Overcoming Circumstances by Belinda Slider-Baker (classic novels for teens txt) 📕

Thane froze.  

“You told him you loved him?  I am so proud of you, Bly.  I know how hard that must have been.”  

“It was hard, but he has stepped up since Braelyn’s been born.  He saved my life.  He has done a lot for me.  You will learn how much he has done for me.”  

“Okay, but you don’t have to convince me, honey.” He said. 

I knew before those adoption papers came through I needed to find out where our relationship was headed.  So, it was time to lay it all out there.  

“Thane, can you help me pack tomorrow?”  

“If you really want to leave I will have someone pack it all up for you.  I don’t want you to go though.”  

“I love you, Thane.”  

“Oh, Bly, I love you.  I want you and Braelyn to live here with me.”  

“Thane, we have been living here.  Not once in the past few months have you let on like you wanted anything from me.  I know I was going through chemo.  You never once tried to kiss my lips.  I know you held me when I was fragile and not feeling well, but not in a romantic sense.  When I was pregnant, you were with me every step of the way.  Then, as soon as I came home, everything changed.  I guess reality set in for you.  Was it not what you expected?  Was it too much?  Was I not enough?  Braelyn being Coor’s finally turning you off from me?”  

I pause to compose myself and continue.

“I just don’t know anymore.  You love me then you are out with someone else.  I sat at home with Braelyn while the two men that were supposed to be the two men that would never abandon me did.  I didn’t care that Coor hooked up with a woman.  It was you.  It hurt that you were with another woman.  You broke my heart, Thane.  I know I probably broke yours too.  I was honest though.  I told you I would never move to Ohio.  You knew I was never going to leave Lexington.   I asked you to come over to my house over and over.  You were too busy.  I called and texted and half of them never got returned.   So, how am I supposed to feel?  It isn’t about me.  It is about Braelyn.  She is who you want, not me.  I get it.  I really do.”   

“I never did anything with that woman dammit.  I was upset and mad.  I hated that Coor was living with you.  I wanted to be the one living with you and helping with Brae.  I was jealous and let it get the best of me.  I want us to be a family.  I want you to move in here and marry me, Bly.  I want all of it.  I love you.  Is it too late for us?  Will you give us a chance?”  

Before I could answer him, his fax machine went off.  I could hear him say that he wasn’t expecting any faxes.   He said it must be something really important for something to be faxed without anyone from the office to call him.  I told him to go get the faxes.  It was fine; we had all night to talk about this.  I picked up Brae as he walked down the hall to his office.  Coor text me and said he just faxed the papers to me.  I told him they just came through.  I thanked him and told him I loved him and would talk to him soon.

I continued down the hallway with Brae on my hip.  I stood in the doorway of his office.  He had his back to me while he was reading the papers that were just faxed.  When he turned around to say something, tears were streaming down his face.  “Da da” was all we heard.  Brae said it and held out her arms to Thane.  Thane dropped the papers on the desk and came to us.  He took Brae in his arms.  He hugged me.  

“How did you do this, Bly?”  

“My dad helped me.”  

“I can’t believe Coor signed the papers.  I am so shocked and numb, Bly.”  

“Thane, the question is do you want to adopt Brae?”  

“I want to adopt her.  I love her.  I have loved her since she was in your belly, Bly.  The question I want answered now is….are you going to marry me, Bly?”  

“Yes, I will marry you Thane.  Do you know how long I have been waiting for this?”  

“You don’t have to wait any more.”  

“Braelyn Dawn Mansfield & Blythe Leigh Mansfield, doesn’t that have a wonderful ring to it?”  Maris said to me.  

“Yes it does, yes it does.”  

After the wedding, I walked out onto the balcony and looked up into the night sky.  

“Granny, I finally did it.  I got a beautiful baby girl and a wonderful husband.  I miss and love you.”

Publication Date: 06-17-2012

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