The morning sun was just starting to filter through the curtains when the sound of excited footsteps pattering down the hallway reached my ears. I had woken up before Dustin, and seeing him lying peacefully next to me, I couldn’t help but smile, marveling at how far we’d come. The years together had softened the lines in his face, brought more warmth to his smile, and I still felt a rush of love for him as I took it all in.
Before I had a chance to reach over and pull him into a hug, the bedroom door burst open, and in ran the twins, Dawson and Dawn, their voices blending into one excited shout, “Happy birthday, Dada!” They climbed up onto the bed, throwing themselves at Dustin. Claire, now thirteen and practically glowing with happiness, joined them, hugging her dad with a quiet but brig
