Innocence

“Share her, Jaxson. We want to see the ring!” Pam and Sydney both crowded around.

Standing, Jaxson kept his arms possessively on me as I held out my hand. “My word, my baby brother knows how to pick them. It’s beautiful. Welcome to the family, London.”

“Thank you.”

Dad approached next. “I’m proud of you, punkin’. I think you’ve found one of the most upstanding men there are.”

“I think so too. Love you, Dad.” Jaxson briefly let me go while I hugged him.

Speaking into my hair, Dad was choked up. “You’ll always be my little girl.”

“Always.”

Congratulations flowed as we basked in the perfect moment. Pam and Levi seemed genuinely happy about the proposal. The first night here, Pam had told the truth about basing judgments on what was in front of them versus the actions of my past.

Before we left to go back to the guesthouse, Pam approached me after I helped Ty tie his shoes. Breakfast was moved to the main house so we were able to celebrate the engagement as a family. “Thank you for making Jaxson and Ty so happy. They love you dearly.”

“I love them.”

She hugged me to her tightly. “I can see it. Ever since that first night you and Jaxson met, I felt the connection. That first week when he backed off, he talked to me about it a lot. How he’d never experienced something so strong before. He was scared for him and for Ty, especially with how fast Ty attached himself to you. He asked what he should do.”

I waited for the response on bated breath as she pulled back. “I told him those feel

ings can be once in a lifetime and to take a chance on love was worth everything. Then when you find your perfect match, don’t wait.”

“He’s my match too. I’m glad he listened.”

“Me too.”

Dramatically, she sighed and placed a hand on her heart. “Now, we have a wedding to plan. I love weddings.”

We were planning a wedding. I had no idea where to start. What was needed? This was something my Mom would have helped me with which brought on a somber thought. How was I going to do this? Breaking my chaotic thoughts, Pam said, “I’m here however you need me. But know there’s no pressure. This is your and Jaxson’s day.”

“I’d love your help.” She had no idea how much.

Wrapping my arms around me, Pam said, “We’re so blessed to be getting a daughter like you.”

Mom and I always talked about what she wanted to do when I got married—a mother-daughter weekend to look for a dress, bridesmaid luncheon, and go to showers with me. It was bittersweet while preparing for a wedding to a man I was desperately in love with.

Having a mother-figure in my life soothed what could not be.

My heart overflowed for the millionth time today. I had everything I ever truly wanted, just not exactly how I imagined it.

Love.

Family.

Hope.

AFTER BREAKFAST, JAXSON AND TY came back to the guesthouse. Dad was leaving this afternoon with Levi to head to a convention. They’d be back tomorrow. Then, Dad would head home the next day.

Ty was currently watching Dad shave in the bathroom. From the kitchen, I heard, “Do I get to call you Granddad, now?”

“I’d love that.” It was weird hearing my dad called granddad.

At the counter, Jaxson came up behind me. “Are you happy?”

“Deliriously so.” And I was.