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Her suggestions have been... unique, to say the least. But it's her promise of becoming the best big sister in the world that warms my heart every time.
My gaze finds Sophie's across the picnic blanket, and we share a knowing smile. Life has certainly changed since I moved to Willow Creek a year ago.
I never imagined I would find a love like Sophie, that my little girl would find a second mom in her, and that we would be on the cusp of expanding our family.
We've spoken about getting married after the baby is born, and every time the subject comes up, Sophie gets this twinkle in her eyes, her imagination painting her dream wedding.
I can't wait to make that dream come true, can't wait to see her walking down the aisle, more radiant than ever.
And now, looking around at the small town park, it strikes me how tranquil my life has become. My work as a cop has seen fewer spikes in adrenaline lately.
The most dangerous event of the past few months was arresting some fool who thought he could rob a flower shop without a weapon and ended up getting punched by the owner's boyfriend.
My gaze falls back on Lucy, smiling as she goes to play with other kids. The whole town has taken a liking to her, and it's no surprise. She's smart, kind, a little ray of sunshine. Even her teachers can't stop gushing about her.
I never imagined my life would turn out this way, and as I watch my family-to-be, I feel a swell of gratitude. Willow Creek, Sophie, Lucy... It all feels like a dream. But it's not. It's my reality, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Sophie’s gaze finds mine, her eyes soft and full of love. I can't help but reach out to gently stroke her cheek. "I love you," I tell her.
The words flow out effortlessly like they were always meant to be said.
Her lips curl up into a beautiful smile that could easily outshine the sun above us.
"I love you too, Damien," she replies. "Our life... it's like something out of a fairytale."
A warmth floods me, and I lean in, pressing my lips to hers in a sweet, lingering kiss. When I pull away, I can't help but whisper in her ear.
"This is just the beginning, love. We've got a whole life ahead of us."
"I couldn't ask for anything better," she admits. "I still can't believe how quickly I went from nanny to stepmother."
A soft chuckle bubbles up from my chest.
"Neither can I. It happened fast, but it was right. You fit into our lives so seamlessly. You were meant to be part of our family."
Sophie's arms wind around my neck, and I remind her to take it easy. She just pretends to be indignant, poking my chest lightly.
"I may be pregnant, but I'm not a porcelain doll," she playfully scolds.
We settle into a comfortable embrace, her head nestled against my shoulder. She thanks me again for helping with her father's expensive medication. I kiss her forehead, reminding her that her family is my family now.
Besides, the money was what I would have paid her as a nanny anyway. To me, it's just a means to ensure the well-being of the people I care about.
Sophie grins up at me, her eyes sparkling with joy and love. She closes her eyes, leaning in for another kiss, and I pause for a moment just to take in the sight before me.
The late afternoon sun filters through the trees, casting a warm glow over her face and accentuating the dimples in her cheeks.
I am in love with her, completely, unabashedly, irrevocably. Love, once a terrifying concept, is now my driving force. It's the reason I wake up every day, the reason I strive to be a better man.
It's a love I never thought I would find, yet here it is, as real as the sun setting in the sky. And I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
Falling for the Scarred Doctor
Chapter 1 - Kate
Okay, now it’s no longer ignorable.
The stabbing pain in my left side has me doubled over, wincing and cursing under my breath. I've spent the entire night gritting my teeth, wiping down the countertops, and filling cups with coffee and alcohol with a forced smile. I don't do weak. I don't do vulnerable. But damn, it’s getting hard to pretend.
