The kids had been ecstatic and couldn't wait to change their last name. I was thrilled, but at the same time, a tiny piece of me died inside. I knew Ryan didn't reside in my children's last name, but they were constant reminders of him, and regardless of how things ended, I'd loved him beyond measure. There was no one left to provide them with glimpses of the wonderful man their father had been, and while their last name was only a word, it wasn't something I'd ever thought I'd give away. But there I was, smiling through the last little bit of grief Ryan still held in my life.
With the kids on board, the decision had been made. It was one I was happy with, and I couldn't wait for us all to legally be a family. Once we had the kids in bed, we retreated to the sanctity of our room. Jase co
