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jeopardize them in any way. She didn’t want to bring the wrath

of their husbands or their father down on them. Maybe one

day, she would be able to do it.

“Yes!” Cassia nodded emphatically. A sudden radiance

bubbled up in her, a feeling she could barely contain. “Yes, I

want kids. I want a family of our own. If you’re okay with it, I

would like to adopt. I think we were both given amazing

opportunities in life, even if we had rougher starts. Neither of

us knew a lot of love growing up, both for different reasons.

I’d like to share all the love I have now with someone who

needs it. Or would you like to have our own children?” She

grabbed Adalynn’s hand, drawing her close and clutching it

tightly between them. “I know you had very painful losses

before. I know how hard it is for you to think of ever being

pregnant again. I know you’ve said that the loss fades with

time, but I’m sure that even talking about that time is painful

for you.”

Adalynn smoothed her fingers over Cassia’s gently. “It’s in

the past. It was painful, but each year that passes eases some

of that sting. I’m more than okay with talking about this, and

absolutely okay with thinking about starting a family with you.

When I think about that, I feel so much joy. If you want to

have our own children, I would love to give you that, but if

you’re open to adopting, I really like that idea too. There are

kids out there who have been through hell. I’d like to give

them a place that, even if it’s crazy and has too many goats

and only one turret, is a full of happiness and patience and

love.”

“I think kids would like it out here. I like the idea of

adopting, no matter how long or difficult the process is.”