know anyone, but it doesn’t matter because I only care about Aviva and Nico.
Oh, and Kirby.
Across from me, he stands in all his glory. Tall as all get-out, his hair brushed to the side, and a sexy beard growing in. While I love him clean-shaven, I do like it when he grows it out some. He never lets it get long, but I enjoy it either way. In a striking tux that hugs his thighs and shoulders, he looks every bit the perfect best man.
Well, the best man for me.
When his eyes meet mine, we share a smile, and my heart flutters in my chest at all we’ve experienced together.
These last few months have been a fairy tale.
Full of magic and love, but also some wicked setbacks.
No matter what, though, I don’t think I could love him any more than I do.
It took over a month for me to finally sleep with him in his house. I found myself waking up in the middle of the night and leaving but coming back before Celeste would wake up. Kirby was patient; he was kind and supportive. When I finally made it through the night, I felt like I had run a marathon and come in first place.
I felt like I’d actually scored a goal instead of falling flat on my face like I almost did when Kirby took me skating. Like I am on the ice, I’m still a bit shaky when it comes to sleeping with him. But just like how Kirby was with me on the ice, he catches me when I fall.
He’s incredible.
I moved in with him a few weeks ago, and I’m so happy. We’re selling my condo so we can buy a bigger house once the season is over. The IceCats are last in the league, but that doesn’t bother Kirby. He’s too happy, he tells me, and I believe him. He still struggles with his anxiety, and he may question us occasionally. But for the most part, he is confident in us. In our relationship. In our little family.
I move my gaze to where Jean is sitting with Celeste in her lap. Jean is dressed all out in a stunning pink dress that hugs her curves in ways I wish I had. She is such a beautiful soul, and I’m so thankful for her. She loves Celeste, and she loves us. Her hours have been reduced since I’m now able to be with Celeste at night when Kirby is traveling, but Kirby still pays her the same. He doesn’t want to lose her, and I agree fully. Especially for when we decide to get married and have babies of our own.
Which, if my parents had their way, would be today.
My mom is sitting beside Jean, her eyes glistening for Aviva and Nico. Dad is currently playing with Celeste, making her giggle, and I’m overwhelmed with love. I never thought my parents would be okay with me being with a white man. But not only do they care deeply for Kirby, they absolutely adore Celeste. They spoiled her worse than we did on Christmas. I never knew Christmas could be so magical until I experienced it with a child. It was beyond my expectations, and I am in super planning mode for her first birthday.
It will be over the top, but I don’t care one bit.
She’s my everything.
Honestly, and I haven’t told Kirby this, I want to adopt Celeste. I want to make it official on paper that she is mine. I know she is in my heart, and I know I’ll be the best damn mom ever, but I want it to be official for when she goes to school and sports and stuff. When we signed her up for Mommy and Me gymnastics at the gym Chandler’s wife, Amelia, works at, she had to tell them I was her mom. I don’t want to have to have someone go to bat for me. I want her to be legally mine and me hers. I haven’t brought it up to Kirby since we aren’t married, but I can’t help yearning for that title.
I love her.
I love him.
“I, Nicolas, take you, Aviva, as my wife. My forever. My everything.”
“Mama!” Celeste yells, interrupting the pastor as she reaches for me even though she is nowhere near me. Everyone laughs as Celeste wiggles herself out of Jean’s lap and hauls ass to me. I bend down, picking her up as soon as she is within reach. She cuddles