Jake
The drive home was quiet, but my thoughts were anything but. I glanced in the rearview mirror at May, clutching her new teddy bear and gazing out the window. She was already starting to look more at ease, her earlier apprehension melting away. Laura sat beside me, her hand resting lightly on my thigh, her soft smile radiating warmth.
When we pulled into the driveway, May perked up, looking around at her new home. "Is this where we live now?" she asked, her voice small but curious.
"Yes, sweetheart," Laura answered, beaming at her. "This is your new home. And wait until you see your room."
May's brows furrowed. "My room?"
I chuckled as I opened the car door. "Yep, your room. Laura's been working on it non-stop, so I think you're going to love it."
We led her inside, and Laura reached for her hand, guiding her toward the staircase. "Come on, May. Let me show you."
I followed close behind, watching Laura's excitement as she opened the door to the room we'd prepared.
"Surprise!" Laura exclaimed as she flicked on the light.
May's eyes widened, her mouth falling open. The room was a masterpiece. The walls were painted in soft pastels with hand-drawn clouds and stars scattered across them. A cozy bed with a fluffy pink comforter sat in the middle, surrounded by stuffed animals and fairy lights strung along the edges of the ceiling.
May let out a gasp and ran inside, her tiny hands reaching out to touch everything. "It's so pretty! Is it really mine?"
Laura knelt down beside her and nodded. "All yours. I decorated it just for you. Do you like it?"
"Like it? I love it!" May threw her arms around Laura's neck, squeezing her tightly.
I stood in the doorway, stunned. "Wow, Laura. You didn't tell me you were secretly an interior designer. This is… amazing."
Laura turned to me with a smug grin. "You're not the only one with surprises, Jake."
May turned and ran toward me, her arms reaching up. "Thank you too, Jake!"
I crouched down and hugged her back, my chest tightening in a way I hadn't expected. "You're welcome, kiddo. I'm glad you like it."
She beamed up at me, and for the first time, I felt something shift. The reluctance I'd been carrying since the airport began to dissolve. How could I not love this little girl?
The rest of the day was a blur of laughter and play. We let May explore the house, and I couldn't help but notice how Laura's face lit up every time May giggled or ran to show us something she'd discovered.
By evening, we were all curled up in the living room, May nestled between Laura and me on the couch. Laura was scrolling through the streaming service, looking for a movie.
"What do you think, May?" she asked. "Do you like princess movies or something funnier?"
May tilted her head. "What's your favorite, Laura?"
Laura's cheeks turned pink as she hesitated. I knew exactly what she was thinking.
"She loves Enchanted," I said with a teasing grin.
Laura shot me a playful glare. "You always make fun of it, but it's a great movie!"
May looked at us, intrigued. "What's Enchanted?"
Laura gasped dramatically. "Oh, you're in for a treat! It's about a princess who gets sent to New York City, and she—"
Jake cut her off with a laugh. "Spoilers, Laura. Just play the movie."
She rolled her eyes but clicked play, settling back against the cushions. As the movie started, May was glued to the screen, her eyes wide with wonder.
By the time the credits rolled, May turned to Laura with an excited smile. "That's my favorite movie now!"
Laura's face lit up like a Christmas tree. "Really? I knew you'd love it!"
"Better than Jake's boring action movies," May added, wrinkling her nose.
I pretended to look offended. "Hey now, those 'boring' movies are classics."
The girls laughed at my expense, and I couldn't even be mad. Seeing Laura and May connect like this filled me with a sense of peace I hadn't felt in years.
When it was time for bed, Laura took May's hand and led her upstairs. "Let's get you tucked in, sweetie."
I followed quietly, leaning against the doorframe as Laura settled May into bed.
"Do you want a story?" Laura asked, pulling the covers up to May's chin.
May nodded eagerly. "Yes, please!"
Laura sat on the edge of the bed and began, her voice soft and melodic. "Once upon a time, there was a little fox who lived in a big forest. The fox was very clever, but she was also very lonely. She didn't have any friends to play with, and sometimes she wondered if she ever would. One day, she decided to leave her little den and explore the world beyond the forest…"
I listened from the doorway, my heart swelling as Laura continued the story. Her voice was so soothing, and I could see May's eyes growing heavier with each word.
"…and the little fox learned that being brave could lead to wonderful things. She made so many friends and found a new home where she was loved and cared for. And she lived happily ever after."
May's eyes were closed by the time Laura finished, her breathing soft and even. Laura leaned down and kissed her forehead before quietly standing.
She turned and saw me in the doorway, startled. "Jake! How long have you been standing there?" she whispered.
"Long enough to know that you're the sweetest woman alive," I said, stepping into the room.
Laura blushed, her eyes twinkling. "I just want her to feel safe and loved."
I pulled her into my arms and kissed her softly. "You're amazing, you know that?"
She smiled against my lips. "You've said that a lot today."
"And I'll keep saying it," I murmured before kissing her again. This time, it deepened, our emotions spilling over.
We broke apart abruptly, glancing at the sleeping child in the bed.
"Not here," Laura whispered, her cheeks flushed.
I nodded, grabbing her hand and pulling her out of the room. We practically ran down the hall to our bedroom, shutting the door behind us.
The moment the door closed, I backed her against it, my lips capturing hers again.
"Thank you," I said between kisses, my hands tangling in her hair. "For being so good to her. For being so good to me."
She moaned softly, her hands clutching my shoulders. "Jake…"
I silenced her with another kiss, my hands sliding down to her waist.
Before we knew it, we were tangled in each other, our passion consuming us. The rest of the world faded away as I poured every ounce of love and gratitude I had into her.
When it was over, we lay tangled in the sheets, our breaths mingling.
"I love you," I whispered, brushing a strand of hair from her face.
"I love you too," she said, her voice soft but steady.
And in that moment, I knew, no matter what the DNA test said, this was my family. And I would do anything to protect them.