Total pages in book: 31
Estimated words: 28711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 144(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28711 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 144(@200wpm)___ 115(@250wpm)___ 96(@300wpm)
Two years ago, she was brought in after being found wandering the streets in her nightgown. Her mom had left her home alone at three years old. We still don't know how long she was by herself.
I brought her home with me that night, and she's been with us ever since. Her mom never tried to get her back or see her. She just walked away.
As soon as we were legally able, we started the adoption process. We've jumped through all the hoops. We've done all the home studies and the hearings. All that's left is the judge's signature on the paperwork.
"You're right," I say. "She's ours. Today, we make it official."
"Fuck yeah, we do," Xavier says, tipping my head back to kiss me softly.
At least he tries to give me a sweet kiss. Like always, we get carried away. After five years, I still can't get enough of his kisses. I can't get enough of him.
I know he feels the same way about me. He tells me every day how wild he is about me. And when the kids go down for the night, he takes his time showing me.
"Mama! Mama!" June yells, her little feet thundering down the hall.
"Tonight," Xavier growls against my lips before releasing me just as our five-year-old tumbles into the room.
"Look at my pretty dress!" she cries, spinning in a circle to show off her hot pink and yellow tutu. The front has an adorable bow on it that matches the one holding her blonde hair back from her face. Her shirt declares her officially a Grimes. "Aunt Gemma helped me put it on."
"Oh, Junebug," I say, my heart melting at the sight. "You look like a princess!"
"She is a princess," Xavier says, crossing the bedroom to scoop her up into his arms. "She's my princess."
"Daddy!" June shrieks, throwing her arms around him like she hasn't seen him all year, even though she saw him downstairs an hour ago. She and Olive always react the same way to him. He's wrapped around their little fingers and isn't afraid to admit it.
"Are you ready to be our princess forever, Junebug?" Xavier asks our daughter, tapping her gently on the nose.
"Yes! Forever and ever!" she says without hesitation.
"What do you say, kitten? Are you ready to go adopt this princess?"
"So ready," I whisper, placing my hand in his.
I'm not sure who cries harder when Judge Stevenson officially grants the adoption and signs the paperwork an hour later—me or June. I don't think she fully understands what it means to be adopted, but she knows it means she's ours forever now. And that's profound to her.
I cuddle her close, rubbing her back as she clings to my neck, her little arms wrapped tightly around me. Xavier holds us both, sheltering us in his strong embrace...watching over and protecting us like he always does.
In five years, he's never failed. I don't cause nearly as much trouble with him around as I did without him. He keeps me grounded without ever clipping my wings. He's my safe place.
Our giant family waits outside of the judge's chambers for us, Olive in Sariah's arms and Blake asleep on my mom's shoulder. Tears stream unchecked down my face as we walk forward to meet them, June Ximena Grimes walking between us with her hands firmly clasped in ours.
"Sissy!" Olive cries, squirming for Sariah to put her down. She points at June. "Hi, sissy!"
She reacts the same way every time she sees her sister, but I sob this time, my heart overflowing with joy.
Our family is finally complete.