Chapter Twenty-six

The Family We Choose

The day of the court date dawns bright and clear, sunlight streaming through the window and casting soft patterns on the walls. I slowly wake up, feeling the gentle rise and fall of Tori's chest against mine. We're tangled together in the cozy confines of the guest room, the warmth of the blankets wrapping around us like a protective cocoon.

Tori stirs, her eyes fluttering open as she registers the morning. She blinks up at me, a sleepy smile breaking across her face, and my heart skips a beat. "Good morning," she murmurs, her voice thick with sleep.

"Good morning, beautiful," I reply, brushing a few strands of hair from her face. The memories of the night flood back—our whispered words, the gentle touches, the way we got lost in each other. I can't help but smile, feeling more loved than I'd ever thought I'd deserved.

She snuggles closer, her head fitting perfectly under my chin. "I love waking up with you like this," she says, her voice muffled against my skin.

"Me too," I admit, wrapping my arms around her and pulling her in tighter. "But we should probably get moving. We don't want to keep everyone waiting."

Tori groans, burying her face deeper into my neck. "Can't we just stay here a little longer?" she asks, the playful pout on her lips making it impossible to resist.

I chuckle, running my fingers through her hair. "As tempting as that is, we have a big day ahead. Missy needs us."

Her expression shifts, the playful mood giving way to a more serious one. "You're right. I just… She has to know we're there for her."

I nod, feeling the weight of the day settling in. "She does. We've got her back."

After a moment, Tori lifts her head, her eyes sparkling with determination. "Okay, let's do this. But first…" She leans in, pressing her lips against mine, and I lose myself in the sweetness of the kiss.

When we finally pull apart, both a little breathless, I can't help but tease, "See? If we keep this up, we'll never get out of bed."

"Maybe that's the plan," she says with a grin, her eyes dancing with mischief.

I shake my head, laughing as I reluctantly start to untangle myself from her warmth. "Alright, I'll get up first if you promise to follow me to the kitchen for breakfast."

"Deal," she replies, and I can see the fire in her eyes as she watches me slip out of bed and put my pajamas back on.

As I stretch and move around the room, I can't shake the warmth of her gaze. There's something about mornings like this that makes everything feel right. It's not just about the two of us; it's about the support we're about to give to someone who needs it.

I head toward the door, glancing back to see Tori propping herself up on one elbow, a soft smile still lingering on her lips. "Don't eat all the pancakes before I get there."

"I just might," I say with a smirk, stepping out of the room. I can hear her laughter following me down the hallway, and for a moment, everything feels perfect.

In the kitchen, the smell of coffee and pancakes fills the air, and I can see my mom and Rachel bustling around, preparing breakfast. "Good morning!" they both call out, and I feel a sense of comfort wash over me.

"Morning.." I reply, and as I join them, I can't help but smile. Jack sits to the side with Gypsy, the two of them eating their food. Rachel loves it when he's here. It gives Gypsy a playmate when we're all busy. Just then, Tori walks in, her hair tousled and a smile on her face.

Tori and I join Missy at the breakfast table, where the scent of pancakes fills the air, making my stomach growl. Missy sits quietly, her gaze drifting between the vibrant plates of food and the lively conversations around her.

"Good morning, sleepyhead," Rachel teases Tori, nudging her playfully, and I smirk as I pour syrup over my stack of pancakes.

"Morning," Tori replies with a soft smile, yawning and rubbing her eyes before shifting to Missy. "How are you holding up, Missy?"

Missy shrugs, her expression a mixture of apprehension and resolve. "I'm okay, I guess. Just... nervous."

"Totally normal," I assure her, patting her shoulder as I slide the syrup to Tori. "You've got this. We all do."

Rachel brings over a bowl of fresh fruit, placing it in the center of the table. "The most important thing is that you're surrounded by people who care about you," she says warmly, meeting Missy's gaze. "You're not alone in this."

Missy offers a small smile, but I can see the uncertainty flickering behind her eyes. Tori moves closer, reaching out to take Missy's other hand. "You know we're here for you, right? Whatever happens today, we've got your back."

"Yeah," Missy replies softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Thanks, you guys."

As we dig into breakfast, the chatter flows naturally. My mom flips more pancakes, and Rachel shares a funny story about Jake, which elicits a chuckle from Missy. I watch as she relaxes a little, her laughter slowly brightening the room.

After a few bites, Tori turns to Missy, her expression serious but encouraging. "Are you ready for this? I mean, it's a big step, but you've been so strong. We're all proud of you."

Missy looks down at her plate, her fingers twisting the edge of the tablecloth. "I just... I don't want to regret it, you know? Cutting ties with my parents feels huge."

I lean in closer. "You've been living in their shadow for so long. Sometimes, stepping away is the best way to find out who you really are and who really supports you."

