Epilogue
KENDRA
July twenty-first.
For so many years this was always the worst day of my life.
Now the bitterness of the day, the pain and loss, is woven with the beauty of my new reality—and I am certain that my mom had a hand in bringing my family together.
My daughter was born on a day I should hate.
But now . . . I thank heaven, my mom, Mother Nature, the broken path I had to walk that led me right here.
After visiting my mom’s grave this morning with my husband, Pop, and Wren, we all came to the courthouse—where the rest of our family was waiting. The whole fire station, trucks and all, Jess and the boys, Danny, Lainey, Sutton and Kinsley, Rem’s parents, Holly and Eli’s sisters.
I passed my background check, the home studies, and we have the paperwork that Skylar signed relinquishing all her parental rights.
That made the process much smoother. It also helped that I had been in Wren’s life since she was born, being the only mother she’s ever known.
Our bond is obvious to anyone that spends time around us.
I feel like I am glowing with her in my arms, and I can’t imagine a world where she didn’t exist, where she isn’t mine.
When we decided to have her official adoption for me and her be on her first birthday, it felt appropriate and special—it also felt like another gift from my mom.
My dad also agreed with the plan. We wanted to respect his feelings, and he said there would be no better way to honor Mom.
His love for his granddaughter is healing in its own profound way.
I think he’s even considering moving to Fox Grove so that he can be closer to all of us.
I know that it would make us happier to have him right down the road instead of a long drive and towns away.
“Mr. and Mrs. Hargrove,” Judge Andrews says with a smile, “it is my great pleasure to officially approve the adoption of Wren Elizabeth Hargrove by Kendra Elizabeth Hargrove. You all make a lovely family, and I am very happy to see how much love and support all three of you have in your life.” He nods to all our family, by blood and by bond, filling the courtroom.
“Thank you, sir,” I say, kissing the top of Wren’s head with tears in my eyes.
“I know you have been waiting a long time for this day, and I am happy to sign this and make what you’ve already known official.
Congratulations to all three of you. And a very happy first birthday to Wren.
I can’t think of a better gift.” He smiles as he signs all the documents in front of him with a flourish.
Our loved ones clap and cheer, and Eli kisses me sweetly. Wren claps her hands proudly too, not wanting to miss out on the fun, and yells, “Mama! Mama!” leaving not a dry eye in the room.