I take the envelope, and open it with shaky hands. I quickly skim the letter and turn to my love, Owen.

"Well princess, we're officially parents!" He exclaims, kissing my forehead. I smile, "Princess Ariel, and Step are officially Peters."

"I'm going to call the guys, and see if maybe we can go bowling to celebrate," I inform him. Owen nods, "That would be fun."

I take my phone, and go to the porch of our small apartment. We have a porch swing, and I sit down. I take out my phone, and call Alan first.

"Hey baby girl," he answers. "Hey Big Al, what's up at your place?" I ask. "Pretty quiet. The girls are off at school, and Brycie went grocery shopping, so I'm just catching up on some work. What's up with you?" He replies.

"My princess, Ariel, and Step are officially Peters," I squeal. "Wait really?!" He asks. "Yep! Maybe we could all go bowling tonight to celebrate?" I suggest. "That'd be fun, babe. You gonna call the others?" He asks.

"I'll call 'em. Meet up at Chick-Fil-A around fiveish, then we'll head to the alley, okay?" I ask. "Yep, sounds good, my Mia. See ya then," he says. "Love you!" I exclaim. "Love ya too, pretty girl," he says, hanging up.

I call the others, and the Smallbones. Joel and Luke are out on tour, but their wives, Moriah and Courtney, are coming with Luke's boys, Jude and Phoenix.

Owen's going to pick the kids up at school. They'll come back here, we'll tell them the news, and then get ready to go.

While Owen's gone, I get a call from Luke. I answer with a smile on my face, "Hello mate!"

"Hello priceless girl," Luke says. "Our ladies told us about the news, so we just had to call," Joel says. "Thanks guys. The kids aren't here now, but they'll be home soon if you want to wait," I reply.

"Yes, we'll wait. How've you been, love?" Luke asks. "Good. Just busy. I'm also kinda worried about Owen. He's been working late a lot recently, and I don't know if he's really at work or if he's somewhere else," I sigh. "We'll keep you in our prayers, lovely Mia. We're here for you," Joel says.

"I appreciate it more than you blokes know," I smile. We talk for a few more minutes, until the kids get home. Without spoiling the news, the two of them chat with the Smallbone brothers for about fifteen minutes.

"We have to go do sound check," Luke says. "But we love you kiddos," Joel adds. "We love you too!" Ariel exclaims. "Break legs tonight, guys," Stephen says. Bidding goodbye, I hang up the phone.

"Okay, kids, we have big news!" I exclaim, my heart practically jumping from my chest. "What is it, momma?" Ariel asks? I smile, and glance up at Owen.

"You're officially Peters!" We exclaim. Stephen and Ariel join us in a group hug, squeezing us fiercely.

"Sissy, we finally have a family," Stephen says to his sister, his eyes watering. Ariel nods and attacks her brother in a hug, "Stevie, now we'll never have to worry about being split up again." He nods solemnly, "I know. This feeling is truly wonderful."

Stephen stands up from his crouches position, and hugs me. "Mom, I can't believe it," he cries. "Neither can I, bud. But I'm so happy," I blink back tears.

"Okay kids, we're meeting everybody at Chick-Fil-A, then we're going bowling. How does that sound?" Owen asks. The kids cheer in delight. We climb into the SUV, and Owen drives the short drive to our first destination.

The restaurant is basically filled up with people just for us. Ari, and Step are greeted with hugs and congratulations from those who care about them most. I smile thinking about how much these amazing people mean to me.

"Hey short stack, how ya doing?" Chad asks, slinging his arms sound my shoulders. I lean my head into his chest, and sigh, "Busy. But a good busy. How've you, Fal, the kids and the pups been doing?" I reply.

He smiles, "The kids are as honorary as ever, so are the dogs. Fal's doing great, so am I, we're just busy." I nod, "Amen! I can relate to being busy."

I pull away from Chad, and rush to greet everybody else. This Chick-Fil-A playzone has seemed to turn into a war zone with all the kids we brought.

