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Story: Cameron & Rylan

“How did you know?” Rylan asked.

“I didn’t, not really. But it’s the way you look at Emma and I know how much love you have to give. I put two and two together.”

Cameron squeezed Rylan close. “Plus, I would love to be a father, be a parent with you. You’ll be great with them and I’ll learn. And mom and dad have been hinting about grandkids they could spoil.”

Rylan giggled, unable to contain his happiness. “I have no clue how to go about starting the adoption process.”

He felt his cheeks heat as Rylan raised an eyebrow.

“I… well I sort of already filled out an application right after Emma was born and we have our first interview with the adoption agency on Tuesday.”

Rylan opened his mouth, but Cameron interrupted. “I checked your calendar, you’re free.”

His husband jumped up and down, a smile on his face. “We’re really doing this?”

“Yes. And this is something I want, with you, more than anything.”

The cascade of voices reminded them they weren’t alone.

“Do you want a boy or a girl?” Issa asked.

Aaron said, “I get to pick the name.”

“Why do you get to pick? I think we should all have a say,” Suzy huffed.

Cameron laughed. “What if they already have a name?”

“What if it isn’t a good name or something that doesn’t fit with Ellis-Hayes? Are you going to allow your child to go through life as a Bob or Bertha?” Tim asked.

Issa nodded over to Tim. “I’m with him. The baby won’t know if you change their name or you can use it as their middle name and pick a new first one.”

Eric brows drew down. “Giving your kid a middle name, although their surname is already hyphenated?”

Emma giggled and waved her arms around and Issa groaned. “Please don’t agree with your Uncle Eric, I think a middle name is fine.”

Rylan cleared his throat. “We’ll be the parents, do we have a say?”

His mom and dad walked into the kitchen. His dad hugged Rylan and then Cameron as his mom reached for Emma, who cooed at her grandmother.

“Your opinions matter. What are we talking about?”

“Well, Rylan and I are adopting a baby.”

His mom squealed and Emma joined in, thinking it was a game. She hugged both of them before she lifted Emma and pressed her lips to Emma’s tummy and blew raspberries.

“I scheduled the appointment for this Tuesday at two in the afternoon, so we’ll find out our chances then,” he said.

Cameron pulled Rylan close and kissed him again.

“I love you and thank you, for giving me everything I’ve ever wanted,” Rylan said.

“I have many more years to spoil you and our kids rotten. Along with all their aunts, uncles, and grandparents, we will all be a family and love every moment. I love you, angel, with everything I am.”

“We’ll go to your appointment with you,” Eric said.

Cameron looked up and Rylan stepped in front of him, allowing Cameron’s arms to wrap around his waist and hold him close.

“They have to interview us to see if we’re able to raise a baby.”