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I’d have loved Alec Junior regardless of his father, but the fact that he is mine melts my heart and seals us together as a family.

“I want a thousand more,” I whisper to no one in particular. “And a thousand more lifetimes with you.”

Danielle smiles softly, but she’s half asleep.

I pad over to the bookcase in the corner of the nursery, picking up the framed photograph of my mom and dad grinning back at me from some sun-soaked island.

Tears sting my eyes.

I wish he could’ve met him.

I wish he could’ve seen how in love I am with Danielle.

My wedding ring shimmers in the moonlight, and I stare down at it, twisting it happily.

It may be my imagination, but I could swear my dad winks at me from that photo.

Wishful thinking, perhaps, but I’ll take it.

Thanks for everything, Dad.

I’ll make you proud.