Old Lady For The Taking

Chapter 24

Chapter 24

***Anna's first birthday***

Waking up this morning, I am still wrapped up in Happy's arms. Pulling out of his grip he pulls me tighter and says "Where are you going?" I laugh and say "Today's our little girl's birthday and I have a party to get ready for." Getting out of the bed, I get in the shower and when I get out and head to get the kids, they are not in their rooms. Walking into the kitchen, Happy is at the stove making pancakes and EJ is sitting in his booster seat at the table drawing while Anna is in her highchair. Walking over, I kiss both babies and then over to Happy. Putting my arms around his waist, I kiss his bare back. Patting my hands with his, he plates the last of the pancakes and we get our day started.

The party is in full swing and EJ runs up to Happy "Daddy, can you play ball with us?" I look to Happy and he has this huge smile on his face. "Yeah, Daddy. Can you play?" I asked laughing. Kissing me softly, he heads out to the yard to play with EJ. With Anna sitting in my lap she is clapping her hands and laughing at her brother and Happy playing. When it's time to eat, everyone gets around the picnic tables and Anna reaches for Happy and says "Da Da. Da Da." He pulls her to his lap and kisses the top of her head. The rest of the party was a success and even the Old Ladies start helping clean up. "How's he handling being Daddy?" Gemma asked me. "He's doing good with it. And the kids seem to be adjusting well too. Anna is such a daddy's girl. It's amazing how she has him wrapped around her little finger." I tell her and we both laugh. "That's good baby. I'm glad things worked out. Why don't you let me take the babies tonight and let you guys have some Mommy and Daddy time." she tells me and we start packing the kids things. After Gemma leaves, Happy and I are on the couch and he pulls me to his lap. Pulling a small box out of his kutte pocket, he looks at me and tells me, "You know I love you and the kids more than anything, right?" I look at him and say "Of course. We love you too." He opens the box and says "Then I want to make this official. Marry me?" I smile wide and nod my head yes and kiss him softly after he puts the engagement ring on my finger. Laying my head on his shoulder, I asked, "Would you be okay with going to the courthouse? I don't want a wedding." He holds me closer and says "If that's what you want then that is fine with me. As long as you become Julie Lowman." he says. "While we are there, maybe we can file those adoption papers?" I asked. "Really? Are you sure?" he asked. "Happy, the kids call you daddy. You are here helping me raise them. I am ready for this." I tell him and he kisses me deeply and carries me to the bedroom.

The next morning, Happy wakes me up, telling me to get ready. "For what?" I asked. "Lowen is meeting us at the courthouse. We are getting married and filing those papers." he tells me. "Really? This soon?" I asked surprised. "Yeah. We both know how fast things can change and I want to do this as soon as possible." he tells me smiling. Two hours later, we are married and the papers have been filed for the adoption.

Pulling into Gemma's to get the kids, we walk in and I pull Gemma into the kitchen. "I need to tell you something." I tell her. I show her my hand and she smile wide and then looks at me surprised. "He proposed?" she asked. "Not only that but we went to the courthouse and got married this morning. We also filed the adoption papers for him to adopt the kids and in thirty days he will legally be their father." I tell her. She pulls me into a hug. "You ready to head home Mrs Lowman?" Happy asked as he entered the room with the kids. "Yes Mr Lowman. Let's go home."