Authors: Nicole Hart

The Hurricane (23 page)

One Year Later

As we sat in the small room, waiting for our appointment, I watched Brooklyn sitting in Ryker’s lap, reading to him. I couldn’t help but reflect on the last year. It had been a year of changes. Ryker and I worked through our issues with him fighting. I understood his reasons for doing it. I know now that everything he did in his life was for us. He would do whatever he had to do to protect us and give us the best. I didn’t worry about him fighting again, because he promised he wouldn’t. And he never broke a promise.

I stared down at the simple platinum band that hugged my ring finger. Our promise to each other that day on the beach. It was strong and beautiful, just like our love. My parents came, my mother cried. Cain even attended, which made me happy. He finally came around and realized how much I truly loved his brother. He was protective of him, I understood his reasons.

Brooklyn stood between us, holding our hands and smiling the whole time. I’ll never forget the look on Ryker’s face when the preacher announced us as Mr. and Mrs. Ryker Hamilton. The way he smiled and whispered “I love you, baby” before he slammed his lips into mine. It was perfect. Just like him. I loved that man more than I ever imagined I could. Our road might have taken a detour all those years ago, but I didn’t regret it. It gave me my greatest gift, my Brookie. And I think that deep down, I always knew Ryker was the one.

The little flutter in my tummy reminded me of our newest gift. I put my hand over the place where I felt it, but knew it was too soon to feel from the outside. Ryker was waiting, not so patiently, for that day. I looked over at Ryker who was watching me as Brooklyn continued to read to him. Today was also the day we were telling her that she was going to be a big sister. He gave me a wink and mouthed those words again “I love you.”

“I love you.” I mouthed back to him as the door to the office opened.

“Mr. and Mrs. Hamilton?” the man in the grey suit asked as he looked in our direction. I still loved hearing those words.

“That’s us,” Ryker said as he stood, lifting Brooklyn in the air and setting her on her feet.

We walked into the small office, which was cluttered with files and a bookshelf that spread across an entire wall.

“Please have a seat,” he said as he pointed to the three chairs in front of his desk.

“It looks like this is pretty cut and dry, all the paperwork is in order, I just need you to sign the last of the forms and you can be on your way,” he said, giving us a genuine smile.

“Where do we sign?” Ryker asked as he ruffled Brooklyn’s hair. The lawyer put the last three forms on our side of the desk and we both signed with a smile.

“And that’s it, it’s official,” he said with a smile, and turned to Brooklyn, “What do you think about this, are you happy that Ryker is your dad now?”

“He was my dad a long time ago,” she said with a toothless grin. “But now it’s official—official.” She smiled, grabbing his hand.

“Now can I put Brooklyn Hamilton on my papers at school?” she turned and asked me. She had been wanting to do that since the day we got married.

“You bet,” I said.

“Finally,” she said with a giggle.

“If you don’t mind, we like to take a picture of the family to hang on our adoption wall,” the lawyer said as we all stood.

“Of course,” I said, watching him pull the digital camera from his top drawer

And there we were, an official family. Together and happy. Ryker put his hand on the small of my back, pulling me closer to him as Brookie stood in front of us.

“Say cheese.”

“Cheese!” Brooklyn said loudly, sporting a huge grin, and then turning to Ryker once the picture was taken.

“I love you, daddy,” she said, and wrapped her tiny arms around his waist.

“I love you, too,” Ryker said, lifting her in his arms, and wrapping her up tight.

Life isn’t always perfect, but I’ve learned that love is stronger, even when it’s complicated. And sometimes you just have to be brave, and fight without fear.

First, I want to thank my husband. Thank you for believing in me and always pushing me to pursue my dreams. I love you. More.

Christy, my bestie, my sister. Thank you for encouraging me to keep going.

I also have this amazing group of women in my corner. They promote my work, encourage me and keep me laughing daily. I couldn’t do this if it weren’t for you. So thank you Giovanna, Laurie, Aubrie, Diana and all of my Naughty Bitches. I love you guys!

Kinky Girls Book Obsessions. You girls are amazing to me! I can’t even describe my excitement the first time I received an edit from you. Kellie-you are the QUEEN! You took a chance on me and I could never thank you enough. Big sloppy kisses to all of you!

Also, when I first started this journey, I had no idea I would make such a connection with other authors. First, Sarah Sawyer, you scooped me up from the very beginning and showed me the ropes. I will always be grateful for you! Randa Lynn (My Macie), I loved your face even before I knew it was yours! Thank you for being my friend.
Linda Oaks, you my friend, rock! You have the kindest heart and I’m so thankful I’ve gotten the chance to know you.