you picture our future.”

Resting my head on his shoulder, I grin. “Oh? What about it?”

His chest rises on a deep breath. “I know that you’ve set aside your dream of having a family and I’m on board if that is really what you want. But I also know you don’t go through the pain of IVF multiple times if you don’t want children in your life.”

Closing my eyes, I soak in his comfort as I recall the last negative pregnancy test. “It was something I dreamt about for as long as I can remember. But I can’t go through that again.”

“And that’s okay. But there are other ways to have a family. If you ever want to discuss other ways we can expand our family, I’m on board. I want you to be happy so we can explore fostering or adopting. Whatever makes you happy.”

Lifting my head, I kiss him on the cheek. “I will keep that in mind. Right now, I’m happy with just us.”

“I never planned on finding love. It wasn’t even on my radar, but damn, I’m so glad you almost crashed into me.” He grins.

Laughing, I bury my face in his chest. “Back at you. I never imagined my life would be this amazing when I decided to rebuild this house with the grump down the road. I love you.”

“I love you too.”

epilogue

Three years later

Cameron

Adeline sits on the deck, the book she was reading sitting on her lap as she looks out over the yard. Grabbing a cup of coffee for her, I join my wife on the chaise. She smiles as she takes the mug, sipping with a sigh.

“Thank you.”

Laughter fills the air, drawing our attention back to the yard. Wrapping my arms around Adeline, I rest my chin on her shoulder.

A year ago, Adeline and I applied to become foster parents, and six months ago, we received a call about a brother and sister who needed a home.

It has had its ups and downs, but watching Anna and Colin play in the treehouse, every low has been worth it. They have come out of their shells so much since they arrived, it’s amazing to see their transformation.

“Their social worker just called while you were inside. Reunification is officially off the table. She said we can proceed with adoption if it’s what we want.” She looks at me, her eyes questioning.

“I guess I better bug Young Jae about designing the expansion to the house.”

She smiles and nods. “Agreed. But first, we need to ask them if they want to join our family forever.”

Looking at where they are running through the yard, I nod. “In a bit. Let’s let them play.”

We cozy up, Adeline picking her book up and continuing to read.

Kissing her cheek, I close my eyes and revel in the life I never thought I would have.

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