30. Theo

30

THEO

I lie to Abigail, tell her the fastest way to get to the restaurant is by cutting through the park.

We walk hand in hand, Bonnie a few feet ahead of us at all times.

With every step, her anticipation grows while my nerves build on each other, compounding exponentially.

I have to focus to make sure my hands aren't shaking.

Abigail interrupts my attempts to calm myself. "Theo?"

"Hm, love?"

"You're hurting my hand."

In an effort to steady my shakiness, I've been cutting off her circulation. I release her hand and rub my palm down the lapel of my suit jacket. "Sorry about that."

Abigail quirks her brows. "You all right? You seem…I don't know. Something on your mind?"

Yes, something is on my mind! Obviously, something is on my mind. I suppose I should be heartened that she can't see through me, but I can't help the mounting terror as we wind through Central Park toward Wagner Cove, a private rocky outcrop on The Lake where a small gazebo and all her family await us.

"I'm fine, darling," I tell her, though I'm not particularly convincing.

Abigail frowns, about to respond, but her attention is pulled away when she sees Bonnie pull off down a path. "Bonnie! Where are you going?"

She releases my hand and goes after my daughter without a second thought, filling my chest with warmth.

Bonnie might not be Abigail's in a biological way, but she treats her with all the care and attention a mother would.

I follow more slowly, knowing that Abigail is going to stumble upon the site before I arrive. That's just fine. I want her to get acclimated, want her to get a moment with her family.

After Abigail made amends with Edwin and Sonia, the rest of her family came out bit by bit on separate visits to patch things up with her. I think part of this was due to Edwin's encouragement. His acceptance of our relationship has meant the world to all of us.

If she hadn't made these amends, the proposal would have had to wait. I would never have rushed things when the foundation was still rocky.

However, as I round the bend and see the path lined with all of Abigail's family members, I am so, so grateful I didn't have to wait.

I'm making her mine. Today.

Abigail stands at the head of the path, scanning the faces of her family with confusion. "What on earth…"

Bonnie is beside her, holding her hand. My girls. Together.

I take a mental picture, to keep this moment in my memory forever.

Bonnie shakes Abigail's arm. "You like it?"

"I…" Abigail doesn't even know what she's looking at. Despite all the white sashes and flowers decorating the gazebo and the presence of all her family, the shock is still settling over her.

I go up between the two, sliding my hand into Abigail's. Abigail's eyes shoot to me, expression trembling with shock. "I'll take it from here, Bon?"

Bonnie smiles and nods before going to Edwin at the end of the path.

"What's going on?" Abigail asks as I start to guide her further down the path.

"I think you have an idea, love," I tell her through a chuckle.

As we walk, we are lavished with smiles and affection from her family.

Bridget reaches out to touch Abigail's arm with love while her brothers eye me and give me nods of respect.

I've done my own work with the Lyons family. Bonnie and I have attended weekly dinners since Edwin and Abigail reconciled, meaning I've grown my own relationships with all of them in a new way. Not only as Edwin's best friend, but as Abigail's partner as well.

I know Abigail loves me. But she is her own person. Has her own thoughts about how things should go. And if I'm going to respect her as a person, that means respecting whatever answer she gives to my proposal. If she says she's not ready, I have to accept it.

However, Abigail is leaning on my arm more and more as we approach the gazebo, like my closeness is keeping her upright.

When we pass Edwin, Abigail's eyes linger on him. "Dad?"

He grins. "Yes?"

She reaches out to him for a one-armed hug, a tear threatening to fall down her face. "Thank you."

Edwin embraces his daughter fully, seeming at peace as he presses a kiss to the side of her head.

Once she's released from his embrace, we continue down the path to the wooden gazebo.

The lake wavers, glistening with the colors of the sunset. The setting could not be more perfect.

Now, the execution.

I turn Abigail to face me, our hands linked. "Are you ready?"

Her shock finally turns into a smile. "Is this real, Theo?"

"You want me to pinch you to make sure you aren't dreaming?" I tease.

Instead of a pinch, I push some hair out of her face, cup her cheek, let my hand run down her soft skin to her neck, then her shoulder, until my hand is back in hers.

Abigail exhales, a small, desperate sound from the back of her throat. Now we're both full of nerves.

It's one thing if I have to deal with my nerves, but I can't let Abigail suffer like me.

It's time.

I take a deep breath, my gaze steady on her.

"I love you, Abigail. But I know I'm not the only one. I wanted to create a special moment for all of us. Because I know by being in your life, I need to be ready to be a part of all their lives too. Just as you've made yourself such a big part of Bonnie's life."

Her eyes glimmer. Beautiful green like Ireland herself.

