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“Can I Unckie?! Mom, River feed horsie?” River asks in his adorably sweet voice.
“Of course, sweetie,” I reply with a smile. “Let’s just get your coat on first.”
After feeding the horses and Lake getting settled and cleaned up post-game, I wash the old dishes in the sink before leaning back against the counter. I take a second to be thankful for everything around me and the immense love that fills this home. Peering at the dining table that really brought us together, I smile to myself. Memories of that Thanksgiving flood me every time the holidays roll around, but instead of the overwhelming sadness that used to be there, we are now filled with nothing but joy and memories that flood our hearts.
We lost Lydia, but we truly gained a family. A growing one at that. The one she always wanted for him. The one he never saw coming. Lake will never be on his own, as much as he felt he was after her passing. We’ve created our own traditions. Started our own legacy. Together.
I sit at the table with my computer and paperwork in front of me as Lake walks in through the side door near the kitchen. He approaches me from behind, his hands finding my shoulders. He massages the sore muscles gently, and I lean my neck into it.
“You shouldn’t be working so hard, baby. You need to take it—”
“If you came over here to tell me to take it easy, you can walk yourself back out that door and go shack up with Colin in his house.”
“Yeah, right.” He laughs. “He just kicked me out! He loves the privacy of his own space.”
We splurged a little after renovations to the home we both loved. Selling Lake’s mom’s house wasn’t even a question. We knew that the land and space would be perfect for our growing family, and the guest house we built for Colin was the perfect solution. That, and the horses are clearly obsessed with Colin and we couldn’t imagine ever getting rid of them. He simply took over their care, never once being intimidated by their size or demeanor, with the help of Lake, and Dale, who often visits us. He has a genuine connection to them I find so beautiful and truly magical. Being in that barn is therapeutic for us all.
“Is River down?” Lake asks, peering down the hall.
“Yeah. Poor kiddo was so tired after eating four hot dogs tonight.”
Lake gasps. “Four?!”
“Kid is just like his damn daddy. Can’t keep these boys fed.”
He chuckles, continuing to rub my shoulders before leaning over me and asking, “What are you working on tonight?”
“Just trying to set the schedule for next month. We’ve got eight new patients I’m working into the program.”
That new side project I was working on? The new business? Well, it became a big deal. I opened up my own therapy center for kids and adults with special needs and disabilities. Who better to assist those with impairments or injuries from sports than a woman with all the experience?
I hired Colin immediately as my office assistant, working behind the scenes, filing and working the books in peace, away from the Karens of the world. Never again will I allow him to work in a grocery store. Nope. Never.
He’s had an amazing time alongside me when he actually decides to get away from the confines of the office, helping to work with some kids who can relate to him better than me. I think he might even have a girlfriend. He won’t admit to it, but every time Evelyn comes in for therapy, he suddenly appears near the equipment, finding a way to talk to her. She even blushes when their eyes connect. He’s so gifted, and I’m just so happy to find a place where he can really thrive. A job that truly fills him with a sense of pride and celebrates who he is.
Lake assisted us in building the new complex last year, adding in a gym with all the technological advances that a therapist like me could ever dream of. We even have a pool for therapy purposes. Yeah, things definitely happen for a reason.
“You’re so amazing,” he whispers, kissing my neck.
“Lake, you just won the Super Bowl! Can we please focus on how amazing you are tonight?”
He cocks a brow immediately. “What do you have in mind?”
“Calm down, big boy, I’m still a whale, remember?”
He helps me stand up, his hands forever all over me.
“If you’re a whale, then I’m the Lake you get to swim in,” he says, nuzzling his face into my neck.
I laugh because he’s killing me with the lame dad jokes lately. I moan because fuck, that feels good.Goddamn pregnancy hormones.
He gives me a quick kiss on the lips before handing me a gift from behind his back. My shoulders sag as I look at him in disbelief.
“Why?! This isn’t about me! Stop being so amazing. You’re making me feel bad.”
“Shut up, girl.” He smirks, then scowls. “Take the gift before I decide to take it away.”
I sigh, then grab what feels like a hardcover book wrapped in newspaper.