Missy lifts her gaze, looking between Tori and me, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "It's just scary. What if I end up regretting it?"

Rachel sets down a plate of pancakes in front of her. "You can always come back if that's what you want, Missy. But sometimes, it's necessary to cut toxic people out of your life for your own happiness. And we're here to help you through it."

"I just don't want to intrude," Missy admits, glancing at Tori. "I mean, you all have your own lives."

Tori shakes her head. "You're not intruding. You're family now. We're all in this together."

I can see the warmth in Tori's eyes, her support unwavering. I squeeze Missy's hand tighter. "You have a found family here, and we're going to show you just how much we care."

As we finish up breakfast, Rachel gets up from the table, clearing her plate with a calm, almost unreadable expression. She glances at her watch, a small, thoughtful smile appearing on her face before she quickly masks it.

"You all just finish up here," she says, sliding her chair back. "I'll be right back—I need to check on something in my office."

Missy looks after her, her brow furrowing. "Is... everything okay?"

Rachel gives a reassuring nod, though I catch a hint of something else in her eyes. "Everything's fine," she says with a warm but brief smile. "I just have a few things to grab for later. Nothing to worry about."

Tori leans over, lowering her voice. "Is it just me, or is she acting a little mysterious?"

I smirk, watching as Rachel disappears down the hallway. "Rachel can be a little… unexpected. But it's probably just paperwork for today."

Missy's eyes linger in the direction Rachel went, her expression shifting between nervousness and curiosity. "Maybe she's just making sure everything's ready? It's not like today isn't a big deal or anything."

My mom raises an eyebrow, shooting a knowing glance in Rachel's direction before turning back to us. "Whatever she's up to, you can be sure it's for Missy's best interest. Rachel's a bit of a planner."

After a few minutes, Rachel reemerges, a small folder tucked under her arm. She holds it close, as if it's something precious, but says nothing about it as she sets it by the front door.

"All set?" she asks with a calm smile, as if she hadn't just been a little cryptic.

Missy bites her lip, looking at the folder. "Uh... yeah. I think so."

Rachel just nods, picking up her coat. "Good. Let's get going then. Don't worry about a thing."

Her words are meant to be reassuring, but I can't shake the feeling that there's more behind them. And from the glint in Rachel's eyes, it seems she knows it, too.

We gather our things, slipping on jackets and grabbing bags, and head out to the car. Missy lingers by the door, her gaze briefly drifting back to the house, as if gathering her resolve. She takes a deep breath and follows us, shoulders squared but hands fidgeting slightly.

As we pile into the car, Tori sits beside me in the back, her hand finding mine in a small, steady squeeze. I glance over at her and she gives me a soft, reassuring smile—one that, I'm pretty sure, is aimed at Missy as much as me.

Rachel passes the folder to my mom as she slides into the front seat beside her, her expression unreadable. Every now and then, I catch her glancing at it with a mix of focus and resolve, but she keeps her thoughts to herself, driving in calm silence as we wind our way to the courthouse.

I send a quick thank you text to Tori's parents for watching Jake last night and for watching him for the rest of the weekend. I know he's going to have a blast when Mr. Vega takes him to the station to show him around. Jake's always thought cops were really cool.

Missy sits quietly, staring out the window as we pass familiar streets and houses. When we finally pull up outside the courthouse, she lets out a breath, her fingers curling around the handle but not quite opening it yet.

"You okay?" I ask softly, catching her eye in the rearview mirror.

She nods, though her expression is a mix of determination and hesitation. "Yeah. I… I think I am."

Rachel turns around in her seat to give her an encouraging nod. "Jasmine and I are here for you, and you have two of the best lawyers in Los Angeles."

Missy's lips tremble into a small smile, and she takes another breath, squaring her shoulders before stepping out of the car. Tori and I follow, each of us keeping close as we make our way up to the courthouse.

We stand outside, waiting for everyone to gather before heading in. Missy looks tense, her shoulders pulled tight as she stares at the courthouse doors, like she's bracing herself for a storm. I don't blame her; she's about to face down her parents, and we all know it's not going to be pretty. They arrived a few minutes ago, though they had to be escorted inside. Her father wouldn't stop shouting at her for dragging him to court, so everyone surrounded Missy to protect her from him

Rachel hugs Missy to her as she hyperventilates, only pulling away when she looks towards the parking lot. We all look and see Alex jogging up, her backpack slung over one shoulder and her uniform slightly wrinkled, clearly from a hasty morning. Missy's eyes widen as Alex stops in front of her, a little out of breath but with a soft, steady smile.

"Alex… you're here?" Missy stammers, clearly surprised. "I thought you had class."

Alex shrugs, like it's no big deal. "Yeah, well, class can wait. You're more important." She reaches out and takes Missy's hand, holding it with a quiet, reassuring squeeze. "I wasn't going to let you do this alone."

