Page 109 of Night Moves

“And then we’ll see about adoption if that’s a possibility.”

Natalie swung to look at her. “You want to adopt them?”

“We’re taking it one step at a time,” Russ said. “We want what’s best for them.”

“But you know I already think of them as ours,” Peggy said. “So letting them go might be hard.”

“Whatever happens, I know you are the right couple to care for these very fragile children,” Natalie said with oomph.

They fell silent and watched the adults and children interact. Drake and Willow sat in the grass eating their s’mores and talking. When he’d finished his, he escorted her and Logan inside to wash up, carrying a very messy Sadie with them. When they came out, the children took off toward an old swing set and fort.

“Would be good to build a new one of those,” Drake said to his dad. “We could help you and crank it out in one weekend.”

Russ nodded. “Gonna get my tape measure now and start the plans.”

Peggy gave her husband a glowing smile. “I’ll go with you and grab the cider for a toast to Sierra, Reed, and baby Asher.”

The couple walked away, and Natalie let out a contented sigh.

“That a good sigh or bad?” Drake asked.

“Good. Very good.”

He took both of her hands and smiled at her. “Big day, huh?”

She looked up at him. “Did you know about this?”

“Just that I’d mentioned it to Mom. I didn’t really think she’d act on it, but now that she has, I couldn’t be happier.”

“Yeah, me either.”

“I think in the future we should consider adopting them if Mom and Dad can’t.”

His bombshell should shock her, but it didn’t. It felt right.

“You know, when our emotions aren’t running so high and we’re not fearing for their future. Because now”—he stopped to look at his parents, who were stepping out the door—“with my mom and dad in the picture, they’re set for a good long time, and their future is looking bright.”

She twined her arms around his neck. His hands came around her waist, and he hauled her closer.

“I’m going to kiss you now, and if you object because everyone is watching, tell me and I’ll stop.”

She slid her fingers into his hair and drew his head down. Their lips met in an explosion of emotions, and her heart soared. She tried to deepen the kiss, but he pulled back.

“I guess you didn’t mind.” He grinned.

“Nah, they’re going to have to get used to it.”

He cupped the side of her face, his touch like a warming balm. “You look happy.”

“I am, and I was just thinking I’m like the children in more ways than I ever knew. I didn’t experience great parents growing up, and I never got the amazing family until now, but I did. Finally. And seeing all of you. Seeing your priorities, your love for one another, I know you’ll do your best to make our relationship work, and we’ll have just as bright of a future as the kids.”

“No question about it. That’s what we Byrds do.” He grinned at her. “We flock together.”