Page 61 of Theirs to Treasure

If they can do all that, they have the resources to fight me in court over parental rights.

Giving up my child is something I will not do.

Protectively I touch my belly.

I never thought I could feel this way. But now that I’ve had time to process everything, I’m excited to become a mom.

Already I will do anything I can to protect and nurture this child inside me.

I’ve made myself a vow that he or she will not be raised in the same way I was.

And though Forrest annoys the hell out of me, I know he is equally as committed to his unborn child as Zev and I are.

If Forrest would be an absentee father, I would have refused to marry them.

I gave into his demands because I don’t want to be packing up our baby and dropping him or her off at their house all the time, wondering if my child is safe in Austin, and alternating holidays and special events.

There’s another knock at the door, and the crisp and efficient woman who runs the weddings here asks if I need a couple more minutes.

With a resigned sigh, I respond that I’m ready.

Nothing I do will change my fate, so I might as well not delay the inevitable any longer.

Amelia picks up my flowers and hands them to me before lifting her own bouquet.

“I’ll be with you every step of the way,” she promises.

Together we leave the room and walk to the sanctuary.

Zev has selected a classical piece to accompany me as I walk toward the altar, and the moment I appear in the entryway, the familiar organ notes bounce off the rafters.

Both men turn.

Amelia gives me one last look before proceeding down the red carpeted aisle.

When she reaches the front, she steps aside, leaving me a clear view of my men. My grooms.

In tuxedos, they are even more devastating than I remember, and a fresh wave of butterflies dance up my spine.

Slowly, drawing strength from Zev’s inviting smile, I begin my short journey.

There’s a scattering of people in the pews, none on my side of the church, but several on theirs.

As I near them, my step falters.

Forrest breaks his position as if to rush toward me, but I shake my head, silently letting him know I’m fine.

When I continue, Zev smiles with genuine affection, and I use that as a lifeline while I make my way to Forrest’s side.

Then, instead of patiently waiting, he takes a few steps toward me and offers his arm and his strength as we face the officiant.

With calm resolve, Forrest recites his vows, promising to honor and care for me.

He never utters the wordlove,and why would he?

Commitment is his version of love.

He slips my band into place.