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Aiden and I have been busy setting up shop for my bakery to open, and despite Aiden working as a consultant for businesses, he’s poured a lot of time and energy into Dorian.
I know my brother sees him as a dad, and he treats Connor as a brother, yet he feels like he doesn’t quite belong in the family in some way.
But tonight, we are changing that.
“If I could have your attention, please,” Aiden calls out, drawing the room of family and friends into silence.
I glance out around the crowd, seeing the Banks family front and center. Jasper and Micah are both standing there with giddy smiles on their faces. They know what’s coming too.
“As you all know,” I begin at Aiden’s nod, “I graduated with my bachelor’s degree a few days ago. However, as excited and as happy as I am, tonight isn’t just about me.”
Everyone cheers except Connor and Dorian, who exchange confused glances.
I smile wider as I look at them. “Alden and I have been working hard since we got married to make our family complete, and there was just something we really felt needed to happen.”
Alden reaches out and grabs my hand, giving it a squeeze. “We were granted approval from the judge for me to adopt Dorian as my own.Ifthat’s what he wants.”
Dorian’s jaw drops, and within seconds his eyes well up with tears. “Wait, really?”
“Yeah, really.” I stifle the happy sob in my chest. “You can keep our family’s last name if you’d like, or you can become a Banks. It’s up to you because either way, it’s official. Connor will be your brother. Forever.”
Dorian and Connor look at each other with awe, and then both burst into tears, embracing. Aiden and I join them, wrapping our arms around them.
“I can’t believe this.” Dorian beams, and everyone breaks into applause as he hugs Aiden with a force I didn’t even know he had. “I love you,” he cries.
Aiden looks over at me, his eyes glistening with tears as he returns Dorian’s embrace. “I love you, too,son.”
When Dorian finally pulls back, he looks into Aiden’s eyes. “Thanks… Dad.”
The smile on Aiden’s face lights up the whole room. He keeps Dorian at his side, arm around his shoulder. A proud dad.
My heart melts at the sight.
“But that is not all,” Aiden announces.
And I frown. “In order for us toallbe a true official family, there are a few more papers that need signing, so, Connor, would you mind coming here please?”
Connor frowns and heads up to his dad.
What is this about?
“Please open this and take a look inside.” Aiden hands the envelope to his son before leaning down and whispering something in Connor’s ear.
He looks at his dad with widened his eyes, hurrying to tear the envelope open.
“Is this for real, Dad?”
“Yes,ifthat is something you want.”
He beams. “It is.”
“Then, ask.” Aiden smiles and tilts his head my way.
Connor’s throat bobs up and down before he turns to me. I smile at him, but I have no idea what is going on.
“Mel… I…”
“What is it, honey?” I love this boy with all my heart. Whatever he needs to ask, I’m positive I won’t hesitate to give him.
