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Ronnie grins. “Oh, it’s babe now?” He’s come a long way since we first started fake dating. What a relief.
“It might as well be,” Langston tells me in a husky voice that I’m sure Ronnie doesn’t want to hear.
“I like it.” It fits. I’ve always wanted to have a guy call me a pet name like that. And what better person than Langston?
Who says dreams don’t come true? If it hadn’t been for my infertility, I never would have thought to look into foster care or to start orphanages in both India and Kenya. Look at all the amazing things that are coming from the fact that I can’t bear a child of my own.
This is a dream come true, but it’s a dream I hadn’t realized I’d had until recently. It’s funny how life works out.
I lean into the amazing man next to me, my heart fuller than it’s ever been.
So this is what a happily ever after feels like.
EPILOGUE
Brensen
Six months later
Langston’s house is packed when I get there for his engagement party. Everyone is out in the backyard surrounding the grill, sitting out at tables spread across the lawn beneath maple trees that are bright orange and red. It’s still not that cold outside, but this is Georgia, after all. It never gets much of a winter to begin with. It’s more like fall slowly turns into spring with a few chilly days in between.
Still, it’s been a while since I’ve seen the seasons changing. Kenya doesn’t get much of a fall.
Powell is manning the grill, stacking up piles of chicken legs, hamburgers, hot dogs, brats, and steaks. There’s a table laden with food, including potato salad, coleslaw, green salad, baked beans, and a variety of desserts. Knowing Powell’s cooking, it’s probably all delicious too.
“You sure know how to throw a shindig,” I tell Langston when I come up to him where he’s standing by his new fiancée. She’s holding a bundle in her arms. “Is this the new little one?” I peek into the blue blanket to see a sweet newborn’s face.
“Yes, he just arrived last week. This is James, our new foster baby.”
“Nice to meet you, little fella,” I coo down to the tiny person.
He yawns, and his tiny eyes flutter open. He begins squirming in Jenni’s arms, opening his mouth and twisting his head from side to side.
“Looks like he’s hungry,” Mom says.
Mom’s ability to figure out what a baby wants baffles me. “How can you tell? The little stinker isn’t even crying.”
“Grandmothers just know these things.” Mom grins. “Give him to me, Jenni. I’ll make sure he gets a bottle.”
“What’s the story with this one?” I ask after she’s left.
“He was left at the Blue Mountain fire station. Poor little guy.” Jenni looks over to where Mom took him. “Can you imagine just being abandoned like that?”
“It’s a good thing he won’t remember any of this. He’ll just grow up to know that he has amazing foster parents who love him very much.” I have to say, I really admire Jenni that she wants to help these kids in need.
“And wonderful grandparents.” He gazes over to where Mom is speaking baby talk to him and coaxing him to take a bottle.
“Are you thinking of adopting him?” I ask.
Jenni nods. “That’s the plan. We weren’t sure we’d be able to get a newborn, but since this baby came from Blue Mountain, they gave him to me. I’m sure it helped that the workers and I get along really well. Especially since they found out I’m starting a nonprofit to help foster kids. I’ll be starting in this area, too.”
“Are you hoping to take it bigger?”
She nods. “Eventually.”
“That’s incredible.” I clap my hands together. “Is the plan to move into Langston’s place after you’re married?”
“Yes. Eventually, we’d like to build an addition to the house.”