Chloe starts laughing, and I can’t help but join her.
“I guess we should go explain,” I say.
“I guess we should.” But she doesn’t move, just looks at me with so much warmth in her eyes that my chest aches. “For the record? I’m really glad I answered your ad.”
“Me too.” I lace my fingers through hers. “Come on. Let’s go tell them the good news.”
The words feel right in a way nothing has felt right in years. Good news has been lacking and this feels like big news.
We walk toward the house hand in hand, and through the window I can see the twins pressed against the glass, watching us with identical grins.
This is going to change everything.
And for the first time in three years, I’m not afraid of change.
I’m ready for it.
Chapter 8
Chloe
The twins are staringat us like we just announced we’re moving to Mars.
We’re all sitting in the living room. Me and Jonah on the couch, Ava and Mia on the floor with their hot chocolate, and Carol, Jonah’s mom, in the armchair trying very hard not to look smug.
“So,” Jonah says, his hand warm in mine, “Chloe and I have something to tell you.”
“You’re getting married!” Ava shouts.
“We saw you kissing!” Mia adds.
“Not married,” I say quickly, feeling my face heat. “But... we do like each other. A lot. And that means some things are going to be different.”
“Good different,” Jonah adds. “Chloe’s not going to leave like we thought. She’s going to stay. If that’s okay with you two.”
There’s a moment of silence.
Then Mia launches herself at me, hot chocolate forgotten, wrapping her arms around my neck so tight I can barely breathe. “You’re staying forever?”
I can’t help but fall under her spell. She wants this as much as we do.
“Forever,” I promise, hugging her back.
Ava climbs onto the couch between me and Jonah, looking up at him with serious eyes. “Does this mean Chloe’s our new mommy?”
I feel Jonah tense beside me, and I know he’s thinking about Rachel. About promises that got broken. About how to explain this to a four-year-old without making her afraid.
“It means,” I say carefully, “that I love you both very much. And I’m going to be here for you, no matter what. We can figure out the rest as we go. Okay?”
Ava considers this. Then she looks at Jonah. “Are you happy, Daddy?” The ever sensitive one, she makes my heart soar.
His voice is thick when he answers. “Yeah, baby. I’m really happy.”
“Okay.” Ava snuggles against my side. “I like Chloe. Plus, she does the wolf voice better than you.”
Jonah laughs, the sound full of relief. “She really does.”
Carol stands up, dabbing at her eyes. “Well, I think this calls for a celebration. How about I make my famous chocolate chip cookies?”