Missy blinks, her eyes glistening, and a tiny smile breaks through her nerves. "Thanks, Alex. I… I didn't expect you to do this."

"You're worth it, Missy," Alex replies softly, tucking a loose strand of hair behind Missy's ear, before pulling her in for a kiss. They part and Missy's eyes are shining with unshed tears. "Whatever happens today, you're not doing it alone. You've got me. And everyone here."

I glance over at Tori, who's smiling, her hand in mine. She squeezes my hand, giving me that look that says she's proud of all of us for being here.

"C'mon," I say, trying to keep it cool but not missing the way Missy's cheeks go a little pink as Alex pulls her closer. "Let's do this."

We walk up the steps, each of us keeping close as we make our way inside. Alex holds one of Missy's hand and Rachel holds her other hand. The courthouse hallways are sterile and quiet, with a few people lingering around on benches, talking softly. Missy keeps her gaze focused straight ahead, her steps steady as she walks beside Rachel and Alex, who offer her comforting smiles and words as we approach the courtroom. Mom rests a hand on my shoulder and I smile up at her.

Once inside, we settle into seats, Missy fidgeting in her chair as we wait for the judge. My mom and Rachel sit on either side of her, and Tori and I take seats nearby. Missy's parents are already there—her mom sitting quietly, her eyes averted, while her dad sits rigid, arms crossed, glaring at everything in sight. He doesn't even glance at Missy.

Rachel offers Missy another quiet nod of encouragement, resting a gentle hand on her shoulder as the judge enters, signaling the beginning of the hearing.

The proceedings start off straightforward, with Rachel and my mom explaining Missy's request and detailing the reasons for it. Missy answers the judge's questions with a shaky voice at first, but I can see her growing steadier with each answer, her confidence rising as she speaks.

As the judge reads through the paperwork and prepares to make a decision, Missy sits a little straighter, her shoulders squared. The judge finishes reading and addresses Missy. "Michelle Davis, do you confirm that this is your wish—to sever familial ties with your parents and make an independent path?"

Missy clears her throat and nods firmly. "Yes, Your Honor. I've given this a lot of thought."

The judge looks between Missy's parents. "Are there any statements from either party before the decision is finalized?"

Her mom stays quiet, barely lifting her gaze from her hands. Her dad, however, can't seem to contain himself any longer. He stands up, his face flushed with anger.

"You're really gonna go through with this, Michelle?" he snaps, his voice echoing in the quiet courtroom. "You want to cut us out just like that? After everything we've done for you? Every little want and need taken care of? If you do this, you'll have nothing. No family left to help you, no support. When it all goes wrong, you'll come crawling back, and we won't be there for you.

Missy flinches slightly, but before she can react, Rachel stands up, calm and composed, and places her folder on the table in front of her. She slides out a set of papers, glancing back at my mom who also stands up, resting a hand on Missy's shoulder. Rachel fixes a steady gaze on Missy's father and she holds up the papers that she'd kept secret all morning.

"If she wants it, she'll have a family. One that actually cares about her," Rachel says, her voice calm but carrying a weight of authority. She turns to Missy. "These are adoption papers. If you choose, you can become part of our family. Be my daughter. No strings attached."

The entire room falls silent. Missy stares at the papers, her eyes wide with shock, and then looks up at Rachel, as if unsure if she heard her right.

"Wait… you mean that?" she whispers, her voice cracking.

Rachel nods. "We want you to know that you're loved and supported, Missy. You're not alone in this, and if you don't want this, we'll still be here for you. You will always have a place with us."

Missy's dad scoffs loudly. "So she'll be part of some made-up family with two moms? She's throwing her future away!"

Missy lets out a laugh—a small, incredulous laugh, filled with a mix of relief and something fierce. "If this is throwing my future away, then fine. I'd rather have them than you any day. You kicked me out because I got pregnant. You made it clear I wasn't worth the trouble. And now you're upset because I found people who actually care about me and my baby?" She reaches for Rachel's hand, holding it tightly.

Her father shoots up from his chair, his face red as a brick. "You're throwing us away for a bunch of strangers!"

Missy's jaw drops as her eyes fill with tears, "Strangers? That's funny, coming from you. A 'family' that throws their own daughter out like trash because she made one mistake?"

For a second, Missy looks like she might break, the shock of it all hitting her. But then something shifts. She straightens up, glancing between Rachel, my mom, me, Tori, and finally Alex, her gaze growing stronger, more certain. She turns back to her dad, a new glint of defiance in her eye. "You know what? I don't need you. I've tried so hard to make you proud, to make you care, but it's never been enough."

The judge clears his throat, glancing from Missy to her parents, then back to her again. His expression is firm, yet there's a hint of understanding in his gaze.

