She was right. I needed to get my head on straight before I told Crosby. And what if I lost this child like I had before? My chest constricted in a tight squeeze. I wasn’t sure I would survive it. Because I knew one thing for certain…I already loved this baby beyond measure.

Bell’s gaze hardened on me, misinterpreting the fear in my eyes. “If he’s an asshole about it, screw him. We’ll be the best aunties this little bub has ever had. We’re so awesome, there’s no need for a dad.”

I choked on a half-laugh, half-sob. “I’m so lucky to have you both. Thank you for everything.”

Caelyn eased down next to me on the couch. “We’re here for you. Always.”

And I would be forever grateful for that fact. But it didn’t stop my heart from hoping that Crosby would find a way to be there, too.

47

Crosby

Grant Abbot looked smug. Too smug. And the smarmy smirk on his face set my nerves on edge. I didn’t think Judge Moore could be bought or threatened into a particular verdict, but everyone had a breaking point.

I glanced back at the gallery. Kenna’s eyes were shut as if she were praying or meditating or just trying to find a moment of peace before the chaos that was to come. God, she was beautiful. Even without being able to see those amber eyes that pulled at my soul, she was the most gorgeous creature I’d ever seen. It wasn’t her smooth, golden skin, or her rich, mahogany hair that hung in loose waves around her face. It wasn’t the perfect cheekbones or those luscious, berry lips. It was the way she glowed from the inside out. The light that radiated from within called to me, smoothed all my hard edges and calmed the frenetic pace of my internal energy. She balanced me in the best possible ways. And I knew I did the same for her.

Emotion clogged my throat as Kenna opened her eyes, those amber orbs staring straight into me as if she knew it all and accepted me anyway. I loved this woman. And she loved me. Just as I was. She wasn’t going to try to change me or force me to live a life I didn’t want. Kenna simply wanted an existence where we were together.

I could see it in a way I was afraid to reach for before. Growing old together, adding to the beautiful history of The Gables. I could picture Kenna chasing children around that grassy yard, providing a home for kids in the foster system. None of that would keep me from my moments of freedom. From chasing the high of a rock-climbing session or the thrill of barreling down a mountain on a bike. It would simply give me a place and a family to come home to.