Page 93 of I Love Him Like Home
“Does this mean I get to call you my mom now?” Emmy asks with so much hope I feel my heart crack.
I nod to my future bride, who can’t contain her smile or her tears.
“Yes, darling. I would be honored to be that for you.”
Cue the waterworks. I’m reaching for a paper towel to wipe my eyes when I feel both of my girls bring me into a hug. Even Resin leans against my legs. And I think that nothing in my life will ever be better than this.
Later, when we’ve settled in and finally eaten dinner, Ivy’s parents, Gram, Angie, and Edgar all rush in for dessert and a celebration. We FaceTime Freddie to tell him the news, and there’s so much laughter and love in my house that I almost can’t believe this is my life. To go from where I was to where I am now, to lose both the woman I love and my sister, but to get a second chance with the love of my life is a blessing I can’t comprehend. It’s more than fate. It’s hope.
Before we say goodnight, we set in motion wedding plans to take place before Christmas—because when you know, why wait? As we plan, more kisses and words of love pass between us. And with Emmy passed out on one side of the couch and Resin softly snoring beside her, I hold Ivy close.
“I love you, Ivy. Thank you for loving me. It’s the best thing I’ve ever believed in.”
She kisses me softly. “And thank you for truly knowing me, Jace. I love you deeply. My heart was always searching for you, because your heart is my home.”
