Hold Me

Chapter 27

Looking back at this past year, I didn't think I would make it to this point. Finally, safe, happy, and loved by a family. I now have the one thing I've wanted for so long.

17. An age I never thought I would reach. But here we are.

I couldn't help but stare at myself in the mirror. My hair was curled, and my makeup was done. I wore a blue dress that reached midthigh. For once, I felt happy with how I looked.

I could hear the guys downstairs, so I went down the stairs and into the kitchen. When I walked in, the first person who saw me was Ash. He smiled and ran over to me, spinning me around before giving me a huge hug.

"You look beautiful, sweetheart," Ash said.

I smiled. "Thank you."

The other guys also chimed in—all of them giving me hugs and telling me how proud they were of me.

"Can we eat? I'm hungry." Mike said.

Everyone laughed but agreed. We all sat down at the table where there was an array of breakfast foods. 

"Well, dig in, everyone. I worked hard." Luke said.

"Luke, you cooked!?" I asked, making a dramatic gasp.

He smiled proudly and nodded. "Sure did."

"I didn't let him make the eggs, though." Calum chimed in. 

I laughed. "Oh yeah, his microwave eggs."

"They're not that bad." Luke defended. 

I laughed and shook my head, starting to eat. Everyone ate, and afterward, the guys told me they could handle the clean-up. I tried to argue, but they told me they had it.

When the guys were done cleaning, they all made their way into the living room where I was sitting. 

"What's the plan today?" I asked.

"Anything you want to do," Mike said.

I smiled and nodded. "Can we go play laser tag?"

The guys laughed but nodded. 

After everyone else got dressed and ready to go, we all piled in the car. I sat in the passenger seat next to Mike while the other guys sat in the back.

We played laser tag for a couple of hours before we were all exhausted. After getting pizza for lunch, we headed home.

When we got home, the guys insisted on giving me their presents. I argued that I didn't need anything, but they insisted. 

"It's your special day; of course, we're spoiling you," Calum said.

"Okay fine," I said, knowing I wasn't winning this battle.

The guys all smiled and then proceeded to grab their presents. I waited patiently on the couch before they each started to pass me gifts. The gifts consisted of candy, a bit of makeup, and gift cards.

"Thank you guys, this was way more than enough."

"Wait, there's one more gift," Ash said, turning his attention to Mike.

Mike smiled and nodded, running out of the room before returning with a small bag. He handed it to me and then sat down next to me.

I looked at him, confused, but he motioned me to open it.

Slowly I pulled what was out of the bag. Inside was a folder which I opened. My eyes went wide, and I gasped.

Adoption papers.

It was finally official.

I felt tears come to my eyes. Before I knew it, they were streaming down my face. Mike instantly wrapped his arms around me, kissing the top of my head.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart."

I held onto him tightly. He rubbed my back, helping me to calm down. When I finally was able to form words, the first thing I said was, "Thank you."

Mike smiled. "I told you I would never let you go in the system."

I wiped my eyes and then looked at the other guys smiling. 

"I love you guys."

"We love you too."

"Group hug!" Ash said excitedly.

I laughed and nodded. The guys all gathered around, and we all hugged each other.

This. This is what family is supposed to feel like.

______

The end.

Thank you so much for reading this book. I've been working on it for so long, and it feels odd that it's now done. Feel free to check out my other books. I hope everyone has a good night/day<3