Chapter 25 Jack's Adoption

The door to Elizabeth's office opened slowly. Lucas walked up behind his wife; putting his arms around her resting them on her waist pulling her close as he slowly kissed her neck and her ear. "I was missing you," he said in a low husky voice he knew she couldn't resist. "You got up early. Back at your journaling I see."

"It has been a month since I wrote in my journal, so much has happened. I had some catching up to do. How are you feeling?" She asked concerned as she stood to face him and wrapped her arms around his neck running her fingers through his hair. She loved how incredibly soft and luxurious it felt.

"I am feeling wonderful. I missed waking up to your beautiful face. That is the most wonderful part of my day. How will I ever function now Mrs. Bouchard? He teased with a dimpled smile. Placing a gentle kiss on her soft lips.

"I think you'll manage just fine Mr. Bouchard." She pulled him in for a deep passionate kiss; they never missed an opportunity for more kisses.

"Did I ever mention how much I enjoy your teasing me? It makes you incredibly irresistible to me. You are dangerous for my heart. You cause it to beat so fast, I'm afraid it's going to beat right out of my chest." He smiled with the most seductive smile.

"Why do you seduce me with your words and your dimples, knowing I can never resist your temptations? She said with a huge grin.

"Come back to bed with me for a few hours. Jack probably won't be up for at least two more hours." Lucas said pleadingly leaning in to gently kiss her neck.

"You are so irresistible." She winked and eagerly took his hand and followed him back to their bedroom.

"Have mercy on me Mrs. Bouchard! He winked and then seductively pulled her close kissing her.

They spent the next two hours enjoying the feel of each other's warmth, as their bodies were joined together pleasing each other. "I don't want to ever get out of bed." Elizabeth said with a smile as she passionately kissed her husband one last time before getting up.

"We should get up. Rosemary will be here soon to help decorate for the ceremony," Lucas replied.

The couple slowly made their way to the bathroom to wash up and get ready for what was going to be an exciting day for them. Lucas was going to officially become Jack's father by adopting him. He was so happy to be taking this journey with Jack. Elizabeth laughed as she finished getting ready well before her husband!

"What is so funny?" He asked with a slight grin.

"I find it adoring that you put so much effort into looking your best," She grinned.

"Ha-ha! Very funny! It is a very special day and I want to look my absolute best," He responded with a dimpled smile.

"I will see you downstairs, and I will go get breakfast ready." She gave him a kiss and headed downstairs as Lucas continued to get ready.

Lucas walked down the hall and opened the door to Jack's bedroom. He hovered over Jack's sleeping body and then bent down and started tickling him with his beard.

Jack groaned, "Daddy!" He pulled the covers over his head.

Lucas pulled the covers down and did it again.

Jack started laughing hysterically.

"It's time to get up Jack." Lucas told him, momma is making breakfast.

"But daddy I'm tired!" Jack whined.

"Okay, I am going to have to eat your share of breakfast." Lucas pretended he was leaving.

"Daddy no, I want breakfast."

"I guess you should probably get up then." Lucas said playfully.

He got Jack dressed and they headed downstairs to begin their day.

"Look at these two handsome gentlemen." Elizabeth said kissing them both.

They all sat down and ate their breakfast. Rosemary and Lee arrived and they spent the whole afternoon getting ready for the ceremony by decorating. They hung balloons and streamers throughout the house. They rearranged the tables making room for everyone.

About 5:00 everyone started arriving. They mingled for about thirty minutes and then Lucas, Elizabeth, and Jack took their places in front of Bill and Joseph facing them.

Joseph and Bill stood front and center as Joseph conducted the ceremony. "We welcome each one of you here today. We have come here together to join in celebration of Jack's life and those who are a part of it. Jack was brought into this world by the holy and generous love of Elizabeth and the late Jack Thornton. We know hers is a home filled with joy and the Spirit of Peace. Jack is the answer to the prayers and longing of his adoptive parent, Lucas who will happily and lovingly receive him into his home. For Jack we have gathered to celebrate our shared inheritance as adopted children of God. We ask your blessing on him. May he grow in wisdom and grace over the years to come. May he discover the special place the Lord has made for him in this world. And may he echo the love that today surrounds him, growing up to be a man, of honor, peace, and love.

"Let us read" Mark 10: 13-16 And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them. But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein. And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Joseph spoke, "Elizabeth, do you accept Lucas as the new adopted father of Jack?"

"I do."

"Lucas, do you desire to take Jack as your own son?" Joseph asked.

"I do." Lucas said with a huge smile while holding Jack.

"Do you promise that you will be a loving father to Jack in every way?" Joseph asked.

"I do. I will love him with everything that I have and am. I will rejoice with him when he is happy. I will console him when he is sad. I will guide him to be the best person he can be. I will educate him to know and love the Lord and his commands." Lucas spoke from his heart with a tear in his eye.

"Let us pray" Joseph said. "Loving God, you have taught us that to welcome a little one in your name is to welcome Him. We give you thanks for Elizabeth, who brought Jack into this world, and for Lucas, who welcomed him into his home. We ask you to bless this new family, Lucas, Elizabeth, and Jack. Make them a holy family. May Lucas show the love of Christ as he brings up Jack to love all that is good. All this we ask through your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Amen."

"By the power invested in me, I pronounce this adoption official! Congratulations Lucas and Jack!" Bill said.

Lucas hugged Jack with everything that he is and Jack returned his hug.

"Are you my real daddy now?" Jack asked.

"I am son!" Lucas smiled while rubbing Jack's back. Jack gave him a big bear hug.

Everyone formed a line to offer congratulations to the newly formed official family. Then they had a buffet style dinner that Gustave had prepared for the occasion and spent the evening enjoying the beautiful moment with their family and friends in celebration. When the evening was winding down and Jack was getting tired. Lucas took him upstairs and put him to bed for the first time as his official father cherishing every very beautiful moment of it.