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“They are gorgeous,” Sarah says, “but don’t worry, their cousins will keep them in line and chase all the boys away.”
“Congratulations on the secondPeople Magazinearticle.” Kiki winks. “The pictures of you, Connor, and the girls are amazing.”
“Couldn’t have done it without our amazing photographer.” I kiss Andie’s cheek. “I think it will give hope to those families who are struggling.”
“For sure,” Sarah agrees. “We’re so proud of you and Connor for putting your story out there.”
People Magazinehad such a positive response from our sidebar story with the band, that they asked to do a full-page cover story when they found out we adopted Cara and Rilee. Connor and I held hands during the whole interview and I let him do most of the talking. He was candid and talked about the highs and lows of raising twins.
I always knew he’d be an amazing dad, but he breathed life back into me when we first brought them home. It was scary and challenging with two babies, and I had no clue what I was doing. Between the daily panic attacks and the feeling undeserving of these babies, the cracks in my facade were starting to show. But Connor kept us glued together, and said that not knowing how everything is supposed to go will make us better parents. For once in my life, I took a step back and let someone else take the reins.
“I know this isn’t your usual style for a party, but I’m glad you decided not to go with the over-the-top circus theme with the bearded lady and the dancing bears and dogs. I know you were chomping at the bit to wear the ringmaster outfit with the tophat—”
“And sequined coat.”
“And the sequined coat, but this is nice,” Kiki says.
“Yeah, it is nice. I’m glad you and Connor shot down pretty much all of my ideas.”
Tatum jokes with Cam while they both hold the newest additions to their families. Kiki may have griped about not having a little girl like she hoped, but little Jake Reed has both of them wrapped around his little finger. Chase runs around the playground with Drew’s bankie tied around his neck like he’s Superman, while Drew chases him. Alexis and Enzo compete on who can swing the highest, while Wyatt pushes BB-2 in a baby swing next to them. Jax, Lex, Connor, Matt, and Will play a game of football while Finn referees.
“You know, I’ve always wanted a big family.” I smile, looking around at our friends and family. “And that dream finally came true.”
“We may not be perfect,” Kiki says.
“Or sane.” Andie laughs.
“But we’ve got each other.” Sarah hugs me.
I grin and wave them into a huddle. Kiki groans and I give her the stink eye. “On three, you guys. Give me a razzle dazzle, snizzle my shizzle, sparkle, pop, and fizz. TJ’s the best!”
I dip my hands into my pockets and throw glitter in the air, the sparkly fragments raining down all around us.
“TJ!” the three of them yell.
Life is always better with sparkle.
“Cynthia Rusli oncesaid, ‘Everything happens for a reason. Every person we meet has a role in our life, whether it is big or small. Some will hurt, betray and make us cry. Some will teach us a lesson, not to change us, but to make us be a better person.’
“I wholeheartedly believe this to be true. If I didn’t have to go through the hard stuff—if I didn’t fail, then I wouldn’t be the man I am today. People come in and out of our lives, challenging us to look deeper within ourselves. My Nana Rose always said, you have two choices in life. You can either dance with the two left feet you were given or give up and go home. I’m going to choose to dance. I apologize to no one, bitches.”
—TJ Ryan,The Nashville Spotlight
Epilogue II
Connor
“Hey guys!” Ishout, but no one pays me any attention. Looking around The Social Hour, I’m surrounded by all my friends. Tatum and Kiki, Lex and Sarah, Cam and Andie, TJ, Mandy, Matt, Will, and their girlfriends. It’s been a long day of festivities celebrating our beautiful daughters’ first trip around the sun. The grandparents brought all the kids back to Sarah and Lex’s house for one massive sleepover. Luckily, Kiki had the forethought to hire a few babysitters to help out.
It’s often said that the Irish are known for their luck, and I’m gonna have to agree with whatever drunk curmudgeon came up with that theory. We’re strong-willed enough to always land on our feet, even when the chips are down. Whether the theory is true or I’m just a stubborn arse, I’m grateful for the people here tonight.
TJ is animatedly talking with Mandy, his cheeks flushed and hair mussed. Damn, he’s as adorable as the first night he walked into my bar looking like a sequined leprechaun. I had my doubts after the first couple days the twins were home that we would make it to their first year. TJ would go from crying to laughing, back to bawling within a thirty-second conversation. I thought I was going to have to raise them on my own when he locked himself in the laundry room after Cara projectile-vomited all over his new Burberry sweater. But after a week of me and Nana Rose patiently talking him off the ledge, and a little help from Gloria and Dr. Bart, he came back swinging, ready to be the dad I knew he could be. Ma was right, life is about pivoting, and I just had to patiently wait for him to run back to me. I’m so damn proud of my man.
My brother snags Sarah as she walks by, dipping her into a kiss. They’ve had a tough year with their kids, but their love is strong and true. I learned a lot from watching them navigate everything, from Alexis’s habit of parroting adults, to Wyatt’s anxiety and Jax’s sex education. They tackled it together and came out on the other side closer than ever. I shake my head and chuckle. I can’t believe the wanker is still standin’.
Cameron catches my eye and raises his beer. I lift my chin in return. He was so worried everything would crash and burn this past year, but the jammy sod has it all—a beautiful wife who thinks he hung the moon, three healthy and incredibly sweet kids, a smashing successful business, and me as his best friend and business partner. Like I said, he’s a lucky chancer.
Tatum wraps an arm around Kiki, who looks like she’s about to pass out. The boys adore the new baby, but have not calmed down by any means as Kiki had hoped. She has officially announced she is done having babies. I guess three boys is enough to wrangle. I told her she could get her girly fix with the twins anytime she needs it. But like everyone here tonight, the chaos seems to have made them stronger. Tatum kisses the top of her head and snuggles her closer.
