Big Girls Don't Cry ✔️

Truth

Kelsey

We sat in the living room as Dad explained to us about Jordyn's adoption.

"I spoke with my attorney and explained the issue you both were having with adopting. He explained we could do a closed adoption where no one would know about Kelsey being transgender. I agreed. Then I found out your sister Amber was pregnant, but Jeremy didn't want people to find out and forced her to give up the baby," Dad explained as we looked at him.

"I suggested that your dad arrange for you and Martin to adopt the baby, so it didn't go to someone who might mistreat it," Mom added as Martin, and I looked at each other.

"To make it look official, Carl who's my attorney had his associate pose as someone from an adoption agency," Dad said as we stared at him in disbelief. "Jordyn is Amber's biological child."

Okay, that was not what I expected to hear. We adopted my niece. It was mind-boggling.

"If you're angry with us, we understand, but we wanted you to have a family," Mom mentioned as I looked at her.

Before I had a chance to speak, Martin said, "We're not angry, surprise, yes, but angry, no." I looked at Martin, and he looked at me. "It doesn't matter how we got Jordyn. We got her because someone cared enough to see our struggles with having a family."

I smiled because I knew Martin did this for me. I couldn't have biological children because I chose to be happy. He wanted my happiness over having a biological child.

"We were going to tell you after the adoption became final, but you both moved, then they deployed Kelsey," Dad reasoned.

"It doesn't matter. Jordyn is our daughter. No matter what, she will always be our daughter, just like I'm your daughter. Biology doesn't make a parent, love does, and love conquers all," I told my dad as he smiled.

Jordyn works up, and I picked her up to take her upstairs to potty. I didn't care how we got Jordyn, but no one would take her away from us. She is our daughter.

********
Martin

"Kelsey's afraid one day the birth parents will come looking for Jordyn, and we'll lose her," I explained as they nodded.

I got up and went upstairs and watched Kelsey with Jordyn. She was helping Jordyn wash her hands. I leaned against the door frame of the bathroom.

"Kels, I know you're worried, but one day we will have to tell Jordyn the truth," I reminded Kelsey as she finished up with Jordyn.

She sighed. "I know, but I don't want to lose Jordyn," Kelsey said as Jordyn hugged her leg.

"I don't think you will. Even when you're on deployment, Jordyn asks for you and I play her videos," I said as I pointed to Jordyn hugging Kelsey's leg.

Kelsey giggled as she picked up Jordyn. "Because I'm a mommy and mommy always makes things better." Kelsey hugged and kissed Jordyn.

Jordyn belonged to us, and one day, we would tell her the truth. We would also tell her how much we love her, and she's ours. For now, we'll keep her little and innocent. No child needs to have their life thrown into turmoil.

We spent time with Baxter and Rose. They enjoyed having us there, even if it was for the night. I could tell they missed Kelsey and Jordyn. The next day, we got into the car and drove to Georgia, making stops along the way. When you have a three-year-old in the car, they tend to get antsy.

We finally arrived at the base and the house. That was a long-ass car ride. The movers would be here tomorrow since they were bringing our belongings and had to get military clearance.

We ordered takeout for dinner and set up sleeping bags and pillows, camping in the living room since we didn't have our furniture yet. I think Jordyn liked it because she slept between us with her foot in my face and her arm on Kelsey's head.

"I think I will be happy when the furniture arrives," I whispered as Kelsey giggled quietly.

You ever slept next to a three-year-old? They move a lot, and you don't get much sleep.

The next day, the moving company arrived, and Kelsey directed them where to put everything while I watched Jordyn who got into things. I caught her tossing stuff out a box.

"What are you doing?" I asked Jordyn when I caught her.

"I help," she answered as I chuckled.

I walked over and picked her up. "That's a nice thing to do, but I think Mommy and I will take care of it."

Jordyn put her hands on my face and pressed on my cheeks. "Daddy, I help," she said as she leaned into me.

"And a good helper you are at making a mess," I told her.

"I no make a mess. I help," Jordyn shrugged as I chuckled.

"Someone's been busy," Kelsey said, pointing to the mess Jordyn created.

"I help Mommy," Jordyn told Kelsey.

"And you did a fine job at that, but how about you play while Daddy and I unpack," Kelsey suggested as Jordyn nodded. I put her down, and she walked out of the kitchen into the living room.

"I have a feeling Jordyn will want to help a lot when she's older," I chuckled as Kelsey laughed. I didn't know how right I would be with Jordyn.

We settled in, and Kelsey returned to duty, coming home. It was nice to have her home even if it's for a short while. Jordyn got to spend time with Kelsey, which she would need to carry with her when Kelsey gets deployed.

The holidays and birthdays were more special because of Kelsey being home. On Jordyn's first birthday, she received a special gift from Kelsey. She opened it to find a teddy bear with a necklace around its neck. I recognized the chain.

"Jordyn, the teddy bear is for you to hug when I'm not here. The necklace is a gift your dad gave me our first Christmas married. When you're missing me or upset I want you to hug the teddy bear and know I'm hugging you back," Kelsey explained.

"Okay, Mommy," Jordyn said as she hugged Kelsey.

The teddy bear would play an essential part in Jordyn growing up. It would help on the nights Jordyn missed Kelsey while she was away. When a spouse is a way it's hard on you, but with a child, it's difficult because they want their parent and their parent can't be there. I spent many nights comforting Jordyn when Kelsey was away, reassuring her that Kelsey would return.

Once I reassured Jordyn, and she went to bed, I would go to my room and cry, missing my wife. I never wanted Jordyn put in the position of taking care of me when she has to deal with a parent away. It wasn't fair to her.

Life would throw us curveballs, but we would handle it as they came, with love.