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“I am going to see what I can workout with the landlord, and I’ll let you know, okay?”
“It’s a deal.”
“Are the girls okay with all of this. I mean, I know they seem excited, but do they really know what they’re getting into?”
Owen thought about that for a minute. I knew without a doubt in my mind that he wanted the best for them, and he would never do anything to harm or make life hard for them, but this was a big transition, and I wasn’t sure if he had totally thought it through.
“They don’t remember their mom. Laila has a few sporadic memories, and Cora recognizes her in pictures, but neither of them really know what it’s like to have a woman in their life who is not paid to care for them.”
I wasn’t sure where he was headed with this, but I was very interested to find out.
“It’s definitely going to take some getting used to, but I think in the long run, it’s going to be a great thing for them, and we’re all going to be very happy.”
I smiled, knowing he was right. I never wanted to try to replace their mom. I would never be their real mother, but I hoped I could step in and be a positive influence in their lives. If I was never going to have kids of my own, I was going to do everything in my power to show Laila and Cora the unconditional love they deserved.
“I think we’re going to be happy, too,” I agreed.
A number of hours later,we landed in New York, exhausted, jet-lagged, and ready for bed. I bid a tearful farewell to each of my family members, especially the kids. I was so fortunate to have such a great family, and the vacation just proved it even more.
“I can’t wait to be your maid of honor,” Sierra said as I hugged her.
“I haven’t asked you to be my maid of honor.”
“I know, but you will.”
“You sound very sure of yourself.”
“Trust me, you’re going to need my help!”
I shook my head at her, but I knew she was right. I was definitely going to need all the help I could get, and who better to help me than my incredible little sister?
We all went our separate ways, with each member of my family headed in a different direction across the country. Owen and I picked up our luggage, and to no one’s surprise, he had a hired car waiting to take me home.
It was an odd feeling saying goodbye to him. It wasn’t going to be a long goodbye; we had plans to see each other the next day. But after spending nearly every moment together for the last two weeks, it was hard to leave.
I hugged the girls and gave them each a kiss on the head before Owen opened my car door and sent me on my way.
Arriving back at my apartment felt completely strange. It was dark and cold, and nothing like the cheery, cozy chalet I had grown so fond of. The space was entirely too quiet, and I felt like a different person than I had been when I left.
It was in that moment I realized I needed to get out of there as soon as possible. I needed to be with Owen and the girls, and I was ready to start my life with them that day. I sent Owen a message telling him to arrange the moving company, and I would figure out the rest later.
I went to bed that night feeling like there was no way life could get any better, but little did I know, I was about to enter a whole new world of happiness and love with Owen by my side.
29
OWEN
Amonth after our return home from Switzerland, we were back into the swing of real life. Laila was back at school, Cora was spending her days with Beth, and I was working non-stop, it seemed. The only thing different about our life now was that we had someone new to share it with.
Skye moving in was the most exciting day for all of us, and every day since then has been a dream. It was a busy time of year at work for her, but she always made sure to get home in time for dinner, something that was very important to her. The girls absolutely loved having her there, and I couldn’t have been happier.
One night at dinner, she had a smile on her face as we all sat around the table enjoying Andrew’s delicious cooking. She looked from Cora to Laila then to me without saying a word. I don’t think she knew I was watching her until she looked in my direction.
“What are you smiling about?” I asked.
“Nothing—I just—I don’t know.”
“What is it?”
