Her lips part, and her uncertainty slowly gives way to something brighter, something I haven’t seen in her in a very long time. Confidence.

“And guess what else?” Hawkins grins.

“What?” She whispers.

“I’m gonna make sure you always feel comfortable and safe. That’s my job as your coach,” he tells her, tapping her shoulder lightly. “So, what do you say? You ready to meet your teammates?”

Ari’s eyes widen in shock, then flicker to me, searching for my approval.

I nod. “Go on, baby girl. Have fun.”

A rush of excitement replaces her nerves as she runs toward the field with Hawkins and Kiera.

Syd roots for her sister, but her excitement begins to fade. Her hands slowly fall to her sides as she continues to glance at her shoulder pad.

Serena instantly notices, kneeling beside her and resting a gentle hand on her shoulder. “You know, every athlete needs someone in their corner. Someone cheering them on, hyping them up.” She tilts her head toward the other side of the field. “That’s the Greer Pipettes Dance Team? Their juniors are about your age. Do you wanna meet their coach?”

Syd hesitates, her fingers twitching like she wants to reach for my hand but stops herself.

Sensing her insecurity, I chime in, “It’d be so cool to watch you dance. If you want to join the team, you can, Syd. You whooped my butt last night, and now I can confidently say you’re the best dancer ever.”

Syd turns to me, the light returning to her face. “Really, Daddy?”

I smile, resting a hand on her head, giving her the reassurance she’s looking for. “Absolutely. Now, go ahead. Have some fun.”

That’s all the permission she needs. She takes off, her excitement back in full force as she practically skips away with Serena.

One by one, my girls are stepping into the world, finding their place, carving out spaces where they shine, and not because of what sets them apart but because of what makes them extraordinary. They’re passionate, talented, and undeniably strong. They’re growing.

And maybe, it’s time I let myself do the same with new experiences, new people, and new chances at happiness. Perhaps even a new relationship, even if it’s fake.

We find a perfect spot on the grass, where Kerry shakes out a blanket before laying it down. The park hums with life—kids laughing, parents cheering, and adults playing games that clash with the kids’ soccer practices.

It’s a little bit of everything happening at once. But right now, it’s just us.

Kerry lifts an eyebrow. “So, are you ready to snuggle up with me?”

A chuckle escapes me as I slide my hands into my pockets. “For the cameras, of course,” I reply, keeping my face straight, though the smirk tugging at my lips gives me away.