Since Nolan wasn’t awake yet, she grabbed her phone and called her sister. For some reason, just the sound of her sister’s voice made her feel like she might start to cry again. “Hey, April! What are you up to today?”

April laughed. “Believe it or not, we actually have some free time for once. I think this weekend might be the only free time we have the rest of this year, but hey, we’ll take it.”

“Awesome. Are you okay with having some company?”

“If you’re talking about you and Nolan, then obviously.”

“Perfect. We’ll be there in a little while.” Erin hung up the phone before her sister could ask her any more questions, because she didn’t want to get into it just yet.

She woke up Nolan, who was disappointed when he found out Blair wasn’t there, but recovered quickly when she told him they were going to see their family. Because of his excitement, it was easier than usual to get him out of the house, and they left within an hour. As Nolan watched videos on his tablet, Erin thought about not only how she could prove to Blair that she was ready for this relationship, but also how she could prove it to herself. Because she was ready. The fear and hesitation were there, but there was also excitement. She wanted this, but she needed to fully let go of her past so she could enjoy her future. Hopefully her sister had some wise advice, because Erin clearly needed help.

Because she was so caught up in her own thoughts, the drive seemed to go faster than usual. Before she knew it, she was pulling into her sister’s driveway. She hadn’t even shut off the car when the front door opened and her sister and niece walked out.

“Aunt Ape-il! Cousin Syd!” Nolan shouted gleefully from his car seat.

When they reached the car, Sydney walked around to the back where Nolan was sitting, and April walked over to Erin’s door and opened it. She stuck her head in and waved to Nolan. “Hey, buddy! Guess what? Your Uncle Wesley and Tanner are waiting inside to hang out with you and Sydney. Is it okay if I steal your mommy for a few minutes?”

Nolan looked between Sydney and Erin and then back at April. “Will you give her back?”

April nodded, and with the way she was smiling, Erin could tell she was holding back a laugh. “I will give her back. I promise.”

“Okay!” Nolan turned to face Sydney again. “Get me out, please.”