"Miss Davis," he says, "I don't make this decision lightly. Severing parental ties is a serious action, but after reviewing the circumstances and hearing your statements today, it's clear you've thought long and hard about this choice." He nods slightly, a small sign of respect for her courage. "From this moment forward, you are legally free from any obligations or entitlements tied to your biological parents."

Missy straightens, holding Alex's hand a bit tighter, her face a mix of relief and determination.

The judge looks over at her parents, his voice growing sharper. "And for the record, the court does not condone parents who reject their children in times of need. Miss Davis has displayed more maturity here than most, and it's unfortunate that it's come to this point."

He shifts his attention back to Missy, softening his tone. "I hope this decision brings you peace, Miss Davis. I urge you to move forward, knowing that family can be those who choose to stand by you."

With a firm tap of his gavel, he declares, "Michelle Davis' request to sever parental ties is granted."

As the judge's gavel falls, Missy lets out a shaky breath, her arms wrapping around herself as she processes what he said. She glances over at Rachel, her expression a mix of disbelief and cautious hope.

"Rachel?" Missy's voice is soft but steady. "Did you… did you mean it? About adopting me?"

Rachel's face lights up with a warm smile, her eyes filling with emotion. "Of course, I meant it, Missy," she says gently. "We'd be honored to have you as part of our family—officially."

Missy's eyes shimmer with tears, and she hesitates for just a moment before moving forward, wrapping Rachel in a tight hug. Rachel strokes her back, murmuring softly, "You don't ever have to worry about being alone again. We're here for you, always."

As they pull back, Jasmine hands Rachel a packet of paperwork she had quietly prepared in advance. Rachel gives Missy a reassuring look and then addresses the judge.

"Your Honor, if it's possible, we'd like to complete these adoption forms today," Rachel says, a hopeful smile on her face. "Is there any way you can finalize it now?"

The judge's serious expression softens, and he nods, clearly moved. "Well," he says, leaning forward with a kind smile, "I think we can make that happen." He motions to a clerk to take the forms, and within moments, they're back in his hands. "I'm more than happy to make this official for you."

Missy's hand slips into Alex's, and she grips it tightly, as though grounding herself in this moment. The judge stands, holding the completed forms. "With the signing of these papers, Michelle Davis is now, legally, Michelle West. Congratulations to you all."

A cheer goes up from everyone around them, and Rachel wraps Missy in another hug, this time joined by Mom. Missy's quiet tears turn to joyful laughter, and she looks around, taking in everyone who came to support her.

"I… I don't know what to say," she whispers, voice thick with emotion, looking from Rachel to Mom and then to me and Tori. Her true family.

I smirk, nudging her with my elbow. "No need to say anything. You're stuck with us now."

Missy laughs, wiping her eyes, then turns to the judge, who watches them with a satisfied expression. "Thank you, Your Honor," she says, her voice full of gratitude.

The judge nods, his eyes twinkling. "You've got a wonderful family here, Miss West. Go make the most of it."

As the judge officially completes the adoption, Missy's biological parents stand at the back of the courtroom, silent. Her father's face is flushed with anger, his hands clenched at his sides, while her mother's gaze drifts to the floor, a deep, quiet regret shadowing her expression.

Her father steps forward, his voice low but venomous. "You're making a huge mistake, Michelle. You'll regret this—don't come running back when things get hard." His words are sharp, each one meant to cut. But Missy stands firm, her new family beside her, giving her strength she never realized she had.

Rachel tightens her arm around Missy's shoulders, her expression unwavering. "She won't have to go anywhere. We'll be there for her when it gets hard."

Missy's mother finally looks up, her eyes meeting Missy's for just a moment. There's sorrow there, a hint of something unspoken, but she doesn't say a word. She gives a faint nod, almost like an apology, then turns and follows her husband out the door.

Missy watches them go, her expression a mixture of relief and sadness. She doesn't move or speak until the doors click shut behind them. And then she breathes freely, as though it's the first time.

Rachel turns to Missy with a soft smile, her eyes filled with warmth and pride. "You're safe now, sweetheart," she says, her voice tender. "My beautiful girl… My daughter."

The word "daughter" hangs in the air, and Missy's breath catches. She looks up at Rachel, her eyes widening with surprise and a deep, quiet joy. For a moment, she's speechless, processing the weight of that single word—a word she'd longed to hear spoken to her with love. It had been so long since she'd felt that.

"Thank you…" she whispers, voice breaking with emotion as she leans into Rachel's embrace, feeling the warmth and security she's craved.

Mom moves closer, putting a hand on Missy's back, her own smile soft but so proud. She looks from Rachel to Missy, like this moment was meant to happen all along. "We're so proud of you, honey."

