Chapter 20

Hello everyone. I just want to thank you all for loving this story and being a part of this journey. This will be the last chapter of this story. I'm not sure if I will be doing a sequel but things have gotten increasingly busy. So enjoy and remember … Give Love.

It has only been a few months and things were beginning to evolve for the growing family.

Lena sat on the young teen's bed as she finished up brushing her hair for her. Lena was spending some quality alone time with Callie since it's usually shared with Mariana. But today Mariana and Jude were out and about with Stef. Callie played with the loose string from Lena's skirt as she listened to her as she spoke. "How do you feel about tomorrow sweetie? Are you excited? Nervous?"

"Excited."

"Are you really? I know things moved pretty quickly but Stef and I…"

"No. I am excited, Mama. Honestly."

It wasn't the first time that Callie called her Mama, but each time Lena's heart explodes. She only says it in private and has yet to Call Stef mom. Jude surprisingly hasn't called either of them either word. She figured because he was waiting for Callie to do so first.

"I am so thankful for everything you and Stef have done for me and Jude. You guys didn't have to save us. But you guys did. I know at first I was a little difficult. When I first met Stef, I couldn't completely trust her. But only because cops never really seemed to help us or really care. But I could tell Stef was different, but at the same time I think that I was scared. I knew she wanted to help but I also knew that she could easily have me and Jude separated. But mostly because I couldn't figure out why I wanted to trust her so much. She kept showing up and kept trying to convince me that she cared about us. Then you came in one day. I don't want to hurt your feelings but you were broken too. And I was instantly drawn to you I think because of that. You were the first nice person that I trusted. For some reason, I wanted to be around you a lot and to help you. I wanted to see how things would turn out for you because then I would have hope. So when you said I could trust Stef I believed you, I just couldn't right away. But I am gad that I do now. And I'm glad that you gave me a chance and that Jude and I have a home now. Because I honestly love all of you guys".

Lena was able to hold in the tears not wanting to interrupt anything that the child had to say. But when she saw the tears coursing down her face and Callie turned to hug her she couldn't hold them back anymore.

"We love you both so much, Cals. So all are like our three little heart beats that keeps us going".

After a moment of them hugging each other and finding comfort in the silence Callie broke away to ask a question that has been on her mind for quite some time. "So tomorrow me and Jude, our names will be Adams-Foster like Mariana's?"

"Yes. Is that alright honey?"

"Yes, but you and Stef should have your names changed too. Stef can add Adams and you add Foster". Lena smiled at the little girl. She wouldn't admit it but she did wish that they had the same last names as their children.

"It's alright sweetie. They probably wouldn't let us yet because we aren't married and…"

"Do you want Stef to propose to you?" Callie cut her off, needing to know the answers.

"Callie, Sweetie it's ok. Stef and I don't need a piece of paper to prove our love and commitment to each other".

"But if she asked you would you say yes?"

….

Stef was a complete mess especially after receiving a text from Callie. She loved how excited all of the kids were and especially that they were able to keep a secret for so long. Stef, Mariana, and Jude have been in the jewelers for what seemed like hours. Stef had a custom made engagement ring made for Lena and now that it was complete she was double checking every little detail.

It was a beautiful 14K white/rose gold round free form diamond engagement ring. But then Stef had them incorporate each of the kids' birthstones along the bands intermingling with the other diamonds. She had "My Love" in graved on the inside. But now she was second guessing it a little.

"No it's perfect," Mariana squealed.

"Yeah Mom. The two colors remind me of you and Mama". Jude didn't even realized what he said as he gushed over the ring with Mariana. But Stef heard it. The first time he referred to her and Lena as his moms. She bent down and hugged them both. She wanted to call Lena so bad in this moment but explaining what triggered it would definitely ruin the surprise.

Shaking her from her thoughts, Mariana began to go over the details as Stef meticulously watched the women wrap up her ring.

"So right now Callie is home helping Mama cook. She was able to convince her to get dressed up so we have to too". Stef playfully rolled her eyes as they began to walk. "I helped Callie decorate the back yard before we left. Mama just thinks that we are having an early celebration for Callie and Jude".

