Epilogue

One Year Later

Caleb

I’m flipping steaks on the grill as my family is all gathered around for Sharlynn’s first birthday. It has gone so fast, but to see the change in Aria is unbelievable. She isn’t like the teenager I knew, but she’s getting there. To see her laugh with my brothers, or joke with my mom, or go out to her parents’ house alone… they’re all milestones I didn’t think we’d cross so quickly.

“I hope you’re not burning those steaks, handsome.”

Two arms wrap around my waist and I place the tongs down and turn in her arms. “They’re all good. Nearly cooked. Where’s our daughter?”

It still feels weird saying our daughter, but she’s mine. She’s always been mine, and nothing will ever make me think any differently. Life has changed with a child in it, but I wouldn’t change a thing.

“Last time I checked, Clay was playing with her and her ball in the living room. Your dad had to catch a few breakables in the process.” She giggles.

“I don’t know who the biggest kid is.” I shake my head. “Anyway, how are you holding up?”

I know today must be a reminder of what happened down at the docks, and what happened in general over the last several years. I can only hope that I help her make new memories that cover over the bad.

“I’m good. In fact, I have a surprise for you.”

“For me?” I question.

She pulls my hand away from the grill and I follow her. I look over my shoulder to see if the grill is okay.

“I’ve got the food, bro,” says Chris as we pass him.

It seems he knows what’s going on too, because his cheeky grin speaks volumes to me.

We stop in my office and she picks up an envelope from the table.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time. You know how our lawyer drew up that paperwork that forfeited any rights Sharlynn’s paternal family had over her?”

I nod.

“Well, once that was filed, it allowed our lawyer to draw up adoption papers. I don’t know all the legal terms, but in this envelope is the paperwork for you to sign to become Sharlynn’s legal father.”

I’m speechless. I knew this would come about one day, but the fact that Aria is ready to take that step is mind-blowing. I didn’t want to push her, because I wanted her to come to this decision in her own time, at her own pace.

“I don’t know what to say.” I close the gap between us and kiss her with everything I have in me. The passion and the love I have for this woman is off the charts, and each day that gets stronger. “Thank you.”

“She will officially be ours.”

“And on that note, I have a surprise for you today, but it seems you beat me to it.”

“Oh, yeah. What’s that?” She smiles at me.

“Aria Marshall, I have loved you since I was a child. Even all the years we were apart, not a day went by that I didn’t think about you. Then, out of the blue, you landed back in my lap. It hasn’t been easy for you, but you’re stronger now. You’re the perfect mother to our daughter and I hope that one day we’ll be able grow our family together.”

I take out the little black box from my jeans pocket and get down on one knee. Arias hands cover her mouth in surprise.

“I love you, Aria. I want to spend the rest of my life showing you that. Will you marry me?”

Instantly, she says, “Yes,” and throws herself into my arms. “I love you, Caleb, so much.”

And just like that, happy ever after does come true. Time and patience makes everything better.

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