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“Be careful, princess,” Preston warns as he retrieves his phone from his pocket.
“Okay, smile everyone.” He holds the camera out, then looks over at Jaden. Waving his hand, he says to him, “Get in the picture. You’re a part of Britney’s family too.”
Jaden walks around and stands next to Brit, placing his arm around her.
“Now we’re ready.” A flash lights up. After taking the picture, Preston slides his phone back into his pocket.
“Be sure to send that to me, please,” I say.
“I will. Alright my sweet princess. We should get on the road. We’re wasting daylight.” He looks at his wristwatch and walks over to Britney on my bed.
“Oh, Daddy. I want to stay with Mommie and Jaddy and play with Josie.” She tilts her head up to me. Her eyes pleading with me to let her stay longer.
I let out a laugh when I hear Britney misspeak Joshua’s name. When she first met Jaden, she couldn’t say his name either. So, when she called him Jaddy, it just stuck.
“Oh, baby girl. Joshua is too little to play with right now. Besides, you and Daddy have a super fun trip planned. You can come over and stay with us when you get back. Okay?”
“Promise, Mommie? Daddy? Jaddy? I can stay with you and play with Josie?” She looks at each one of us with her big blue eyes wide as she says our names.
“You bet. I promise you can stay as long as you want.” Jaden smiles at her, then kneels down. Britney slides off the bed and runs to him, throwing her arms around his neck. He stands, lifting her onto his hip. He carries her back over to the bed so I can kiss her goodbye.
“Be good for Daddy. I love you.” I kiss her cheeks as she trails her finger along Joshua’s head.
“Be gentle.” I remind her. She pulls her hand back, sliding her finger between her lips.
“Okay, princess. Let’s get going.” Preston reaches for Britney, and she waves her arms as Jaden hands her over.
“Bye, Mommie and Jaddy. Bye Josie.” Her little arms wave wildly as Preston carries her out of the hospital room.
Once it’s just me, Jaden, and Joshua, a tear slides down my cheek. Jaden wipes it away and asks, “What’s wrong, kitten?”
“Nothing. I’m so blessed to have you. Our son. Britney. My heart can’t handle all this joy I feel at the moment.” I draw in a deep breath as Joshua wriggles against my chest. I swear my heart will explode at any moment.
“I’m the lucky one. I’ve got it all now. My life is completely fulfilled.” Jaden leans down and kisses Joshua’s head gently, then his deep blues meet mine. He cups my chin in his soft hand, tilting it up. His lips cover mine, kissing me deeply.
epilogue
PART TWO: JADEN
Ithought the proudest moment of my life was becoming the owner of The Oasis restaurant in town almost two years ago, but it wasn’t even close.
When I married the woman of my dreams. That was the happiest moment, and the best decision of my life. Blaire was the most stunning bride I’ve ever seen in her off-white princess ballgown style wedding dress.
The proudest moment is when Blaire gave birth to our son. Joshua Michael Lugo. He’s the absolute joy of my life.
In the short time I’ve been a stepfather to Britney, I loved her as my daughter, but I still wanted a child of my own. When I talked with Blaire about having a baby, she wasn’t sure she could. But she wasn’t against trying to have one. Her only request was for us to wait a year. To enjoy each other, and for me to be comfortable with being a husband, stepdad, and business owner all so quickly.
I agreed and on our first anniversary; I took her on a surprise romantic weekend to Key West. Six weeks later, she surprised me with dinner at home and a positive pregnancy test.
Thankfully, her pregnancy went easily. At her age, her OB was concerned, but Blaire handled it all like a champ. She amazed me with each passing day.
My parents were elated when we told them they were going to be grandparents. I honestly believed they thought I wouldn’t have kids when Blaire and I married. They love Britney like their own, but I know deep down they were thrilled when we shared the news of Blaire’s pregnancy.
Since Dad wasn’t up to coming to the hospital when Joshua was born, I asked Blaire if she was okay with stopping by my parent’s house on our way home.
“I’d love to, J. Let me get dressed before Joshua wakes up.” She slides to the side of the hospital bed and peeks into the clear plastic cradle our son sleeps in.
Grabbing the bag I brought from home for her, I sit it beside her to choose what she wants to wear home. She pulls out black sweatpants and an oversized purple t-shirt with The Oasis logo on it. She stands and walks into the small bathroom.
