Part of what makes our story wonderful and exciting is the fact that Ben already had a son.
While I had known all along that Ben was a very loving and involved father; we agreed it would be best for us to date awhile before introducing me to Zack. During that time we grew to closer and fell more in love.
Autumn announced itself with bright colored leaves and talk of pumpkin patches. Ten months had passed and we decided it was time. This was for real. So the three of us met and headed out on our first outing at the Elioak Farm.
I was nervous, Ben was cautious, and Zachary was shy.... at first. Yet, it didn't take long for the nerves and fears to melt away. We laughed and chased. We petted goats and fed sheep. We picked pumpkins and took a hay ride. I found this 5 year old was incredibly bright and sweet. I would like to think that he found me charming and funny... but it may have been the ice cream and pumpkin patch which had him over the moon. I have to admit, that day I fell in love.
It was not long after my first initiation before both boys moved in. Still, that did not mean we were all the sudden one unit. In fact, the first entire year was spent developing rhythms and taking time to feel out each other's boundaries.
Each day has brought us closer together, and after the past two years of living together we really do feel like a family.
I'm looking forward to the wedding- not only will I be granted the opportunity to make my vows to Ben, but to love and care for Zack as well.