I smile, finally finding Alan among the sea of loved ones. "Hey beautiful," he greets me with a kiss on the head. "Hey Al, some crowd, huh? Who are all these crazy people that have taken over this restaurant?" I joke. "I dunno, pretty girl, but they seem to be having a good time," he chuckles. I nod, "Yeah. Joel and Luke called and talked to the kids for a while. They wish they could be here. I'm glad Moriah, Courtney, and the boys are here though."

Next I actually find myself with the Smallbone ladies, and young men. "Hey Mia!" Moriah greets me with a hug. "Hey Mo! How've you been?" I ask. "Good. Did Joel call you today?" She replies. I nod, "Yep, the kids loved it."

Next Courtney hugs me. She hands me Baby Phoenix, and I bounce him on my hip. Still holding him, I crouch to Jude's level.

"Hi Miss Mia!" He waves, giving me a toothy grin. "Hey buddy," I ruffle his hair. He comes closer and gives me a kiss on the cheek, "You look pretty today."

"Jude, are you flirting again?" His mom asks, grinning. He shakes his head, "No momma." He smiles and runs off to play. Phoenix squirms to be put down so I kiss his head, and watch him toddle off.

"Hey kiddo," Caleb grabs my hand, and gives it a squeeze. "Oh hey, bub. How's your fam doing?" I ask. "We're fine, Mia. How're you guys doing?" I shrug, "I wanna talk to you guys later, but not tonight." He nods, "We're here for ya, babe!"

Hands cover my eyes. "Oh hey Joe!" I exclaim. "Drat!" He snaps, "How'd you know it was me?" I smile, "Because you're like the only person that hasn't said hi to me yet." He grins, "Tonight's gonna be really fun! I'm glad you adopted those kids."

We order out food, and the kids run around like crazy and play. I'm sitting with Brycie, Moriah, Courtney, and Fallon. I'm holding Baby Phoenix again.

"He really likes you, honey," Courtney says. Phoenix lets out a content gurgle. "I really like him too. Kids are my favorite," I smile. I give Phoenix a small bite of waffle fry.

"Now you have kids of your own, how does it feel?" Fallon asks. "Good. I knew I was going to adopt them one day. They desperately needed a stable life, and now they have one."

I give Phoenix a few more bites of waffle fry, while everybody else finishes eating. "Okay, let's head to the bowling alley to continue this celebration!" Chad announces. Everybody claps, and gets with their family to leave.

"Mia, I have to head to work early, so I'm going to head home. I'm sure one of the guys will let your ride with them," Owen says. "Be careful, hon. I'll be home later," I stand on my tiptoes, and plant a kiss on his cheek, "Love you." He nods, "You too."

"Mama, can I ride with Sam and Aurora?" Ariel asks, running up to me. "Sure thing, my little mermaid, as long as Caleb and Kels are okay with it," I say kissing her head.

"Mom! Can Marcus ride with us?" Stephen asks. "You can ride with him, if Chad says it's okay. Dad has to head home. I'm riding with Alan."

Amongst the crowd, Courtney finds me. "Mia, I'm going to take Phoenix home. Jude's staying with Moriah. I just wanted to say bye," she says. I hug her, "Thanks for coming, Court. I'll see you later." She nods, "See ya girlie." I give Phoenix a kiss on the head before she walks off.

I get into the car with Alan, and his family. We follow the others to the closest bowling alley.

We can put six people per lane, so we begin to divide into four groups.

The first group, Group A, is Chad, Jewel, Brycie, Stephen, Marcus, and AJ.

Group B, the second group, is Caleb, Fallon, Joshua, Aurora, and Ariel.

The third group, Group C, is Joey, Kelsey, Alan, Samantha, Presley, and Maylee.

Group D, the smallest group, is me, Moriah, Rowe, and Jude. Although Jude is the only boy in his group, he's totally fine with it.

