21. Epilogue
Epilogue
Ryan
“Thank you all for coming,” I said, looking out at the room full of friends who had come to celebrate this wonderful day with us. “I cannot believe that just one year ago today we were all gathered together at the wedding. In some ways it seems as if the year has just flown by and I can’t believe it’s already been a year, but in other ways it feels so right and good, and I can’t believe it’s only been a year.”
I looked over and made eye contact with Jenna, and she smiled. We truly loved being married to one another.
“However, today is not just a day to celebrate our one year anniversary. As you all know, yesterday morning we went to the courthouse where I was able to officially adopt Tyler.”
The whole crowd cheered, and Tyler and Jenna came up and stood next to me. “We have been a family since day one,” I said. “But now it’s all official and legal, and for the first time, publicly, I want to proudly announce that I am Tyler’s dad!”
Everyone cheered once again, as I hugged Tyler, and then Jenna. All three of us were crying, and we didn’t even try to hide it.
“Thank you, Dad,” Tyler said. “I didn’t think it would feel this different, but it really does and I love it.”
“Me too, son,” I said.
“Thank you, again, for being here,” I said to the crowd. Over two hundred people had gathered at the beach to help us celebrate, and we were going to have an amazing party.
“The food will be making its way around, the music will start soon, so we hope all of you enjoy and have fun!”
Everyone started milling about, and Tyler ran off to play with his friends.
I turned towards Jenna, feeling an overwhelming surge of love and gratitude.
“Thank you,” I said, softly.
“What are you thanking me for?” she asked. “I should be the one thanking you.”
I shook my head. “No. I am definitely the one thanking you. Thank you for allowing me to be part of your life, and thanking you for allowing me to be part of Tyler’s life. I am a dad now, and I am forever grateful to you.”
Jenna wiped away her tears and wrapped her arms around me.
“You are an amazing dad,” she said. “And you are an amazing husband. Both Tyler and I are lucky to have you.”
“I love you,” I said, kissing the tip of her nose.
“And I love you,” she said. “But I do have one question for you.”
“What is it?” I asked, intrigued by the mischievous glint in her eye.
“Well,” she said. “I know you just legally became a dad of one, but how do you feel about becoming a dad of two?”
“You mean…?” I asked.
“Yes!” she said, nodding and laughing. “I suspected it for a while now, and I just confirmed it this morning. We’re having a baby!”
I scooped her up and spun her around, overwhelmed with how wonderful my life had become, all because of this amazing woman.
THE END .