Weston (Broken Falls #6)

Epilogue One

Weston

Two Years Later

"Is there anything else we need?" I question Melanie as get in the truck.

"No," she sighs happily. "I'm pretty sure we've got everything. I'm nervous," she whispers. "Are you?"

"Yeah," I admit. "Never thought we'd get approved to be foster parents, especially to a newborn, but here we are. Do you think we can do this?"

She leans over, kissing my cheek. "Of course we can do this."

I take a deep breath, letting her confidence bolster mine. The drive to the agency is filled with a mix of excitement and nervous energy buzzing between us. Our conversation flits between plans, dreams, and the occasional shared silence as we process the enormity of what we’re about to embark on.

As we pull up to the agency, the reality starts to cement itself, this is it. This is the moment our lives shift. Hand in hand, we make our way to the front door, the click of Melanie's heels a rhythmic reminder of each step toward our new life.

Inside, the receptionist greets us with a warm smile, and soon, a social worker leads us to a small, cozy room. The walls are painted in soothing colors, decorated with hopeful quotes and images of families. My heart hammers as we wait, our fingers intertwined, holding each other steady.

When the door finally opens, it feels both sudden and perfectly timed. A gentle-faced woman enters, cradling a small bundle wrapped in a soft pink blanket. My breath catches as she approaches us, a tender smile on her lips.

"This is Andrea, everyone calls her Andie," she says softly, placing the bundle into Melanie's arms with utmost care. Instantly, our world focuses into a singular point: the tiny, sleeping face peeking out from the blanket’s edge. Her small features seem impossibly perfect, each breath a quiet assurance that she’s real and she’s here.

Melanie gazes down, tears shimmering in her eyes, whispering softly, "Hello, sweet girl."

I lean in, my heart swelling, overwhelmed by a love I hadn't dared to anticipate. "Welcome home," I manage, the words barely a whisper but carrying a weight of promise.

As we make our way back to the truck, baby tucked safely in Melanie's arms, I realize, this is just the beginning. We strap her gently into the car seat, nerves mingling with newfound determination.

Together, we drive away from the agency, the three of us bound toward a horizon of new beginnings. The road stretches ahead, and though the future is unknown, we're ready to face it, together.