Almost a Family

“I know that now. It’s not up to me to try to dictate your lives. It’s not about plans and timetables. It’s about hearts. And what hurt most is I knew without a doubt I’d never love anyone as much as I love you.”

“I couldn’t let you walk away again.” He pressed his lips to her forehead and she closed her eyes.

“Excuse me for saying it, but I’m glad!” She laughed thickly.

“You’re really coming home?

”

“I was only going back to take care of business—like selling my condo and quitting my job. I’ll stay with Kim until I get settled but…your house is big enough for both of us. Kim is next door—and it’s high time I started being a sister and aunt, don’t you think? I can’t think of anything more perfect. I can hang out my shingle anywhere.”

At a loss for words, Jason simply gathered her into his arms and closed his eyes in thankfulness.

“Let’s go home,” she whispered against his neck. “I’ve got the whole afternoon off, and this is one celebration that’s long overdue.”

Epilogue

Molly twisted the rings on her finger, trying to ease them off her hand. “Oh, this is ridiculous.”

Jason laughed, picking up the hand and slipping the offending finger into his mouth. “I think it’s cute,” he said, nipping at the pink-colored fingernail.

With a snort, Molly ripped her hand away and turned the rings around until they finally slid over the knuckle. With a sigh, she put them on the coffee table and sank back into the cushions of the sofa.

“Mistake number two.”

“Sitting down?”

“Sitting here,” she complained ruefully. “You’re going to need a block and tackle to get me up.”

Jason leaned over, spreading his hand over the large mound of stomach protruding from the cushions. “It won’t be long now. And you finished work today… We can finish decorating the nursery. Spend a few lazy mornings in bed….whatever you want, angel.”

Leaving work had been hard. Molly had come to love her new job, working as legal counsel to a large non-profit for underprivileged kids. Knowing at the end of the day she was helping make a difference—it was much more fulfilling than endless land and gas leases, the power parties and pointless receptions.

But her due date was only a week away, her feet and hands were swollen, and she felt like a cow every time she moved. Sometimes she felt like all she needed was a damn bell around her neck.

She leaned ahead, huffing, and picked up the rings. “I didn’t think I’d ever take these off.” She pouted.

Jason reached behind her and unclasped her gold chain. “Here. We’ll thread them on your chain and you can wear them close to your heart.”

Molly stared down at the rings in her hand. The first, winking with diamonds, had waited six long years to sit on her finger, and she hated having to remove it, even for a few short weeks. The second was newer and even more precious because of the promises it held. “It doesn’t seem right,” she whispered, fingering the smaller band with three diamonds inset.

Jason strung the rings on the chain and re-hooked the clasp. Smiling, he pulled Molly backwards and wrapped his arms around her. “I’m glad you’re so attached,” he teased. “But as long as you don’t get rid of me, we’ll be just fine.”

Her hand covered his, felt their baby move beneath their fingers. “Are you kidding? I waited far too long to have you to get rid of you now.”

“So you did. But we got here, that’s what matters.”

The back door slammed; Molly angled her head to send her husband a knowing look. “We have company.”

“Aunt Molly! Uncle Jason!”

How awkward Molly had felt the first time Sara had paired their names together well over a year ago. Now it was music to her ears.

“Hey, pumpkin,” Molly called out. “Your mom with you?”

Sara bounded into the room, her blonde hair in bouncy ringlets and brown eyes sparkling with devilment. “She’s coming. She’s got brownies and fudge crackle ice cream.

Molly groaned in anticipation. “That’s good. Junior hasn’t had his chocolate fix today.”