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My husband stares at me as if studying for a high-stakes test.
His eyes widen. “You did this already?”
I’ve been so worried that I made the wrong decision that tears come out.
“Yes, Harley. I’m sorry I didn’t wait. But I’ve seen how you are with your niece, and it seemed like you were ready.”
A wide smile brightens his face. “We’re going to have a baby?”
I shrug, tears spilling, my heart squeezing. “Babies, plural. Or toddlers. They could be older. They could be a group of teenagers with a lot of needs. It all depends on who the social workers think will be a good fit.”
I wait for him to backpedal from our previous conversation in the woods earlier today. I wait for him to tell me he wants to do it, just not right now, not with older kids.
Harley doesn’t even flinch. “When?”
“After we have a house study, it could be weeks or months. Or…it could be days.”
Harley doesn’t hear the last part of what I’m saying because I’m squealing in delight as he hoists me onto his lap.
He kisses me like a husband who’s come home from the war.
His eyes are shining and fierce.
“I was so worried I was being too pushy,” I say.
“Don’t be,” he laughs.
“I love you, Harley,” I say, stroking his hair.
“Merry Christmas, pretty baby.”
His pet name for me never fails to make me smile. “Thank you for being my best Christmas present ever.”
He answers by pushing aside the opening of my bathrobe and resting a thick hand on my hip.
“You’re the best gift of my whole life, Charlotte.”
THE END
