My Everything

you’ll like her a lot. She’s very excited to watch you play baseball this spring.”
    “That’d be cool.”
    “Hey guys, dinner is on the table.” Aubrey stands in the doorway, looking at Noah with a grin.
    Noah and I follow her and sit at the table. Small talk is made, mostly between Aubrey and Noah. I love sitting there and listening to them as they get to know each other. Every so often Noah brings up something about me and his mom, but Aubrey is a champ and acts like it’s no big deal. It shouldn’t be a big deal; she’s wearing my ring.
    After dinner, Noah and I sit at the table and do homework. I don’t miss these days. The curriculum has changed so much from when I was his age; they make it impossible for parents to help.
    “Can I ask you a question?”
    “Of course you can.”
    “Would you be mad if I changed my last name to Westbury?”
    I wanted to adopt Noah more than anything. I wanted him to have my last name, but Josie was always hesitant. I knew she was always holding out hope that Liam would come back. I just didn’t want to believe it. Noah has every right to carry his dad’s last name whether I like it or not.
    “I think your dad would like it if you did.”
    “Would you be mad?”
    I shake my head. “No, Noah, I wouldn’t be mad. Besides, I like the way Noah Westbury sounds. You should definitely change it.” I wink at him.
    Noah gets up and gives me a hug. “I’m really glad you’re back. I missed you so much.”
    “I missed you too, bud.”
    I want to add that I’m never going away, but I think he knows that. From this day forward, I’m going to live my life with no regrets.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
     
    Heidi is the author of USA Today, Digital Book World, Amazon and Barnes & Noble Bestselling novel, Forever My Girl
     
    Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell and two Parakeets.
     
    During the day Heidi is behind a desk talking about Land Use. At night, she's writing one of the many stories planned for release or sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

OTHER NOVELS BY HEIDI MCLAUGHLIN
     
     
    THE BEAUMONT SERIES
    FOREVER MY GIRL
    MY UNEXPECTED FOREVER – SUMMER, 2013
     
     
     
    LOST IN YOU – MAY 1, 2013