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“How’s his mom?” she asked.

“Better,” he said. “As good as she can be while the loss is still fresh.” He stood up, walked over, and brought her into an embrace. “She asked me to thank you for the pictures you sent of Aurora. Said she’d love to be a bonus grandma if there’s room in our hearts.”

“I would love that and I can’t imagine a better grandma to have for our daughter,” Bree said.

“I thought so, too.”

It was then she noticed the handful of fresh-picked flowers that had been carefully wrapped in a wet cloth.

Kade followed her gaze. “I was thinking it’s finally time for a visit.”

“Are you ready for that?” She’d been to Zeke’s grave a handful of times, bringing Aurora along so Zeke could meet his godchild. Bree would have asked him to play a role in her daughter’s life, just not the one of father as he’d wanted. Their friendship would have rebounded at some point, and she was certain Zeke would have made the most amazing bonus uncle.

Rinty walked over and sat next to her. Bree and Kade would always keep a close eye on Rinty’s interactions with the baby. But he was worth the extra effort. He deserved no less than to be spoiled and loved while he lived out the last of his years.

But he especially loved going to work with Kade. The wide-open Texas skies and fresh air did Rinty good.

He was a good boy who deserved the best life. And he’d found the perfect home.

“Will you come with me?” Kade asked, breaking into her thoughts.

“Of course,” she said.

“Good,” Kade responded. “I’d like to bring Aurora and Rinty, so Zeke can meet the whole family.”

Family.Bree liked the sound of that word.

The air was bitterly cold on the early February morning at the gravesite. Kade opened the door for Bree. His heart squeezed as he looked into his wife’s eyes. He’d been an idiot before. He never should have let her go.

Rinty hopped out next before Bree worked the car seat buckle. She pulled Aurora out gently, and hugged the little angel snug against her chest where the baby was safe.

“You’re even more beautiful than I remembered, and I’m finally home.”Home.He liked the sound of that word.

“I love you, Kade,” she said. Those words warmed him from the inside out. Not even the nip in the air could affect him.

“You should know that I’m here for the rest of my life and whatever comes next.”

“Whatever comes next,” she repeated before he claimed her pink lips.

Kade led his family to Zeke’s grave, set the flowers in a metal vase attached to the headstone, and read the name inscribed on the slab of granite. Tears welled.

Taken too soon.

“I’m sorry it’s taken me a while to show up, buddy,” Kade began, struggling through the emotion knotted in his throat. “And I couldn’t be sorrier that I couldn’t save you.” His voice broke.

“But I’m here now, Zeke. And I’ll remember you forever.”