I try to hold back a grin, settling for a smirk as I cross my arms, leaning back casually. "Guess that makes you my sister, huh?" I say, aiming for nonchalant but unable to hide the glimmer of happiness in my eyes.

Missy laughs, a real, full laugh as she dabs at her eyes. "Yeah, I guess it does," she says, still shaking her head like she can't believe it. Tori, standing beside me with her fingers intertwined in mine, beams at Missy, her own eyes a little shiny.

Before we can even take another breath, Alex slips through the small crowd around Missy, her eyes bright and fixed on her. Without hesitation, she wraps Missy up in a big hug, lifting her off her feet for a second and spinning her around. Missy laughs as she clinging to Alex, all the tension and weight she's been carrying for months now finally gone.

Alex sets her down but doesn't let go, her hands coming up to frame Missy's face with a look so full of pride it's impossible to miss. "I'm so proud of you," she says, her voice thick with emotion, then leans in, pressing a gentle, lingering kiss to Missy's lips. It's soft and full of so much love that I can feel the warmth radiating from them, and for a second, it's like the world around them falls away.

As we make our way out of the courthouse, there's a lightness in the air that's new. Missy walks tall, her hand laced with Alex's, and she's practically glowing. Tori and I fall in step beside them, fingers entwined, while Rachel and Mom lead the way to the car. Every few steps, Rachel looks over her shoulder at us, her expression full of pride and warmth.

"Alright, everyone," she calls back with a grin, "we're going somewhere special to celebrate. I know it's a little early, but I think this calls for a dinner worthy of the occasion."

Missy's eyes go wide, clearly surprised. "Really?" She glances at all of us. "I mean, we could just do something simple at home, you know? We don't have to go out…"

Rachel shakes her head, cutting her off gently. "Nonsense. You deserve a real celebration, Missy. Tonight's about marking the start of something new." She gives her a soft smile. "Let us spoil you, just a little."

Mom nods in agreement, exchanging a look with Rachel. "Besides, we wouldn't miss a chance to make this day memorable. We're proud of you, sweetheart."

Missy's cheeks flush, but there's no hiding her smile. Alex bumps her shoulder playfully. "You're the center of attention today. Might as well enjoy it, right?"

Missy laughs, giving a half-hearted eye roll, but her hand stays locked with Alex's as we reach the car. "Alright, alright," she finally gives in, "but nothing too fancy." She and Alex share a hug and quick kiss before Alex goes off to get her car and follow us to the restaurant.

When we get to the restaurant—a place Rachel and Mom must have picked for its balance of classy and comfortable—Missy's nerves seem to melt away. The hostess leads us to a private booth, and soon, we're settled in with menus and a round of celebratory drinks (sodas for us, of course). There's a warmth at the table, an energy I didn't realize we needed.

Dinner is buzzing with a happy energy, laughter and conversation flowing as we finally get to unwind after the intensity of the day. Mom and Rachel are going over the menu with Missy, enthusiastically pointing out dishes they think she'll love, while Tori and I exchange a glance, amused by how seriously they're taking this.

"What about the truffle mac and cheese?" Rachel suggests, her eyes lighting up as she scans the menu. "Or maybe the fried calamari to start?"

Missy grins, looking over at Alex, who gives her an encouraging nod. "Sounds amazing, but are you sure we can finish all that?"

Alex chuckles, wrapping an arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry—we've got a whole team ready to help out." She gestures to the rest of us with a grin.

Tori nudges me under the table, giving me a playful look. "Looks like Missy's getting the royal treatment," she whispers.

I smirk, lacing my fingers with hers under the table. "About time, don't you think?"

Appetizers arrive, and the table fills with chatter and laughter. Mom and Rachel start sharing stories from when I was younger, and somehow Missy gets looped right into them, as if she's been part of our lives forever. It's easy, natural—like she's always belonged here.

"So," Rachel says, glancing at Missy with a hint of mischief, "any regrets yet about joining this crazy family?"

Missy laughs, shaking her head. "No regrets. Honestly, I don't think I've ever felt more… at home."

"Good answer," Mom chimes in, lifting her glass in a toast to her. "I thought maybe we'd be a little too much for you."

Missy raises her eyebrows, throwing a playful glance at Alex and kissing her hand. "Well, I'm tougher than I look."

When the main courses arrive, the conversation shifts to lighter topics—favorite foods and funny memories. But then, as we finish our meal, Rachel leans in, her gaze soft as she looks at Missy. "You know, you're not just my daughter by name. You're my daughter by heart, Missy, just like Jade." She reaches across the table, taking her hand. "And Jasmine and I will be here for you and the baby every step of the way."

Missy's face lights up with a mix of surprise and gratitude. For a moment, she just stares at Rachel, clearly touched, before whispering, "Thank you. I… I didn't know how much this would mean until now."

