Total pages in book: 91
Estimated words: 89324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 447(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 298(@300wpm)
Tate looked up at me. “I was wondering if you’d like to be a Delaney, too?”
Tears sprang to my eyes. “I want nothing more than to be a Delaney.”
His eyes sparkled. “From the moment I saw you at that kiddie pool, I knew you were…” He paused. “I wanna say the one, but I didn’t know that then. I knew you were special, but I don’t think I realized you were the one until your absence. Being separated from you left me incomplete. I didn’t feel whole again until after I found you, four years later. I will thank God every day that Taylor brought you to me. I’m too old for you, and I’ll never feel like I deserve you, but I love you, Blair Moynihan.” He reached into his pocket and took out a small box. When he opened it, the sun reflected on the most perfect oval solitaire. “Will you be mine always?”
“Will you marry Daddy?” Nicholas added, right on cue. He was in on this, too!
“Yes!” I bounced as Tate stood to place the ring on my finger. I wrapped my arms around him as our son hugged my legs.
Tate and I fell into a long kiss, as Nicholas expressed his distaste.
After we pulled away from each other, Tate said, “I asked your dad for permission, and he cursed me. He told me he hoped we have a daughter someday, and though he didn’t say it, I think he also wished that she’ll run off with some old dude.”
“That sounds like my dad.” I laughed.
“I also asked Taylor for his blessing.”
My heart fluttered. “You did?”
“Yeah. Like four months ago, when he surprised us in the yard that day. Remember?”
“I do. And he gave it to you?”
Tate smiled. “He did.”
I placed my hand on my chest. “That makes me so happy.”
He gestured down to our son. “And of course, this guy gave me his permission, too.”
“You did, did you?” I tickled him.
“Uh-huh!” He nodded. “Can we get ice cream now, Daddy, since I didn’t ruin the secret?”
Tate winked. “A deal’s a deal.”
***
Two nights after our engagement, we got a surprise phone call. Taylor reported that Juliana had gone into labor that morning and given birth to their seven-pound, six-ounce baby girl.
He indicated that they hadn’t chosen a name yet, but said if we wanted to come by to meet her, visiting hours ended at eight.
So after we finished dinner, Tate, Nicholas, and I got into the car to drive to the hospital.
As we walked into the building, Tate seemed tense.
I rubbed his arm. “You nervous?”
“Anxious to meet her, I guess.” He shrugged.
When we got to Juliana’s room, it looked like there had been an explosion of pink balloons and flowers. I placed our own pink flowers on a table to get lost in the mix.
“Hey!” Taylor beamed as he walked over to greet us.
Juliana held the baby, who had dark hair like both of her parents and was absolutely precious.
Tate reached out. “May I?”
“Of course.” Juliana lifted the swaddled baby toward him.
“Hey, sweet girl.” Tate rocked her, making his way to a seat in the corner. “Oh my God. She’s the most beautiful baby I’ve ever seen.”
“I definitely think so,” Taylor agreed.
“We might be biased.” Juliana smiled.
Nicholas walked over to where Tate was sitting. “Baby,” he cooed.
“Yeah.” Tate grinned. “This is your niece, Nicholas. Can you believe it?”
Everyone chuckled.
“You can thank your dad for that, little guy,” Taylor cracked. “Maybe someday we’ll get lucky and have our own reality show.”
Tate glared playfully at Taylor.
Relief washed over me. If Taylor was cracking jokes, we’d come a long way.
“I can’t believe I’m saying this…” Tate looked down at the baby. “But I’m your grandpa.”
And if that was true, then in my mid-twenties, I was a step-grandmother. Only in this family. But what a blessing.
The next time I looked over at Tate, his eyes were glistening. Then I noticed Taylor smiling, too. I realized Tate’s emotion wasn’t just general overwhelm. He’d been looking down at his granddaughter’s hospital bracelet.
I leaned in and got my first look at her name. It was the ultimate act of forgiveness.
Taylor might not have had Tate’s last name, but he’d given it to his daughter, Delaney Marie Shea.
Epilogue
* * *
TATE
FIVE YEARS LATER
As I stood in line at the concession stand, I dialed Blair.
“Hey,” she answered.
“Where are you?” I asked.
“I’m dipping my toes while she swims in the kiddie pool.”
“The kiddie pool, eh? Looking for a hookup?”
“You’ve got my number, Theodore Delaney.”
I chuckled. “We’ll head over there, then. See you in a few.”
After I hung up, I turned to Nicholas. “Mom and your sister are at the kiddie pool. I need you to help me carry these drinks over there, okay?” I handed him one tray as I lifted the other.
Nicholas nodded, always eager to help. Since the line was so long, I’d ordered enough drinks for an army: four iced coffees and four slushies.