Page 138 of Fall Over You

“It is my pleasure to sign and date this adoption. Welcome to your new forever family, Ellie and Rebecca.”

Becca’s on her knees hugging Ellie and crying, and I can’t leave them like that. I crouch down and surround them with my arms.

“I love you so much, lil mama. I’m so glad I’m really your mama now.”

“I love you, Mama. Don’t cry.”

Becca coughs a wet laugh and wipes under her lashes. “Stupid hormones.”

Ellie isn’t crying because I’m not sure how much she gets it. To her, Becca’s been there since she can remember, the only mama she’s ever had.

“You’re allowed to cry, Reba,” I laugh, and she lets me help her stand and hold her close. I kiss her temple. “I love you so much, baby. I’m so glad we’re all official now.”

She nods against my shirt while our people start to circle around us, taking turns giving Ellie hugs and high fives. “I love you too, Ty. I’m so happy. I can’t stop crying.”

Becca’s face is red and splotchy by the time we take our pictures, but her smile is as bright as ever. I can’t wait to have that photo framed on our mantle soon.

The day we became a family.

After we leave the courthouse, the three—and a half—of us walk hand in hand to the diner, trailed by our family and friends.

I didn’t know it could get this good.

I didn’t know my heart could be this full.

I didn’t know I’d spend my life falling for Becca, over and over again.

But I sure am glad I held out hope that one day, the storms would clear, the sun would shine, and I’d get that pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.