Rachel nods, smiling. "Family is what we make it. And you're ours, for good."

"That's right," I add with a grin, catching Missy's eye. "Guess you're stuck with us now, little sis."

"Hey, we're the same age, Jade." She laughs, pushing me, and I push her back.

"You're 3 months younger than me, so that makes you the annoying little sister."

"Hey! You forget, I'm a little sister." Tori laughs, stealing a piece of calamari off my plate.

"Unfortunately for you, my point stands, Vega." I reply with a smirk, grabbing an onion ring off her own plate before I give her a kiss on the cheek.

Desserts arrive, and the table is covered in decadent treats. There's cheesecake, chocolate tarts, and fruit parfaits, and as we dig into the desserts, the mood grows even lighter. Missy tries a bite of Rachel's crème brûlée, and Rachel laughs, pretending to guard her plate from further attacks. Alex leans over, offering Missy a spoonful of her own chocolate mousse, and Missy's face lights up as she accepts, their fingers brushing as she takes the spoon.

Mom looks over the group with a gentle smile. "You know, I think we're going to need to get together like this more often. It's been too long since we all just sat down and celebrated life together."

Tori nods, her eyes bright. "I'm all for that. Maybe we can make it a weekly thing? We could do dinners or game nights."

Missy glances at me, a mischievous glint in her eye. "Jade's just gonna wipe the floor with everyone again."

"Only if you all play as badly as you did last time," I tease, nudging her. "Besides, someone has to keep you on your toes."

Rachel chuckles. "Well, sounds like we have some fierce competition to look forward to." Then she adds, a bit more seriously, "But really, it's good to have everyone here. It reminds me of how lucky we are."

The sentiment lingers as the plates empty and laughter settles comfortably among us. Even as we're finishing up, Missy leans into Alex, her face glowing with that mix of relief and joy I hadn't seen on her before today.

When the check finally arrives, Rachel waves her hand before anyone can object. "Tonight is on me," she insists. "We're celebrating new beginnings, right?"

Missy protests, but Rachel won't hear it, shaking her head. "Nope, absolutely not. You're my daughter now, and this is what we do."

We gather our things, pushing back from the table and heading outside. The cool night air feels refreshing, and as we make our way to the cars, Tori slips her hand in mine, giving me a warm, knowing smile.

Missy glances back at Rachel, almost like she still can't believe all of this is real. "Thank you," she says again, still getting used to it all.

Rachel reaches out, tucking a strand of hair behind Missy's ear with a gentle smile. "You don't have to keep thanking me, sweetheart. You're family. That's all there is to it."

We all get into the car, ready to head over to Rachel and Mom's house. As we drive, the mood feels lighter, the air filled with laughter and the kind of energy that comes from feeling at home.

Once we get there, I grab Tori's hand, squeezing it lightly as we walk up to the front door, but Missy's eyes are already on Alex, who's parked at the end of the driveway. Missy pauses, her gaze locked on Alex as she walks toward the sidewalk, clearly wanting a moment alone.

I can't help the smile that tugs at my lips. Missy's not just settling into her new family. She's finding someone else to lean on, and that's huge. I glance at Tori, who's watching Missy, and she squeezes my hand in silent understanding.

Missy walks out toward Alex, who's standing by her car. They exchange a few words I can't quite catch, but there's something sweet and comfortable in their body language, something that tells me things are progressing in the right direction for Missy.

Tori and I head inside with Rachel and Mom, who are already starting to prepare a few snacks in the kitchen. The sound of clinking dishes fills the air, and I can't help but let out a little sigh of relief. It's peaceful here, a world away from everything that came before.

A few minutes later, I hear the sound of the door opening and see Missy step inside, Alex following behind her, though she pauses just inside the doorway. "Hey, you guys are already here," Missy says, a hint of excitement in her voice. Alex leans against the kitchen door-frame, grinning as she watches Missy.

Missy glances back at her, then turns toward Rachel with an expression that's almost shy. "Hey, Rachel," she says, her voice quiet but hopeful. "Is it cool if Alex stays the night?"

Rachel raises an eyebrow, a teasing glint in her eyes as she looks between Missy and Alex. "You want her to stay, huh?" she asks, playing along.

Missy nods, her face lighting up with a smile. "Yeah, she's been really supportive today... and I just don't want her to go home yet."

Rachel smirks, crossing her arms, looking over at Mom, who's quietly observing the interaction. "Well, that's a question you might want to ask your mom," she says playfully.

Missy freezes for a second, then turns her gaze toward Mom, her expression a mix of uncertainty and a little bit of hope. "Uh, Mom… can Alex stay?" She blushes the second she says "Mom", but can't hide her giggles.

Mom looks over at Rachel with a small smile, and I can tell she's enjoying this. She doesn't hesitate, her voice light and warm as she responds. "Of course she can stay the night, but no funny business, young lady."