I reach into my pocket, my fingers trembling slightly as I pull out the velvet box.

When I open it, the diamond inlaid claddagh ring I've chosen for her sparkles and shines. It's not a typical engagement ring, but the hands holding the crowned heart are emblematic of her heritage. The Irish symbol is more than just a token of my love. It is love, loyalty, and friendship rolled into one. A promise of my eternal devotion and more.

"I've had this ring for a while," I begin, my voice a bit unsteady but filled with sincerity. "I got it when I came home from visiting you the very first time."

Abigail gasps with laughter. "You're ridiculous."

I chuckle. "I assure you, nothing about how I feel for you is ridiculous, Abigail."

I drop to one knee, feeling the weight of the moment and the significance of what I'm about to say. "I told you that it only took a moment for me to fall for you. But the fall has been long and wonderful. With every new thing I learn about you, I love you even more."

She smiles so hard her cheeks start to redden.

"You're intelligent beyond belief, the smartest woman I've ever met. And because of that, you've got a whip-smart sense of humor. You keep me in line with my bad dad jokes, and I love it, every time you give me a hard time."

Abigail's family laughs. They know just as well as I do how she is.

"But it was your compassion for my daughter that sealed the deal for me. How you welcomed her into your heart without question. Not just a little bit, but all the way. You loved her first, and that made me fall that much faster."

"She's the best." Abigail throws a smile toward Bonnie.

Bonnie is leaned up against Edwin's legs, beaming ear to ear as she watches her future unfold between Abigail and me.

For once, I am doing right by her. Without question.

I look up at her, my heart open and vulnerable. "And now she has the absolute best role model in her life every day. You. You're independent, strong, intelligent, loving…you are what every man hopes his daughter becomes, and I am honored you share that with my daughter. And whether I deserve it or not, you share that with me too."

"Of course you deserve it," she says.

Enough. No more teasing it out. "You know that choosing me means choosing Bonnie just as wholly."

"Absolutely."

This is it.

"With all that being said, will you marry me, Abigail? Be not only mine, but Bonnie's too?"

The silence stretches for a moment as Abigail's eyes well up with tears. Her smile is shaky, but it's the most beautiful thing I've ever seen.

"Yes, Theo. Yes, I will. Of course."

I find myself laughing in relief and happiness, surprising myself with my reaction.

"Thank you," I murmur as I slide the ring on her finger. I take her now ringed hand in mine and kiss the back of it. "Thank you so much."

Abigail helps me up to my feet and pulls me close, kissing me as tears stream down her cheeks.

I hold her close to me, embracing her with all the strength I have.

"I love you," I tell her. "I love you so much."

Instead of saying it back, Abigail draws away, holding a hand out toward Bonnie. "Come here, honey!"

Bonnie bounds toward us, her own face streaked with tears. She's known what was going to happen, but I'm sure it's overwhelming when everyone is celebrating, and both Abigail and I are crumbling under the weight of our emotions.

I scoop Bonnie up in my arms, and Abigail flings her arms around both of us.

"I love you both ," Abigail says. "You two are my everything."

When we are finally ready to break out of our little bubble of love, Abigail, Bonnie, and I are showered with affection from the Lyons family.

We all go back to Edwin's for a beautiful, lavish celebration that lasts late into the night.

As the evening winds down, Bonnie snoozes quietly, her head on my lap, while Abigail sits beside me, tucked under my arm.

The Lyons clan is in the midst of quiet discussions with some of the babies asleep nearby, everyone tired but unwilling to let the celebration end.

My family was never like this, not even when things were normal . So outwardly loving and vocal about their care for one another.

"I love your family," I tell Abigail in a soft voice.

Abigail looks up at me, touching my chest. Her hand on my heart sends my pulse racing. "It's our family now, Theo."

Our family .

"I like the sound of that."

She touches my cheek. "Good. I do too."

Epilogue –Abigail

One year later…

Traditional Irish folk music floats on from the chapel, dancing on the air delicately. The chapel is ancient, a testament to history and romance, nestled in the heart of the Irish countryside. Weathered stone, moss-covered walls stand tall. A beautiful relic full of romance.

Perfect for a wedding.

I stand outside the main wooden door between my mom and dad. The wood is carved with intricate Celtic knots. This wedding couldn't get more Irish.

Dad stands beside me, his face illuminated by the soft, early light. "You look beautiful, Abigail."

"Thanks, Dad." I can't even think about how I look right now, the nerves are rioting inside me.

However, he's right. The gown is perfect, made by Bridget who handstitched all the beads and lace.

He studies my face. "How are you feeling?"