Stef's nerves are back again. It's not that she is apprehensive about proposing. She is just worried about Lena's feelings towards it. She knows that her and Lena are madly in love with each other. And she couldn't even imagine spending her life with anyone else. But Lena has been down this road before and she doesn't know if the whole idea of being engaged to someone again has horrified her.

"When should I pop the question? Should I get down on one knee?"

"Yes! Definitely one knee" Mariana said without hesitation.

"But the timing is all you mom. We will just follow your lead".

…..

Later that evening everyone began to make their way outside. Stef helped guide Lena outside. There was a bullet fragment that the doctors initially left in her leg for safety reasons. But it began to stray so Lena had to go back in for an emergency surgery. So the cane was back but she was doing a lot better.

When she walked outside she was shocked to see her parents along with Stef's mom who ran up to hug everyone. "what are you guys doing here?" She asked smiling at the unexpected surprise. "Tomorrow is a big day. You didn't think that we would miss gaining two more grandchildren did you?" But they all knew what was really about to take place that evening for Stef had already called and talked to them.

Callie took pictures of everything and everyone, with the camera that Stef got for her has an early gift, as they exchanged hugs before they all sat down at the table. Callie sat down next to Stef who reached over and hugged her and kissed the top of her head. "How are you doing sweets?"

"I'm great Mom".

Stef thought her heart stopped for a moment. She knew that Jude would be the first to call her mom but didn't think that Callie would so soon. But she was ok with that. But the amount of love she felt in that moment was almost surreal. She looked across at Lena who faintly heard the exchange, and couldn't imagine a better life.

Jude sat by Lena as Mariana chatted with he grandparents. "Mama, how was physical therapy?" Slightly taken back Lena almost forgot to respond as she now understood the look she saw on Stef's face just moments before.

"It went great, Bud. Callie, want to help me show them what we accomplished today?"

Callie smiled as she jumped up and walked over to the door, but not before gently tapping Stef's shoulder and giving her a look. Stef went to help Lena stand when she saw her trying to stand. She caught Callie's hint and knew that this must be a good time. Jude and Mariana jumped up and stood by Stef as Lena handed her her cane.

"Honey, are you ok?" Stef began to panic as she saw Lena begin to take her first steps. She just turned and smiled at her before returning her focus. She started of shaky at first but after the first few steps she was at a more confident stride. "Come on Mama you got it!" The kids cheered as they jumped up and down as the grandparents watched in amazement. Stef couldn't be more proud. This was the first time she saw Lena successfully walk across a room on her own since she was shot.

Stef began to quietly walk up behind her as she looked around at her family, she knew that this was what she was craving her entire life. When Lena looked up at Callie she saw tears in her eyes but not for the reason she thought. Callie pointed for her to turn around and when she did she almost fell to the ground. Stef was knelt down on one knee with Jude and Mariana doing the same right behind her. She turned behind her to look at Callie who knelt down on one knee as well, beaming from ear to ear. When she saw her parents crying and smiling she knew that they were here for reasons besides the kids' adoption.

"Stef?"

"Before you came along I couldn't find the meaning of my life. I felt like I was just existing. There always was something missing but no matter how much I tried I couldn't find the missing pieces. Then we bumped into each other. The moment you were about to walk away before I even knew your name I knew that I couldn't just let you walk away. It was like you carried the punch of fate with you. And it hit me hard. In that small exchange I swear I knew that you were an angel. From that exact moment I knew that you were my angel. You've always said I saved you and I helped you. Though I will dedicate my life to protect you as well as our children; you all saved me. You brought so much joy, and happiness, and love into my life. You and our beautiful children have made my life and heart so full. I don't know if I will ever be able to show my gratitude to you all. I never dreamed of my life being so perfect and it was only because I needed to meet you to really know what perfect is. There is nothing more in my life that I need other than to have you as my wife. So, Lena Elizabeth Adams will you marry me?"

Lena almost couldn't find her words as she sobbed looking at Stef. Since the moment she met Stef she knew that she wanted to keep Stef in her life forever. Though she knew that they didn't need to be married for that to happen, she was being happy to know that it was the cherry on top of her life.

"Yes."

"Yes?"

"Yes! I will marry you".

Stef stood up after placing the ring on her finger and spun her around. Everyone cried and embraced each other. This family has produced so much love and encouragement and hope; enough so that will last way longer than a lifetime.