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“You have yourself a deal.” Brad slipped the ring over my finger and then stood so I could kiss him. Everyone congratulated us, and then Emmy came over to him. “I told you she’d say yes.”
“Wait! You told Emmy?”
“I had to make sure it was alright with them.”
I laughed as I hugged him tightly, and then David was pulling the rest of the swing panels out, and someone brought out a drill. A few minutes later, all the panels were attached, and the couples gravitated toward their swing.
There was a total of eight swings, one for each sibling and one for Patricia and David. The last swing was for the kids. Each of their names was carved lovingly into the wood by me. Pete had come by to give me lessons on using the router. I was kind of addicted to it now.
I scanned the couples. Wes was holding baby Michael, and Charlotte was smiling softly toward Marisol who was still roasting marshmallows. The girl probably wouldn’t sleep all night from all the sugar she had consumed tonight.
On the next swing were Riley and Ethan. I was glad that Ethan hadn’t missed the picnic. Being a county detective, he got called away quite often on family events when he was needed. Corey bounced on Ethan’s knee as Riley toyed with the hair at Ethan’s neck, looking serene and happy.
The next swing held Huntley and Daniella, and Hunt was whispering something in her ear. Beside the swing lying watchful was Tigger, their dog. He wasn’t watching Daniella, his gaze was locked on the marshmallows being roasted by the kids.
As I continued, my gaze landed on Henley and Roxanne. His arm was thrown over her shoulder, and she rested her head against him. He kissed her forehead and I saw his hand slip over her belly, pausing to cup it just so. His eyes lifted and locked with mine. He winked before he removed his hand and I smiled brightly at him. Looks like Henley and Roxanne might be announcing something soon.
Kayley and Cam were beside them holding hands. Kayley’s belly was beginning to pop more now, and she ran slow circles over her belly. She had never looked more beautiful in my opinion than she did as she gazed at Cameron.
My eyes shifted to the last swing to the couple where it had all begun. Patricia and David sat holding hands, gliding back and forth, with pride and love shining brightly from their eyes. I caught Patricia’s eye and she gave me a loving smile.
I was part of this family now, and I couldn’t be happier.
As the sun went down, we watched the town fireworks through the trees. The kids squealed and laughed as the adults sat around the firepit and stared in wonder at the sky, sharing kisses and tender looks with their loves.
I looked at the ring on my finger, the firelight sparkling off of it, and I knew that no matter what happened, I had found my forever. With Brad beside me, all four of the kids would have the love and support that they needed—and so would we.
* * *
