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My kids.
Our kids.
Damn, it felt so natural to say that.
“I want more babies,” Hadley whispered as we moved.
“What?” I snapped back to the present and dropped my gaze down to her pretty face.
“Not now,” she said quickly. “But I’d like one or two more.”
“I’m glad you said that because I was thinking the same thing.” I glanced over to where Annalise was talking Lars’s ear off. “Although we probably need to wait until Annalise gets to kindergarten and we only have one kid at home.”
Hadley chuckled. “Agreed.”
“Excuse me, Mr. Kirby.” A big, burly man approached us as our dance came to an end.
“What’s going on, Cal?” We’d had to hire security for the wedding, simply because I was a local celebrity—as were my teammates—and the public could sometimes be thoughtless and overzealous.
“Someone here to see you named Len Harris; says he’s an attorney but he’s not on the list.”
“Oh god.” Hadley paled a little. “You think Patrick and Susan…” Her voice trailed off.
“Let me go find out.”
“I’ll come too.” She slid her fingers through mine and we hurried into the house.
“Wes. Hadley.” Len was standing by the front door. “I’m so sorry to intrude but I had strict instructions from Ben and Lauren.”
Hadley’s fingers squeezed mine tightly. “B-ben and Lauren?” she whispered, clearly startled.
He smiled. “Apparently, those two were mind readers or something, because they left a letter that was to be given to you on your wedding day or as soon thereafter as I was able.”
“Oh my god.” Hadley sagged a little, but I slid my arm around her waist and pulled her into my side.
“Anyway, I didn’t mean to cause a fuss. I just wanted to abide by their wishes.” He handed me an envelope. “Congratulations. And I’m sorry again for intruding.”
“Thank you so much for bringing this,” I said, shaking his hand. “You’re welcome to stay.”
“No, thank you. My grandson has a T-ball game in an hour and if I miss it, my wife and my daughter will both have my head.”
I chuckled. “All right. Thank you.”
Len headed out and I looked at Hadley. “What do you think the letter says?”
She shook her head. “I can’t imagine.”
I grinned and handed it to her. “You want to do the honors?”
“We’ll read it together.” She slowly lifted the seal and pulled out a sheet of paper.
“You read it,” I said gently.
* * *
Mr. and Mrs. Kirby,
WE KNEW IT!! When we decided to leave custody of our children to the two of you, we knew that if something ever happened to us and you guys were forced to truly get to know each other, you’d fall in love and get married.
Damn, you guys have smart friends. All these years you thought you hated each other, but really it was just sexual tension. We laughed about it afterward every time the two of you were together. Never lose the passion you bring out in each other. See each other’s strengths instead of weaknesses. Be each other’s best friend. Show our children what true love looks like. It’s selfless. Joyful. Messy. Hard. Beautiful.
If only we could be there with you on your wedding day. The two of you are so dear to us. We wanted to spend forever together raising our family, but if we can’t be there, it’s comforting to know you will be. We wish you a lifetime of love, more babies to love, and beautiful friends to celebrate with.
Writing “in the event of our death” letters is brutal. This is the only one we are smiling while writing. Thanks, you guys. For every moment. Every laugh. Every memory. Make more every day, and never give up on each other.
* * *
With all our love,
Ben and Lauren
* * *
I used my thumb to wipe a stray tear from Hadley’s cheek but she was smiling. “I really fucking miss them.”
“They’re right here, though,” I said, tapping my fist over my chest. “And apparently here…” I waved the piece of paper.
“They knew us so well.”
“Yup.”
“Mommy! Daddy! What are you doing?” Annalise came running in indignantly, hands on her hips. “Come watch me and Thor dance.”
Hadley turned to her with a smile. “You got Thor to dance?”
“Not yet.” Annalise gave us a sheepish smile. “I’m gonna go ask him now.”
“Okay, we’re coming.” Hadley threaded her fingers through mine again, leaning over to whisper, “we’re definitely waiting until she’s in kindergarten to have more.”
We headed back to the reception and I paused to look up at the sky as we got outside. The sky was blue and cloudless, an absolutely perfect day for a wedding.
“Thank you,” I whispered silently. “For your friendship, for Hadley, and for trusting me to raise your family. I miss you guys.”
A gentle breeze wafted over my skin in response.
“You okay?” Hadley asked, meeting my gaze.
“I’m perfect.” I leaned over to kiss the tip of her nose. “Do we rescue Lars or let Annalise have her way with him?”
