Her arms were full of books. “I made these albums for you boys because no matter what happens, I always want you to know that our memories are sacred. In each album are pictures of our lives together from the moment each of you came to live with us. Even if my mind loses those precious moments…they still existed. We still loved and laughed and supported one another. We had adventures and we squabbled and made up. We were and always will be a family. Donahue strong!”
“Donahue strong!” They all cried out as Maggie was swept up in loving arms. They would all collectively support their parents as they traveled to Ireland so Maggie could reconnect with her past. The love story their parents shared continued to inspire all of them to love with every fiber of their beings. Never waste a moment and always live in love.
Mac felt tears welling up in his eyes and he bowed his head down. He felt the warmth of Delilah’s body as she leaned in to him and clasped her hand with his. This was love! He thought. A tender touch. A moment of silent support. A person who would stay by your side, come what may. He had found it all with Delilah and he would cherish it for the rest of his days.
His mother stepped toward him, her eyes filled with love.
“My Mac.” Maggie reached out and placed her hands on either side of her son’s face. “Of all my children you had the furthest to go on your journey.” Tears spilled over her lids and ran down her face. “You’ve come full circle, my love. You found the love of a lifetime. And your sister. You should be incredibly proud of what you’ve built with Delilah.”
“I never thought I wanted this. I always figured I was too quiet, too much of a loner. And I never imagined myself falling so wonderfully in love with someone.” He let out a hollow sounding laugh. “Delilah showed me that with the right person, your entire world opens up.”
Maggie nuzzled Mac’s cheek. “And your heart.”
“And my heart,” he said with a contented sigh. “And now we have a baby coming into our lives.” He shook his head, still amazed by the wondrous changes in his life.
“Wherever life leads you, never forget where you came from. Your father and I...there’s never been a single moment when it felt as if you weren’t born of us. You couldn’t be more mine if I gave birth to you myself.”
“I love you Mom. I’m so proud to be your son. Thanks for choosing me,” Mac said, sniffing back tears.
“We had a little help from God. I think He steered all of you boys in our direction.”
Alec walked up and clapped Mac on the back. “Delilah is looking for you in the kitchen, son. Something about the mac n’ cheese you brought over.”
“I’ll be back,” Mac said as he hustled out of the room and headed toward the kitchen.
Once Mac was gone, Maggie reached over and grabbed hold of Alec’s hand. He squeezed it and pulled her close to his side. “We did great, didn’t we?” she asked.
“We did wonderfully, my love,” Alec whispered. “A real home run with each and every one of our sons.”
“I almost can’t believe we’re grandparents,” Maggie said. “It seems like just yesterday that you were sweeping me off my feet.”
Alec grabbed Maggie’s hand and led her outside to the front porch. “Look up at the heavens, Maggie.”
“Oh, it’s stunning,” Maggie gushed. Her head was thrown back and she was gazing up at the sky. Her beautiful face was lit up like moonbeams.
“Not half as stunning as my girl,” Alec said. He placed Maggie’s hand in his and twirled her around on the porch as the stars twinkled down on them from the heavens.
“Oh Alec. You’re sweeping me off my feet again,” she whispered as she laid her head on Alec’s chest and slow danced with the man she loved.
Alec and Maggie’s love story had always shown them that with love all things were possible. On this particular glorious night, hope hung in the air like a fragrant blossom. The next chapter of their lives was just beginning.
THE END