Landing In London {Dreams & Bleachers Sequel}

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NJ's POV

Ryder just text me to tell me, he can't make it to the meeting with our adoption case manager because he has to work. Great, I have to handle this myself. He always does all the talking, not me.

I tried to look as presentable as possible. I'm not used to professional deals like this, but I pulled back my hair and took off the makeup. God, I felt so bare.

The doorbell rang, and I ran to get it. It's mid September right now, so it's a little chilly. A little? It hit me like a ton of bricks as I opened the door. There stood a middle aged woman with a business suit on and dried out brown hair.

She extended her hand to me, introducing herself as Mrs. Ellis. I offered her a drink, to which she respectfully declined as we walked inside.

"I apologized my husband isn't home." I said. "He got caught up at work."

"Oh, it's fine! What does he do for a living?" She asked as we sat on the couch.

I swallowed a lump in my throat, replying, "He works in law enforcement."

Well, it wasn't a total lie. It's just, saying he's a bounty hunter sounds so harsh, especially to the lady that decided whether or not we can have a child.

We chose to go with an adoption service that specializes in working with LGBT couples. Even so, Ryder and I are a little startling to an average person. He's a tough biker, and I'm a quiet goth. Not exactly model parents for most eyes.

"So, do you mind if I ask what you do for a living, Mr. Hale?" She asked.

"Please, call me Nicky." I slightly laughed as I adjusted myself in my seat. "I'm a painter, but I'm also working with a business associate on designing my own line of drums."

"Oh, that sounds lovely." She said, then continued on with similar questions for what felt like hours. It was only truly about fifteen minutes later when she asked the dreaded question. "Now, the background check found that your husband was in drug rehab and Juvi in high school?"

I sighed, cringing. "Yes, he was, but it was a very dark time for him. He was living with a mother who was a drug addict, and it got him into a lot of trouble. Since his recovery, he hasn't touched drugs or tried violence. It's the biggest regret of his life, and trust me, he will never be that person again."

"I believe you." The woman softly smiled, then stood up. "Well, this was a nice visit. I don't see any reason why you shouldn't be parents. I'll get in contact with you when everything is fully approved so we can start looking for a baby for you two."

My eyes went big from happiness. It took all I had in me not to hug her to death. "Thank you, very much. We are eternally grateful."

Mrs. Ellis gave me a final smile as she walked out into the cold. I couldn't help but smile myself! We're finally going to have a child! One we can hold, and cherish, and love.

Words can't describe how happy I am. Ryder will be just as excited to hear this news! I went to the kitchen to start making dinner, since he should be home soon.

The more I thought about it, the happier I got. Ahh! I can't even contain my joy!

Ryder's POV, Hours Later

It was a long day. I had been beaten and bruised, then did it five times over. I'll be happy to get back to my own bed with my Baby.

I walked in through the garage, seeing all the lights were off except the light that came off the water dispenser of the fridge, and some coming in from the streets. The house smelled of spaghetti, but it had long ago been put away in the fridge.

A sigh left my mouth as I walked into the living room, where Nicky had fallen asleep on the couch. The TV was still on, and Hope was curled up next to him. He must've fallen asleep waiting up for me.

The dog looked up at me, puckering her little cheeks like she was ready to bark. I leaned down, grabbing the remote as I shushed her. When she realized it was me, she got all happy and wiggly.

I turned off the TV, then picked up Nicky in my arms. Hope's nails tapped on the floor behind me as I walked to our bedroom. I set Nicky down and the dog jumped on the bed, snuggling up to him.

She's such a card. I snickered to myself, then went to the bathroom and took a fast shower. Soon I crashed into the blankets, finally feeling at peace.

Nicky's hand wrapped around my chest as I felt him lay his head against my back. "Please don't leave. I miss waking up to you." He mumbled through a sleepy daze.

It broke my heart to hear those words. I put my hand on top of his, intertwining our fingers. "I won't. I promise."