Page 67 of Right Side of Paradise

Somebody’s Daddy

There were plenty of moments over the course of my life I’d never forget, but some of them would stand out more than others.

Like the time we all eloped in Bliss Peak over Christmas and had a four-way commitment ceremony officiated by an older woman who owned a fruit stand.

Like the time we came back and told our families and Grandma Edith made us reenact the ceremony so she could be there.

Like that time when we all went to get tested together and Harlow found out she was pregnant. Only six weeks after she got the implant in her arm removed so we could start trying.

But nothing, and I mean nothing, would top the moment our healthy, eight-pound baby boy was placed in my arms for the first time.

Soul was at Harlow’s bedside, pushing hair out of her face and whispering kisses against her damp skin. Rico had tears on his face and looked like he didn’t know where to let his eyes land.

Tears burned my eyes too. But I wouldn’t let them fall and cloud my view of the perfect human in my arms.

The noise of the machines and the other voices in the room got drowned out as awe took over. I needed to check on Harlow again. Tell her how proud I was of her.

But right now, I had the world in my arms, and I couldn’t tear my eyes away.

For the last year, I’d been somebody’s husband. And now I was somebody’s daddy.

This little boy didn’t know how much he was already loved.

He had four parents who cherished him from the moment we found out he was growing in Harlow’s womb.

Five grandparents who couldn’t wait to meet him.

And a great grandma who was probably in the waiting room right now giving her new husband, Mr. Tiny, hell.

“August Theodore Donovan, we’ve been waiting for you. Thank you for giving your mama an easy pregnancy.” His face scrunched up at the sound of my hushed voice, melting my heart. “We already adore you so much, little man. You just don’t know. Welcome to paradise, son.”