She lifts her head and smiles. “I thought we said no gifts?”
“We did, but mine isn’t something I bought.”
“Ridge. You promised.”
“I know, but this is more of something we can all use.”
She gives me the stink eye, but then her lips tip with a smile. “Fine, gimme,” she sits up in bed, holding the sheet to her bare breasts.
I jump out of bed, grab the envelope, and hand it to her. Her face scrunches up in confusion. Climbing in the bed beside her, I pull her to me. “Open it.”
Slowly, she opens the envelope and pulls the papers out. I can’t see her face, and it’s killing me not knowing what she’s thinking.
“Kendall?”
“Adoption papers,” she breathes.
“I had your uncle draw them up. I know you’re not ready, that you’re still struggling with everything, but I wanted you to have them. I want you to know that in my eyes, you are his mother. Melissa gave him life, but you’re raising him and I want nothing more than for you to legally become his mom. Your uncle hasn’t filed anything yet. Instead, he gave me these. It’s drawn up and all you have to do is sign it to start the process. You take as long as you need. Just know that I love you, and even if you never sign them, in my eyes you are his mom.”
Her shoulders shake with silent sobs, and I kick myself in the ass for ruining our wedding night. “I’m sorry, baby. I don’t want to upset you or ruin this night, but I need you to know.”
“Ridge, this is the greatest gift. You are giving me the rights to your son. That precious little man.” She covers her mouth. “I love him. I couldn’t love him more if he were mine.”
“I know that.”
“I just—”
“Shhh.” I hug her tight. “Take all the time you need to process it. When you’re ready, sign them and give them to your uncle. He’ll take care of the rest.”
She nods.
I slide the papers back into the envelope and place them on the nightstand. Kendall surprises me by climbing on my lap and straddling my hips. Her hands cradle my cheeks. “You are the most amazing man. I don’t know if it was Melissa or just luck, but whatever brought you to me, I will be eternally grateful. I love you.” She kisses me and it soon grows heated. The next thing I know, she’s sliding home and I make love to my wife for the second time.
Epilogue
Kendall
After our wedding night, I decided to see a counselor. I wanted to be Knox’s mom—in my heart, I felt like I was—but I just couldn’t get past the guilt. Survivor’s guilt is what my therapist calls it. For the last several months, I’ve gotten better. I’ve come to realize that what happened to my sister was tragic, but I needed to keep living. That little boy who lights up my world every single day needs a mother, and I’m the lucky one. I have the adoption papers in my top dresser drawer. Neither Ridge, my dad nor my uncle Tom has mentioned them. My husband is truly the most amazing man on the planet.
I’ve been thinking more about signing them and making our little family official. It wasn’t until last week that I finally did. When Knox called me Mom, my heart soared and I knew in that moment that he needs what I had. I had two people who wanted a child and made me their own. They never treated me like I wasn’t a part of them, and that’s how I treat Knox.
So I signed the papers. I dropped them off to my uncle at his office and he simply smiled and nodded. Here I am a week later, stopping by to pick up the copy of the official adoption petition to give to Ridge. It’s little man’s first birthday, so it’s kind of a gift for both of them. Well, that and my other news. I’ve been feeling off the last couple of weeks, so I made a doctor’s appointment this morning, and low and behold, I’m pregnant. I don’t think I’ve stopped smiling since the second the doctor told me.
Luckily for me, Uncle Tom chalked it up to being happy about the papers, so he didn’t question me. He wouldn’t have been wrong, but to know I’m carrying a part of Ridge is surreal. And Knox . . . well, my little man is going to be a big brother. I need to tell Ridge first.
I think back to the way he proposed and I hop online to place my order. Overnight shipping is outrageous, but I’ll be lucky to wait until tomorrow to tell him.
He’s not going to be home until late tonight; he and the guys have started back up with card night. Reagan and Dawn are coming over and helping me decorate for Knox’s birthday party tomorrow.
“What has you smiling like you won the lottery?” Dawn asks.
Shit. I can’t tell them I’m pregnant, but I can give them a little something. “Did you know that Ridge gave me adoption papers for Knox as a wedding gift.”
They both nod yes. “I signed them.” I grin.
They both tackle me with hugs, and when I hear a squeal and little hands wrap around my legs, I know this is right. The girls back away and Knox seals the deal when he says, “Mom,” and holds his little arms up to me.
“Oh, my God!” Reagan cries.
I pick him up and he gives me a sloppy kiss on my cheek. I look over my two best friends, and they both have silent tears running down their face and blinding smiles. “Don’t tell Ridge. It’s a surprise.
They both agree, and for the rest of the night, they fire off ideas of how to tell him. I bite my tongue and smile as I listen to their ideas. They are pretty inventive, but I like mine better. I just have to cross my fingers that overnight Saturday delivery comes through for me.
It better, for what it cost.
Ridge
Knox started walking a few weeks ago, and his little legs carry him all over the place. Kendall and I thought he got into everything when he was crawling, but those little legs are fast.
This past year has brought so many changes in my life, my son and my wife being the biggest. I can still remember the fear I felt when Melissa died. The fear of raising him on my own. Then fate stepped in—or Melissa, rather, because I know in my heart that she sent Kendall to us—and I found this beautiful, sweet woman to raise him with me. To share my life with.
Life is good.
Today is Knox’s birthday party, and my wife seems to be on edge. I’ve chalked it up to her wanting everything to be perfect for his big day.
“Hey, babe,” I greet her. She’s in the kitchen stirring something in a Crock-Pot. “Is that our lasagna?” I ask, resting my hands on her hips and kissing her neck.
She laughs. “No, meatballs.”
“Dada.” Knox comes barreling into the room. Leaning down, I catch him and lift him into my arms.
“Hey, birthday boy.” He gives me a sloppy kiss right on the lips and I laugh. Life has definitely changed, and I embrace it. I love our life.
“Mom.” He points to Kendall.
I freeze. That’s the first time I’ve ever heard him call her that, and I don’t know how she’s going to react.
She places the lid back on the Crock-Pot and turns to face us. “Hey, sweetie.” She tickles his chin.
“Mom.” He leans toward her, his arms held open wide.
“Come here, you.” She takes him from my arms and bounces him on her hip. “Are you ready for your party?”