Finding My Way

Chapter 38

ZOEY

Twenty-six weeks of pregnancy, and so much has happened since I learned I would be a Mom. When you're a kid, you dream about the future at least every day, wondering what it would be like to be a grown-up. Go to the store yourself and purchase an absurd amount of junk food to binge on. Go to the mall and buy all the fancy clothes for events. You dream about finding the love of your life, doing spontaneous things with them, getting married, starting a family, and growing old together. 

Everyone tells you that when you grow up, life goes by faster, but we never believe it until it starts happening. One second, you look at the clock, and it's eight in the morning. The next, it's four in the afternoon. If I could go back and give the young version of me advice, I'd tell myself to cherish every moment like it is your last. I never knew the car ride to Ben and Jerry's with my parents would be our last. I would have said I love you and thanked them for everything they had done for me and Flynn. We don't always get that chance in life, but when we do, we should take it.

Kayla Branson was married to Ian Fields. She chose not to take her husband's last name in hopes of her sister being able to find her with her adopted last name. Kayla had three children with Ian—two sons, Shawn and Paul, and a daughter, Isabelle. Like Flynn and I, they were in their twenties. Shawn was my age, and we had the same birthday. Paul was twenty-four, and Isabelle had just turned twenty-one. 

Kayla decided to move to Atlanta, Georgia, after spending two weeks getting to know Flynn and me. She also took the time to get to know Grayson and Madelyn. I was more than happy to have my Aunt live here. Family has always meant a lot to me, and having more of them excited me. 

Today, Chelsea officially became my sister-in-law and married Riley. I was thrilled for both of them and even attended the wedding. My huge bump appeared in the baby blue bridesmaid dress Chelsea had picked out, and due to the swelling of my feet, my shoe choice ended up being flip-flops. It was the last week of April, so the weather wasn't cold. It was perfect for a wedding that happened to be outdoors.

Alyssa was Chelsea's maid of honor, then stood Megan, Callie, myself, and even Madelyn. We'd all become great friends, and Callie had even discussed moving back to Georgia to be closer to us. The thought thrilled Grayson because I knew he looked up to his sister ever since his Mom decided to give up on them. I also knew he'd want to be closer to his nephew and niece. 

Grayson was Riley's best man, followed by Charlie and Silas, and he thought Riley didn't know Flynn well. He was at the wedding, too. The day was perfect. The sun was shining, and the wind wasn't blowing too much to disturb the bride's done-up hair. It was all beautiful. 

Once the ceremony ended, Grayson invited me to the dance floor while a slow song was on. Everyone around us was content with their couples, making me smile. I never thought I'd become so happy again after everything crashing down those months ago. I remember being so upset the first day that I quickly moved on. I wasn't going to let my past ruin my future.

"What are you thinking about?" Grayson asked. He took my hand, spun me around, and pulled me back into his arms. 

"About us. You think our wedding will be as good as this?"

Grayson nodded. "I think it will be perfect. I think today was perfect for Chelsea and Riley. What do you think?"

"I think so too; I hope they agree. I can't wait to marry you again in front of our family. I know it'll be much better than I imagined because my family grew overnight. I'm so glad Kayla wanted to find us."

Grayson kissed my forehead. "This world isn't full of only bad people. There's good out there too."

"I know. You have made me see that everything will always be okay. I hope our Grace grows up to be positive like you, and maybe she will have those same blue eyes that will steal someone's heart one day."

Grayson chuckled. "Does that mean I stole your heart?"

I nodded. "I don't believe I'm ever getting it back."

"It's mine, forever, but don't worry, you have me to keep. I'll take care of yours if you take care of mine."

"I wouldn't have it any other way," I grinned. 

"Oh, and our daughter isn't dating until she is thirty. These eyes run in the Stone family; if I have them, there is a very high chance she will, which means we'll have our hands full. Boys will knock on our door, asking to take her out."

I laughed. "You don't know that."

Grayson arched his brow. "If she has these eyes, then trust me. You can ask Callie how often she was asked out during high school and how many guys she rejected."

"It's okay. I know you will be able to handle them all, right?" 

Grayson nodded. "Of course I will."

"Okay, I need to sit down. This pregnancy isn't over yet, but my feet are killing me. I've heard this isn't the end of my pain."

"How about a nice foot massage tonight when we get home? I know you've been enjoying those," Grayson said.

I sat down at our wedding party table and smiled. "That sounds nice. Do you not get sick of rubbing my feet? Most people turn their nose up at seeing someone's foot."

"In case you haven't noticed, honey, I'm unlike most people. I'd rub your feet right now in front of everyone. Anything to make you feel more relaxed and happy. I mean that."

"I know you do. I got lucky ending up with you. Maybe after Grace, we will have a son. Can you imagine mini versions of us running around and playing with their cousins?"

"I can imagine it all," he said, stroking my hand.

Indeed, I believed our life would be beautiful despite any challenges we encountered. Perfection might be scarce, and I was prepared to accept its absence. Imperfect as I was, I had found someone who cherished me for my true self. Together, we would confront everything until the very end.