Page 103 of Worthy of Sunsets and Second Chances

“Not one bit, wife, she still isn’t the jealous type, and I have to share her as a double date no matter where we go.” I tug her into me and nip at her earlobe. “We are both spoken for now, thank fuck.”

She tosses her head back laughing as our family and friends gather around to celebrate; Wren reaches out to Kendra who instantly takes our baby girl into her arms.

I can’t believe I get to have a lifetime of sunsets with her, dates with our daughter, simple things that turn into the sweetest memories. Thank God for stolen moments, our secret summer together . . . and second chances.

Epilogue

KENDRA

July twenty-first.

For so many years this was always the worst day of my life. Now the bitterness of the day, the pain and loss, is woven with the beauty of my new reality—and I am certain that my mom had a hand in bringing my family together. My daughter was born on a day I should hate. But now . . . I thank heaven, my mom, Mother Nature, the broken path I had to walk that led me right here.

After visiting my mom’s grave this morning with my husband, Pop, and Wren, we all came to the courthouse—where the rest of our family was waiting. The whole fire station, trucks and all, Jess and the boys, Danny, Lainey, Sutton and Kinsley, Rem’s parents, Holly and Eli’s sisters.

I passed my background check, the home studies, and we have the paperwork that Skylar signed relinquishing all her parental rights. That made the process much smoother. It also helped that I had been in Wren’s life since she was born, being the only mother she’s ever known. Our bond is obvious to anyone that spends time around us. I feel like I am glowing with her in my arms, and I can’t imagine a world where she didn’t exist, where she isn’t mine.

When we decided to have her official adoption for me and her be on her first birthday, it felt appropriate and special—it also felt like another gift from my mom. My dad also agreed with the plan. We wanted to respect his feelings, and he said there would be no better way to honor Mom. His love for his granddaughter is healing in its own profound way. I think he’s even considering moving to Fox Grove so that he can be closer to all of us. I know that it would make us happier to have him right down the road instead of a long drive and towns away.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove,” Judge Andrews says with a smile, “it is my great pleasure to officially approve the adoption of Wren Elizabeth Hargrove by Kendra Elizabeth Hargrove. You all make a lovely family, and I am very happy to see how much love and support all three of you have in your life.” He nods to all our family, by blood and by bond, filling the courtroom.

“Thank you, sir,” I say, kissing the top of Wren’s head with tears in my eyes.

“I know you have been waiting a long time for this day, and I am happy to sign this and make what you’ve already known official. Congratulations to all three of you. And a very happy first birthday to Wren. I can’t think of a better gift.” He smiles as he signs all the documents in front of him with a flourish.

Our loved ones clap and cheer, and Eli kisses me sweetly. Wren claps her hands proudly too, not wanting to miss out on the fun, and yells, “Mama! Mama!” leaving not a dry eye in the room.

Bonus Epilogue

ELI - TWO YEARS LATER

Chief Roberts stands in front of everyone with me at his side. The entire station, all shifts and their families, are here today for this. Most importantly, my wife and daughter sit front row, pride and love beaming from them as they watch.

“Most young men don’t know what they want to do until later in life, or they come into this job after having some kind of exposure to it. However, Eli here, well,” Chief Roberts chuckles, “he knew from the time he was in the third grade that he wanted to be a firefighter. Some people would say he was just dressing up or playing pretend. But that passion and drive never wavered. He went to college and earned his degree in fire science. When he joined the department here in Fox Grove I saw in him so much potential because for Eli it’s not just a job, just like the other people in this station.”

Everyone gathered nods in agreement.

“We are a family, a passionate one. This place is a commitment to community, service, and it’s also . . . a safe haven.” He looks at Wren, who grins at him. “Nobody knows that more deeply than Eli. That love and commitment to our community, the leadership as a captain, and exemplary skills he has as a firefighter make him the perfect candidate to step up and take my place as the new Fire Chief. In a small town, we have to fulfill different roles and put on many hats as leaders. We are a department that is small but knows how to show up for each other and the people of Fox Grove, and I could not be more proud to have served with each and every one of you.”

“Thank you, sir.” I shake his hand as the mayor of Fox Grove stands to swear me in as the new Fire Chief.

After vowing to honor and serve, protect and lead, and faithfully perform the duties of the office of Fire Chief, Kendra comes forward and pins my new badge to my dress uniform.

I kiss her chastely and she says, “I am so proud of you.”

Family dinner at the fire station was the way I wanted to celebrate my promotion. We had all chipped in to have Gino’s cater the meal so nobody had to worry about being stuck cooking and could just enjoy the day like we have done many meals before.

The fire spouse chat—led by my wife of course—organized the day and hung a huge hand-painted banner that read Congratulations, Chief Hargrove.

“You truly are the fire station daddy of all daddies now, aren’t you?” Rem asks, standing next to me and looking up at the sign.

“Oh shut the hell up.” I laugh, grinning at him.

“Seriously, I am so damn happy for you. I know that there is no better man for the job, and I am so proud to be here in this station with you.” Rem shakes my hand, and I do my best not to let tears well up in my eyes. We have been through so much together, and he is my brother by friendship and bond.

“Dada!” Wren scurries up to me, chased by Kendra.

“Slow down, peanut!” I say. “No running in the fire station, remember?”