The home visit went smoothly. The only worries brought up was the fact that the apartment was located in a busier part of the city. I did my best to assure them that the building had the best security and that I wouldn't let Lily out of my sight. All in all, I passed. Ashlynn has been by my side the past couple of weeks. It's almost mid August now, and I'm going to be having my first meeting with Lily soon.  Ashlynn finally gave in on her no touching her without her permission rule after almost two weeks. It was hell, but I know it was nothing like I had put her through. I'm just grateful she was able to forgive me. God knows what my temper would've turned into if she didn't. I have done everything to make sure Ashlynn is happy and that she isn't reminded of anything that'll trigger her past.  "Gage, the adoption agency is on the phone," Ashlynn says as she removes my office phone from her ear. She's been actually acting like a secretary while she heals. I

Ashlynn's POV:  "You little bitch!" Kylie yells as she throws a towel at me. I just give her a confused look as I fix my hair.  "What the hell?" I ask as she stomps over to me. "Why am I hearing from Jill that your birthday is next week, next week!" Kylie exclaims, smacking my arm. "We need to plan a party. We also have to get permission from Mr. Cutler but I'm sure he won't mind."  "I have to go with Gage somewhere on my birthday," I tell her and she pouts. "I'll try to get him to come back early. We can go to a club or something." "Yes! We need to pick out outfits," She smiles. "Oh and shoes, you can't forget about the shoes!"  "We won't forget the shoes," I giggle and throw her towel back at her. "Also, you can invite Elliott. I'm sure Gage will demand to come."  "Can't say no to the boss?" She teases and my cheeks flush as I think back to the night at the club when I told

"Hi, this is Ashlynn, Mr. Cutler isn't available right now. Can I leave him a message?" I ask once I answer the phone.  "Hi, this is the Children's Home in Boston. We just are wanting to confirm the visit with Lily on the twelfth," the lady says.  "Yes. Mr. Cutler will be there," I say.  "Alright, perfect," the lady says. "Mr. Cutler will need to arrive twenty minutes before the visit so we can discuss important matters about adoption with him. We also would like for him to not mention anything about adopting her straight out. Most kids know what the visit means, but we don't want to get their hopes up if the adoption falls through."  "Okay sounds good. Thank you," I say.  "Alright, bye-bye," the lady says and I hang up the phone. I write it down on a note so I don't forget what the lady told me about the visit. I giggle at myself mostly for acting like Gage's secretary. I may just have found myself a new job.  

"Are you sure I shouldn't wear a suit? I feel like I should wear one," I say to Ashlynn as she rolls the sleeves of the black long sleeve shirt she picked out for me.  "You are meeting a little girl, not a business partner," she smiles and her hands cup my cheeks. "You need to look like a dad, not a lawyer."  "I've never felt more terrified in my life," I admit and lean down to rest my forehead against hers.  "It's okay to be scared. I'll be right by your side," she comforts me. "Besides, you get to meet a beautiful little girl today that you want to have as you daughter. It's okay to be scared about becoming a parent."  "Do you think I'm ready for it? You know, parenthood?" I ask and she lightly presses her lips to mine for a few moments."I think you are completely ready, you just need to trust yourself," she states. "There's still time before everything finalized as well. Right now you are just meeting her."  

Ashlynn's POV:  I'm scared. I never really communicated with Lily, but with what Gage asked me today, I need to get to know her better. Today has just been a day full of shocks.  He loves me.  Gage loves me.  I was not ready for him to say that. I'm not mad, but boy was it surprising. I can feel my cheeks heating up just thinking about it. Goodness! Maybe the shower is too hot actually. I've been standing under the burning water for more than a few minutes by now.  I step out of the shower and wrap a towel around my body and my hair. I go to my room and look through my clothes to figure out what to wear. If I'm meeting Lily I don't want to be wearing a dress, what if she wants to play? I need to find a nice pair of pants. I know Gage is going to dress down, so I will a little, but not a lot.I finally pick out a pair of black jeans and I find a cute white top, and I pair it wit