My Darling Jane (The Darlings)

We pick up Londyn from preschool, then make the short walk back to my apartment. Londyn skips ahead, while Jasper and I follow, our steps in sync. He keeps glancing over at me, still a little freaked out, still happy. And each way, there’s a rhythm between us.

Once we’re home, the routine kicks in. We order Chinese and have dinner at the table.

Then it’s time for Londyn to go to bed, but not without a bedtime story. She’s adamant about Jasper being the one to read to her. I watch from the doorway, leaning against the frame, as he settles beside her on the bed, book in hand. His voice fills the room as he dives in, with Londyn hanging on every word.

As he reads the final words, he catches my eye and smiles. Quietly, he stands, making his way over to me, careful not to disturb Londyn as she curls up next to one of her stuffed animals.

“We make a good team,” he says quietly, his hand finding mine.

“Yeah, we do,” I murmur.

The glow of the TV screen casts a soft light in the darkened room, where we’ve decided to unwind with an episode of The Vampire Diaries.

Jasper sits close to me on the couch, his arm draped over the back.

“I’ve been thinking,” he says, his voice thoughtful. “About us, about everything that’s happened. Why didn’t you . . . I mean, after that night, you could have made a different choice.”

I’ve asked myself the same question a thousand times. “I believe in fate. Sometimes, life throws you a surprise and you lean into it and see where it takes you. I thought about the tarot cards and how my life was going to have good things.” I smile. “Are you scared?”

“Terrified,” he replies with a grin. “I can’t believe we’re going to have a baby.”

“I have a doctor’s appointment next week.”

“I’m here for it. When do you want to get married? Also, you need to meet my family. You and Londyn need to move in with me too. It’s bigger at my place.”

His words hang in the air between us.

I draw a slow breath. The thought of weaving our lives together sends a thrill of excitement through me, but I worry about Londyn.

“I’m going too fast, aren’t I?” he says with a smirk.

“Maybe just a little.” I smile.

His thumb strokes the back of my hand, a gentle gesture. “Okay. I respect that. I get it. We’ll do this slow. For Londyn and us.” He tips my chin toward him. “We’re scared, but we’re happy. Am I right?”

I smile. “Definitely.”

“We’re going to be a family.”

The word “family” fills me with peace. With Jasper by my side, and Londyn and the baby, I feel ready to face whatever comes. “I really, really missed you.”

He kisses me on the lips. “Same, angel.”

A while later, as we watch his show, an intense scene unfolds between Stefan, Damon, and Elena.

He squeezes my hand gently. “You have to like this show if we’re ever going to make it.”

I roll my eyes as he flashes a grin.

“Seriously, I’d take on a whole vampire clan for you.”

I lob a pillow at him. He catches it, mock snarls, and pretends to pounce, showing off fake fangs. I fight back, forming a cross with my fingers, and we both end up laughing. Then, he pulls me closer, his hand finding its way to my stomach.

I place my hand over his. This touch feels like a silent vow.

“Hi there, kiddo,” he murmurs, voice filled with a warmth that melts me. “Can’t wait to see you.”

Tears prick my eyes, full of joy. Resting against him, I say, “They’ll have the world’s best dad.”

“And the most amazing mom,” he adds.

Calm washes over me. With Jasper there’s a rightness I hadn’t known was missing. And here we are, ready for whatever comes our way.