"Oh Jas, we might need to give her the talk!" Rachel gasps, clutching at imaginary pearls, her voice comically high-pitched.

"Dear god, please don't…" Missy's eyes widen, and she throws her hands up as she takes a step back, clearly embarrassed by the joke, her face turning a deep shade of red.

I glance over at Alex, who's standing by the door, absolutely cracking up at Missy's reaction. She's grinning from ear to ear, watching Rachel tease Missy. "You two are really laying it on thick," she teases, her laughter filling the room.

Tori laughs beside me, leaning her shoulder against mine, her smile affectionate. "I don't know. I think Rachel might actually be serious."

"I am!" Rachel adds with a mischievous grin, and Missy groans, sinking into her seat, still beet-red but looking around at all of us with an amused sort of exasperation.

"Alright, alright," I say, stepping in to save her from any more teasing. "We'll let Missy off the hook. For now."

"Thank you," Missy mutters, still flushed but managing a smile.

Rachel winks at her, her voice softening. "I'm just messing with you, sweetie. But really, you're part of this family now. And we're gonna look out for you."

I watch as Alex and Missy head off to the living room, still talking quietly, and I feel a warmth spread through me. Rachel's smile is full of love as she watches them go, and I catch Tori's eye across the room. She's smiling too, her expression soft and knowing.

"Looks like everyone's settling in," Tori says, sliding closer to me. "Feels good, doesn't it?"

I nod, watching Missy and Alex as they settle onto the couch. "Yeah. It does…"

The house is quieter now, the sound of laughter fading as the night winds down. I'm sitting on the loveseat, Tori by my side, her head resting on my shoulder as we watch the others. There's a comfortable silence between us, the kind you only get when you've been together long enough to just exist without needing to fill the space with words.

But Tori breaks it, her fingers tracing small patterns on my arm. "Do you ever think about how all this happened? How we ended up here with Missy, and how crazy it all seems?"

I glance down at her, raising an eyebrow. "You mean how we went from Missy throwing a milkshake on you, to me punching her, to her becoming a part of our family?"

Tori chuckles softly, her voice growing a bit more thoughtful. "Yeah, exactly."

I can't help but laugh at the memory. "God, that milkshake… I swear, I thought I was going to lose it. She just dumped it on you and laughed. I didn't even think. I just reacted and punched her." I smile a little, remembering how it felt in that moment. "I don't know what I expected, but I definitely didn't expect her to be my sister one day."

Tori laughs and I smile, remembering how Missy was always so tough, always throwing insults, always acting like she had it all figured out. But after that day, after everything that went down, She's grown a lot. "She was that perfect little cheerleader, always with a smile and a sickeningly perfect life, making everyone's day miserable."

Tori's fingers lace with mine, squeezing gently as she looks at me. "And she became my friend, despite your protests." She grins, kissing my hand.

I glance at Missy, now sitting in the kitchen with Rachel and Alex, laughing and talking like she's always belonged there. It's crazy to think that she's the same girl, but she's ours now.

"Yeah," I say softly, my voice filled with a sense of pride. "She's one of us." I meet Tori's eyes, a small smile tugging at my lips. "And she's not going anywhere."

Tori grins back at me, her eyes warm. "Part of the family. And I'm proud of you, for sticking it out and for not giving up on her."

I lean in and kiss Tori's cheek, giving her hand a gentle squeeze. "We're lucky to have her," I whisper, my heart full. "And I'm lucky to have you, too."

As the night winds down, Tori and I get ready to head back to our place. I walk over to Missy, giving half-hug. "Since I had no idea Rachel was going to do that today, I don't really have a welcome to the family gift for you,"

Missy waves it off, chuckling. "You don't have to get me anything, seriously."

"Sorry, but that's not how we do things in this family." I grin. "How about you keep that old violin of mine?"

Missy's eyebrows shoot up in surprise and she shakes her head. "Jade, I can't accept that. It's so expensive..."

I just shrug, "I never use it anymore. It's just going to collect dust. At least you can make sure it gets put to good use. Think of it as a hand-me-down from your big sis." I shoot her a smirk.

"Jade..." Missy sighs, smiling. "Thank you."

If you think that's great, then you're going to have a blast telling Jake about being his new big sister."

Missy's eyes light up at the mention of Jake. "Yeah, I can't wait. He'll be so excited. You gotta do something for me though." Missy asks, a big grin on her face.

I raise an eyebrow, confused. "What's that?"

Missy pushes Tori and I closer together and laughs. "You gotta give me a sister in law."

I just chuckle, squeezing Tori's waist. "Trust me, it'll be sooner than you think."

Tori laughs, trying in vain to hide her blush. We've talked about marriage plenty of times and I know she can't wait for that day. I just looking for the right moment.