"Don't give her an opportunity to get in her head, Edwin," Mom says, brushing my veil out over my shoulder.

"You're making me get in my head, fussing over my dress," I tell her, shrugging her away. "Relax, would you?"

Mom tsks. "Oh, you're just being dramatic now.

I glance at Dad who chuckles to himself.

"I'm ready," I say, casting a look to the ground.

If only the wedding party could hurry up, and the band would start the wedding march.

"Of course, you are," Dad encourages.

Mom places her hand on my waist. "You've waited a long time for this day."

I smile. It's only been a year since Theo proposed, but she's right. It's been far too long. I've been ready for this day since the proposal. To make our love official.

I never dreamed of weddings until I met Theo. Now, my perfect wedding is playing out before me, in my mother's country, at a historic chapel amidst the rolling, misty hills of Ireland.

We've lucked out with a sunny day too. Shocking for Irish spring.

I readjust my grip on my bouquet, a bounty of lilies that are so fragrant they're making me lightheaded. "Thank you both for being here."

Mom smiles. "Of course. We wouldn't trade it for the world!"

"I know, but…" I look between my parents. "Together. It means a lot that you two can support me like this."

Mom and Dad have had to spend much more time together now that I'm building my own family. The Lyons family came out to Ireland for Christmas this year so we could all be together. Everyone in my family chooses love again and again every day. It consistently amazes me.

"Abigail, you're our daughter. We're always here," Dad explains, linking his arm in mine. "We wouldn't have you without each other."

A gentle breeze rustles through the leaves of the ancient oaks nearby.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady my nerves. "I just want everything to be perfect. I want everyone to feel the way I feel right now."

The wooden door opens up for us as strains of the wedding march reach us from inside.

I hold my breath as the aisle unfurls ahead of me, pews packed full of my friends and family on either side and at the end of the aisle… My future husband.

Mom slips her arm through mine. "Let's go get him, huh?"

I giggle. "Yeah, let's do it."

Arm and arm with my parents, I start taking measured steps down the aisle.

I've always thought getting the timing right would be difficult, but what's actually difficult is not running to Theo.

My god, he looks perfect. From his expression to his choices of clothing for the day, he looks incredible.

He's dressed in a slim, charcoal suit that accentuates his stature, a matching lily in his lapel. The dusty blue tie brings out the blue in his eyes, which are already gleaming with tears as he looks at me. His hair is coiffed perfectly, a wave of salted brown.

He wanted to color his hair, but I like the gray. Makes him look distinguished.

Saying he looks at ease would be a lie, considering it's our wedding day, and I know he's buzzing with as many nerves as I am. But the past year has been excellent for Theo and his business.

He credits me with his ability to make the business thrive now that he doesn't have to worry quite as much about Bonnie, but I know that's all him.

He doesn't feel he has to prove himself anymore. To me or to anyone else. He's Theodore fucking Wallington, and he's sexy, successful, and all mine.

Bonnie stands beside him, looking taller than ever. She's grown so much in the past year, including losing a couple of her front teeth. That doesn't impact her smile one bit, though. She's wearing a blue dress that matches Theo's tie, the two of them a beautiful pair.

And with me in the picture, I hope we're a perfect trio.

Bonnie glances up at her father and says something, producing a handkerchief out of the pocket of her dress.

I could cry at her gesture of kindness. She's such a sweet child, a product of all the best parts of my future husband.

Theo takes the handkerchief from her and dabs at his eyes.

"Good, he should cry," my mother whispers in my ear.

I hold in a laugh.

My mother is in her finest form, irreverent and funny as ever.

We've gotten closer over the past year because I have a position with the Clare Marine Institute since my work on studying the puffins last year. I'm in Ireland more often, and I need advice more often too.

As we arrive at the end of the aisle, Theo and Bonnie step forward to receive me.

My parents each give me a kiss on the cheek before my mom takes my bouquet and Dad guides my hand to Theo.

"All yours," Dad says.

"And mine!" Bonnie interrupts.

Everyone laughs politely.

Mom strokes her hand through Bonnie's hair. "Yes, not to be forgotten, of course."

Theo gives my father a pat on the arm, their eye contact saying much more than words ever could.

It's taken time for them to adjust to how their friendship exists simultaneously with our relationship, but they've managed it.

Now, I don't think any of us can fathom what it would be like if Theo and I weren't together.

Theo takes my hand from my father, his grip so familiar, and yet sending chills down my spine like we've never touched before.

My parents step away to take their seats, leaving Theo, Bonnie, and me at the altar before the priest.

I bend down to give Bonnie a kiss on the cheek.

"You look beautiful ," she whispers.

