Back at the farm Emily, Liz and Cait laid out food buffet style. Once the kids had filled their plates, the adults followed while Elina was changed into a frilly pink dress and passed between grandparents, aunts and uncles.
Emily and Luke stole a private moment in the kitchen while Liz and Cait flipped through the family albums, the music from the old stereo creating a joyful noise throughout the house.
“Happy anniversary,” Emily whispered.
“I first kissed you in this very spot. Do you remember?” Luke pressed his forehead to hers and Emily closed her eyes, wondering how on earth she’d ended up so blissfully happy.
“You cursed before you did it, you know. You were reluctant about everything…”
“Then I am a very lucky man that you persevered.”
“I knew a good thing when I saw it.”
“I love you, Emily. And our children.”
Today the minister had performed two baptisms. Not just baby Elina in her silk-and-lace gown, but also Sam, who hadn’t been baptized as a baby. Today Luke had claimed both children, even though the adoption of Sam had gone through months earlier.
“I love you, too. Are you ever going to kiss me though? We’re sure to be interrupted at any moment.”
He was laughing as he pressed his lips to hers, holding her close. She gave back equally, twining her arms around his neck and standing on tiptoe.
“Hey, Dad, can I change out of this suit and show the girl
s the new kittens?”
Sam’s voice announced his arrival in the kitchen and Luke muttered a light curse as Emily laughed and loosened her arms.
“Oh. Yuck,” Sam said.
“Yes, go change,” Luke said. “And be smart. We’ll both get in trouble if the twins get their dresses dirty.”
“Yes, sir.”
The swinging door flapped shut as Sam ran out.
“He called me Dad.” There was a note of wonder in Luke’s voice and Emily smiled.
“Em…when I think of all you’ve given me…I never would have had the courage to take the test if it hadn’t been for you. Suddenly I had more to gain than I had to lose.”
“And was it worth it?”
“You’d better believe it,” he replied confidently. “I never thought I’d have this. Never thought I’d have love, and a family of my own. I know there are no guarantees, even if it did come back negative. I’m going to grab every last drop of happiness I can.”
Emily’s heart was so full she couldn’t hold it all in any longer. “Hey, Luke, you know how we talked about the big family I always wanted?”
He raised his eyebrows as a slow smile curved up his cheek. “You thinking of trying again?”
She grinned back. “I think it’s too late for that,” she answered.
He reached out and took her hand. “Oh, Emily.”
“Do you suppose we’ll break the girl streak this time?” she asked.
“Who cares?” He raised their joined hands and kissed her thumb. “Every day with our family is a gift, and perfect—just the way it is.”