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Story: Knot That Difficult

“It’s more of a symbolic thing now,” Skylar adds. “But she did it for me, too.”

April eyes me carefully.

“What is this?” I turn to her, laughing nervously. “What’s in here?”

“Just look inside, Dev.”

My stomach flutters with nerves as I open the envelope.

I pull out a document that already has Tammy’s signature on it.

I stare at the title of it, a gasp falling from my lips.

Adult Adoption Agreement.

“You and Skylar are my girls, just as much as April,” Tammy says softly. “I know you’re grown up now, and I couldn’t be there for you as a kid. But, honey, you’re part of my family. And I would be honored to become your mom.”

Oh, my god.

Tears of disbelief fall from my eyes freely, splotches forming on the paper. “Are you sure?” I squeak. “Are you really sure?”

I thought my heart couldn’t be fuller than it already is, but Tammy’s words make me feel like I’m about to burst.

“Of course I’m sure,” Tammy says. “I have been so lucky to know you, Devyn. You, April, and Skylar are all sisters in my eyes.”

I look at April. “Areyousure?”

April laughs. “Yes! Of course, Dev. What kind of question is that?”

I burst into happy sobs and throw myself into Tammy’s arms.

“You have your boys to take care of you, but you should also have a mom,” Tammy chokes out. “If you want, of course.”

My heart is going to explode.

“Of course I want to!” I cry. “Yes!”

There are sounds of cheers, and I look to see that the other guests have come outside, too. They’re standing next to the sliding glass door and clapping.

When I let go of Tammy, I run into Connor’s open arms. His grin is infectious, and I can’t help but match it.

“Happy birthday, Dev,” he says softly.

“You knew about this?” I ask, then turn to Ben and Ace. “And you guys did, too?”

Ben shrugs, and Ace throws up his hands in mock surrender. “I plead the fifth, baby.”

But I can’t stop smiling. Ace hugs me next, wiping away my tears.

“You know I hate seeing you cry,” he murmurs, “but I guess it’s acceptable if they’re tears of joy.”

I nod, and he presses his forehead against mine.

“And whenever you’re ready,” he says softly, “we’d be honored to be your husbands, too.”

My heart flips. I glance at Ben out of the corner of my eye, who nods subtly.

“I love you, Dev,” he says. “Happy birthday.”

I smile at him.

Happy birthday, indeed.