"So do you," I reply. "Thanks for letting me be with your dad."

Bonnie grins.

I expect her to go to her seat beside my mom, but she remains standing between us.

"Before we begin the union of Theodore Wallington and Abigail Lyons," the priest begins, "I believe Theodore's daughter, Bonnie, has a few words."

This is news to me. I throw a look at Theo.

However, he's busy, reaching into his suit jacket and retrieving a piece of paper which he hands to Bonnie before stepping back, giving her the floor.

I quickly scan my family in the front pews, my eyes connecting with Sonia's.

She merely smiles, a tiny knowing smile.

Does everyone know something I don't?

Bonnie unfolds the paper, glances at the guests, then up at me. "Um… I'm kinda nervous."

"It's okay," I encourage her, not knowing what she's about to say.

Bonnie looks down at the paper as if she is reading something in it. "Okay. Um… Abigail, I know today is the special day you will always share with my dad, but this day will always be special for me too. Because this is the day that we officially become a family."

I was going to hold off on the crying until the vows, yet here I am, tamping down the swell of emotions in my chest.

"From the day you saved me in the aquarium, you've been my hero. Every day with you is full of adventures. You give the best hugs and always know what to say, even when I'm sad."

I hold my breath, placing a hand on my chest.

"At first, you were my friend, but then you were more than a friend. And now that you're marrying my dad, you'll always be my family."

I will. Always .

"But something didn't sit right with me the closer we got to today. Because you feel like my mum, and if you're my mum, I should call you that."

"Of course, you can, Bonnie," I say, trying to keep my tears at bay.

Bonnie smiles bigger. "But that doesn't feel like enough either. I want you to really be my mum."

I furrow my brow, poised to ask a question until, Bonnie sticks her finger up in the air. "The documents, please!"

Laughter fills the small church, but I am still at a loss for what's happening.

Theo reaches into his jacket for another piece of paper and gives it to Bonnie.

"Thank you, sir," she says as she takes it.

He smiles. "You're welcome, milady."

I could kiss his stupid silly face right now if custom allowed for it. Although custom doesn't usually call for the groom's daughter to make a speech either.

Theo must be reading my mind because he throws me an impish wink, making my stomach swoop.

"This is for you!" Bonnie holds the paper up to me.

I take the paper and unfold it.

In bold at the top of the document reads:

PETITION FOR ADOPTION BY STEPPARENT

I blink, read it again, and then a third time to make sure my eyes aren't deceiving me.

"You…you want me to adopt you?" I ask, my voice paper thin.

Bonnie tucks her hands behind her, cheeks reddening. "You have to marry my daddy first, but if that's okay with you, yeah. I'd like you to be my mum for real."

A wobbling laugh escapes me, disbelief and joy compounding inside me. "Of course, I will. Of course, I'll…"

My eyes lift to meet Theo's. Blue meeting my green, sky and land, making up an entire world for this little girl.

I sink to my knees and embrace her. "I'd like nothing more than to be your mother, Bonnie."

I don't care if she rumples my veil or gets tears on my dress. She's not only the child of the man I love anymore, but she's also my child. Or she will be once all is signed, sealed, and delivered.

Bonnie clings to me, allowing me my tears of joy and pride.

I cradle her face in my hands. "You sure?"

"Yes!" She nods.

"You're really, really sure?"

I think of all the time I've spent away from them when I've had to be on research assignments and trips for work. All the moments I've missed. The few times I've had to reprimand her or caused her to cry because she didn't like the rules.

I'm not perfect. But she wants me this way?

Bonnie doesn't answer with words. She hugs me again, burying her face in my neck.

"She's really, really sure," Theo says, stepping forward.

People are crying around us. I'm not sure there's a dry eye in the house.

"And you? Are you sure?" I ask, looking up at him.

Theo leans down and touches my chin tenderly. "Of course, I'm sure. You're the love of our lives."

People wait years for one love like this, but I have two. Two of the biggest hearts welcoming me in without inhibitions.

"Okay, now." Bonnie pulls back, grabbing my shoulders. "Marry my dad so we can make it official!"

She skips off to her seat.

Now, Theo and I are alone at the altar as I thought it was going to be from the beginning. We join hands before the priest, ready to start living the rest of our lives together.

Everything goes by in a blur until Theo is instructed to kiss the bride, and he embraces me, scooping a hand through my hair and kissing me as deep as he can without giving anyone a show they aren't ready for.

Bonnie runs up with the document and a pen for me to sign the petition.

I do so immediately, my signature flourishing across the document.

And then, together, hand in hand with Bonnie between us, we walk down the aisle and into the light of day as a family.