I sweep her off her feet and into a hug, “Oh my God, how? When?”

I set her back down and she replies in a rush, “When I got back two weeks ago I just told him I wasn’t happy…that I’d never been happy.  He knew it was you.  Of course, he knew and I’ve been working the last two weeks to find a place and square my business away.  I’m unemployed, but I have savings and a few upcoming interviews. I know it’s not going to be easy, but I need you to know that I’m here and I’m not going anywhere.  That is, if you want me.”

I pull her into another hug and place frantic kisses all over her face, “Tina, you have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear those words from you.  Yes, yes, a thousand times yes.” My lips find hers and I slip my tongue into her mouth.  She shudders against me and a thought enters my mind, pulling away I have to ask, “Wait…wait…where’s Maddie?”

She turns and gestures towards her rental car, “She fell asleep on the way…the flight really wore her out. I should actually head to the hotel, but as soon as we stepped off the plane I just couldn’t wait any longer to see you and tell you.”

I shake my head, “No, why don’t the both of you stay here? I’ve got a spare room….it’s all hers…or yours.  I don’t want to be presumptuous…”

She pulls my mouth down to her waiting lips and gives me a kiss that leaves me weak in the knees, “You’re not being presumptuous…I’m here for you because I’m yours.” 

I nod, “Ok, but what about Maddie? Custody arrangements? Schooling?”

“He’s not fighting me.  I will have full custody.  He’s agreed to take her during the summer, but the rest of the year she’s ours.” 

I smile, “Ours?”

“Again, if you’ll have me…well…us.  We are kind of a package deal.” She laughs.

“Absolutely, you know, I don’t know if I ever told you, but I always…she always felt like mine.”

Tears well in her eyes and spill over her lids, she responds in a whisper, “I know…so should I go get her?”

I nod and follow her to the car to gather the sleeping child.  She pulls Maddie from the car, her little blonde ringlets framing an all too familiar face.  Sleepy hazel eyes flutter open and look at me curiously.  She looks so much like Tina it takes my breath whenever I look at her.  My connection with Maddie is eerie.  I attribute it the many nights I spent worshiping Tina’s full belly while she grew within.  She rubs the sleep from her eyes and instantly reaches for me.  Wrapping her little arms around my neck, she climbs into my waiting embrace and whispers, “B…I miss you, B.” Tina smiles knowingly, “You seem to have a way with us Kennard girls.”

I smile back smugly, “Shall we go inside?”  She takes me by the hand and leads me home.

 -Fin