by Ever Coming
Never once since that day had I envisioned a life as complete and happy as the one I had now. A perfect mate who loved both me and my child, a home that was brimming with more love than a cheesy holiday movie, a career that allowed me to be home when Daisy was, but still feeling fulfilled, and friends. Honest to goodness friends.
And Martha. Dear sweet Martha who had been there for me since day one agreed to come and live with us. As fate would have it, Finn had been good friends with her late husband, and while they never relived the entire story, his scars were somehow related to her beloved’s death. Instead of sorrow, being around Finn seemed to bring her joy, and she now looked younger than I had ever seen her.
As we entered the court room, our friends and honorary family were all there waiting. The door was barely open when Daisy came barreling at us, quickly jumping into Finn’s arms. She had become the apple of his eye, and she had him completely wrapped around his finger. He confessed the night he first spent time with her that his only regret in turning was never becoming a father.
“Dearly beloved.” The judge cleared her throat to garner our attention as we arrived in front of her. “We are gathered here today to celebrate the most happy of events, the joining of a family.” She turned to Finn with a nod. “Finn.”
“Daisy, I welcome you into my life as my always and forever daughter. From the moment I met you, I felt a love that no biological bond could begin to surpass. If you will have me, I promise to love you as my own, to spoil you rotten, and to even ground you when needed.”
When Finn had first told me he wanted to wait to get married until Daisy could officially be his, I didn’t understand. He slid into the role of father so beautifully, what could a piece of paper matter? In that moment, as he bared his soul, I finally understood. How he talked the judge into such a unique adoption ceremony, I have no idea, but from the way her eyes were welling up, I knew ours would be far from the last.
“Daisy.” The judge nodded in my daughter’s direction, in a formal but somehow affectionate manner.
“I love you, daddy.” Leave it to my little girl to say the perfect thing as she hugged him tight. She probably wouldn’t understand the depths of his words for many years, but she sure as heck got the important part. They were family.
“By the power vested in me by the state, I officially declare this adoption final.” The room filled with clapping, but no one moved, they all knew there was more to come. “Now onto the second order of business. Finnegan O’Malley, do you take Winona Paige Johansen to be you’re lawfully …”
The rest of the ceremony was a blur as my tears and emotions took over. The love that filled that room was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. From the woman who became the mother I wished I had, to the role model I found in Victoria, to the best friends I found in Arabella and Angel. Goodness, I even welcomed the unexpected role Jasper took as a loving uncle for both Daisy and me, even though I was fairly confident he was the one to carry out Matt’s sentence, one that was necessary but still went against my ingrained beliefs.
It was hard to fathom my fairy tale ending started with the horrific events of one fateful night when my world fell apart. At the time I never would have guessed it fell apart only so that it could be put back in the way it was meant to be. Well played fate. Well played.
About the Author
Filled with the desire to write books she wouldn't want her mama to know she read, much less wrote, Ever Coming was born.
Ever Coming is the slightly naughty pen name of an international best-selling author who simply wanted to get her hawt on. When she is not reading and writing the naughty, Ever is usually found enjoying time with her kids and husband.
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