After some more goodbyes and farewells, Tori, Jack and I head out to the car, and Jack hops into the backseat, ready to go home. It's been a long day, but a good one. Tori and I hold hands as I drive, and I smile at Jack through the rear-view mirror, happily wagging his tail as he sniffs out the window.

We pull into the driveway, the car's headlights casting long shadows across the lawn. The house is quiet, waiting for us, and I feel a sense of calm settle over me as I put the car in park. I catch a glimpse of Tori in the passenger seat, her eyes soft, her lips curving into a small, content smile. It's the same smile she's worn most of the night, the one that makes my heart do this weird little flip every time I see it.

"Home sweet home," she says quietly, her voice soft but warm.

I nod, my fingers tightening around the steering wheel as I take in the sight of the house. All ours. "Yeah. Feels good to be here."

Tori lets out a quiet sigh, looking out the window as the lights from the streetlamps cast a golden glow on the front porch. It's late, but the quiet is comforting. I open my door first, the cool night air greeting me, and I round the front of the car to help Tori out. She takes my hand, her fingers lacing with mine as we walk toward the front door. The sound of our footsteps on the gravel driveway feels steady, like everything is in its place.

Jack follows close beside us and I smile at him, watching as he bounces around in his usual enthusiastic way, so happy we're home.

"You ready to crash, Jack?" I ask, ruffling his fur before pushing the door open.

Inside, the house feels warm and inviting, like it's been waiting for us. The smell of the familiar scents—fresh laundry, a hint of vanilla from the candles Tori likes—fill the space. Tori kicks off her shoes by the door and places her keys on the side table, letting out a small yawn as she stretches.

"I could really go for some of that quiet we've been missing," she says, her voice tired but still light, like she's trying to make it sound easy.

"Yeah," I reply, turning to look at her as she leans back against the wall, her eyes closing for a second. I can't help but grin, walking toward her. "But you know what's even better than quiet?"

She opens one eye and raises an eyebrow, already anticipating what I'm going to say. "What's that?"

I reach for her, my hands on her waist, pulling her close so her body is pressed against mine. "You. Me. This."

She smiles, letting out a soft, contented sigh as she wraps her arms around my neck. "You're so cheesy, Jade."

"I know," I whisper, leaning in, brushing my lips against hers, slow and soft. It's simple, but it feels perfect.

Jack barks loudly behind us, and I pull away just enough to glance at him. "Oh, come on, Jack. Give us a moment." He's already running off toward the living room, his tail wagging furiously, clearly waiting for us to follow him.

Tori laughs softly, rolling her eyes but still smiling. "I think he's trying to tell us it's time for bed."

"I think you're right," I reply, still holding onto her. "Let's go."

We make our way toward the stairs, Jack trailing behind us, as we head up to our room. The night has been long, emotionally charged, but now that we're back home, everything feels like it's fallen back into place. We're here, together, and that's all that matters right now. Jack trots into Jake's room and sniffs around before flopping onto his bed. Tori and I give him scratches and pets before leaving him to go to our room.

Tori and I don't need words to know what's next. She looks at me, her eyes soft, and I pull her toward me, the tension from the long day melting away in the space between us. We don't need to talk. The connection we share, the warmth between us, says it all.

I guide her toward the bedroom, the air thick with quiet anticipation. We don't hurry; there's no rush. I pull her close, feeling the familiar press of her body against mine, the way her breath catches when my fingers trace the curve of her jaw. She's always been so beautiful to me, but tonight, she feels like home.

We undress slowly, the moonlight filtering through the blinds, casting soft shadows across the room. My hands slide over her skin, warm and familiar, and she responds, her touch steady and gentle, like she's memorizing the feel of me. There's nothing in the world but this moment, nothing but the quiet rhythm of us, the way we fit together.

Tori moves against me, her lips soft and eager, and I lose myself in the sensation, in the way she makes me feel whole. I guide her to the bed, both of us letting go of the world outside, focusing only on each other. The world could fall apart, and I wouldn't care. This—her, us—is all that matters.

The night stretches on, quiet and tender. The rhythm of our bodies becomes a language of its own, a shared understanding that doesn't need words. We fall into each other, completely and fully, and I find myself lost in the feeling of her, the warmth, the love, the way she fits perfectly in my arms.

Hours pass like this, the only sound being the soft whisper of our breath, the occasional brush of skin against skin. We're content. Long after the night cools, I cradle Tori in my arms, holding her to me as I watch her breathe. I run my fingers through her hair, massaging her scalp as I work my fingers down. In this moment, I know…

"Tori," I whisper, brushing my fingers against her cheek. She tilts her head just enough to look at me, half-asleep, and grinning like a dork. I feel a flutter in my stomach as I cup her face, looking down at her. "Will you marry me?"