"The winners from all four lanes will go head-to-head in the championship match!" Chad announces. Everybody gets shoes, and balls, and we're all set.

For our lane, Rowe and Jude will use bumpers; Moriah and I won't. I help Rowie find a ball, while Moriah helps Jude. After selecting a ball for Moriah, and I to share, we're ready.

I help Rowe punch in everybody's name, and we get started. "Okay Judely, you're first," Rowe informs him.

"Auntie Moriah, will you help me?" Jude asks. She nods, "Sure thing, sobrino." With Moriah's help, Jude knocks down seven pins.

Alan walks over to me while the others at his lane are bowling. "My lovely Mia," he says, wrapping his arms around me, "is there something going on between you and Owen?" His voice is barely above a whisper; I can feel his breath on my ear.

"I dunno. I'm not surprised he had to leave for work. I guess I'm kinda concerned," I admit. He rocks me back and forth, "It'll be okay, princess. I've got you."

I didn't want to ruin this happy day, by tears spill onto Alan's chest anyway. "If Owen leaves me, I'm homeless," I cry softly. "You've always got a place with me, baby girl. I love you, and we'll talk more about this later, okay?" He asks. I nod, "Thanks for caring, Al. Love you too."

He takes his thumb, and brushes my tears away. "Smile, babe, it looks good on you," he says, stepping away. I turn back to the lane, it's my turn.

"Are you okay, sissy?" Rowe asks. "I'm fine, Rowie," I say, kissing her head, "Is it my turn?" Jude nods, "I bet you knock down all the pins!" I smile, and ruffle his hair, "Thanks, bud!"

Jude's prediction comes true, and I get a strike. "I knew you could do it!" Jude exclaims, giving me a high-five. "Thanks for believing in me, Judely," I smile.

About halfway through the game, I grab Kelsey's hand, and we head towards the bathroom.

Once we're inside the dimly lit room, tears begin to flow. "Awh, sweet girl, what's the matter?" Kelsey asks, taking me in her arms and rocking me back and fourth.

"It's been bugging me for a while. Owen said he had to leave for work. He's been working late a lot lately. Kels, I'm just not sure if he's actually working," I cry.

"I've got you, sweet Mia. This is all going to work out. You're gonna be okay," she whispers, smoothing down my hair. "I just am afraid for the kids. If we split up, Owen could take partial custody. I can't imagine the thought of it all, I just can't," I say, wiping away my tears.

"God'll help you through this, hon. I'll be praying for you. I'm here for you, Mia," she whispers, smoothing my hair away from my face. "Thank you, Kels. I don't know where I'd be without you. Love you," I reply. "Love you too, girlie. You ready to finish bowling?" She asks.

I take a paper towel, and wipe the tears from my face, "Yeah. I'll talk to the guys about this tomorrow. I just didn't want to ruin the kids' happiest day, with dark thoughts."

She takes my hand, gives it a reassuring squeeze, and we rejoin our groups.

"We waited for you, Mia! Didn't want you to miss your turn!" Jude exclaims. "Thanks, bud," I bowl my turn, and while Rowie is bowling, Moriah pulls me aside.

"Are you okay, dear?" She asks. "No, but I'll be fine. We'll talk later, okay?" I reply. "Keep standing strong, Mia. You'll get through this," she says.

We finish bowling, and although I won, I decide to sit the "championship round" out.

Alan, Fallon, and Stephen play their round. I sit with Chad, while the kids go off with some of the adults to play arcade games.

"Why aren't you playing, and beating those guys, short stack?" Chad asks me. "I'm just not feeling real great," I admit. "Awh, what's the matter, darling?" He turns to face me.

"Chad, bub, I'm going to be completely honest with you. I think Owen's cheating on me, and I'm afraid," I say, not realizing I was crying until Chad wipes away my tears.

"Baby sis, I had no idea. Come here," he opens his arms. I find my face buried in his chest, and cry. "I've got you, sour patch. We'll figure this out," Chad whispers.