Her nerves visibly begin to ease. She exhales with a nod, and in that moment, I recognize the expression on her face—a cautious hope and the willingness to believe life will get better, which is why I know she’s going to be okay.

~~~

After picking up my grand opening dress and running a few more errands, I finally arrive home. Home.

That’s right. Vic got his way, and I’ve officially moved in seven days a week, and yes, I reluctantly agreed to move into his bedroom. The man wasn’t lying when he said he needed to be inside me every day, but I also had no idea I needed him at least twice a day.

When I walk through the front door, I’m immediately greeted by an enthusiastic “Congratulations!” from Vic, Ari, and Syd, the latter holding out a perfectly decorated cupcake.

I blink, caught off guard. “Aww, y’all are so sweet! But what exactly are we congratulating?”

They exchange mischievous looks, and Vic smirks as he takes the shopping bags from my arms. “Your job, Kerry.”

Oh, right. The email.

I let out a small laugh as we move toward the living room. “I didn’t even reply yet,” I admit, sinking onto the couch. “I don’t even know if I want to go back to the classroom.”

I say it casually, like it’s not a huge deal, but Vic arches an eyebrow, and the girls sit up straighter like I just told them Christmas was canceled.

“And why wouldn’t you want to go back to teaching at the school?” Vic presses.

I try to play it cool, but they’re all looking at me like they already know the answer.

Syd, not even attempting to hide her smirk, tilts her head. “Do you want to stay here with us as our homeschool teacher?”

I open my mouth but quickly close it. My silence is enough of an answer. Then, suddenly, both girls whip their heads toward their father.

“Dad, pay up!” Ari announces triumphantly.

Vic exhales dramatically, digging into his pocket like they just bankrupted him. “Unbelievable. My own daughters. Swindling their old man.”

He hands them each five bucks, and they erupt in giggles, high-fiving like seasoned gamblers.

“Wait a minute! Y’all were betting on me?”

“Duh! We knew you wouldn’t want to leave us.” Ari grins.

Syd nods, stuffing her winnings in her pocket. “Yep. You love us too much.”

I shake my head, pretending to be offended. “While this is very true, why does everyone think they know me so well?”

Vic reaches for me, gently pulling me toward him on the sofa, and before I can process it, his lips brush against mine—soft, sure, and full of something that makes my heart melt.

He pulls back just enough to whisper, “Because we do know you, Kerry. And we love you like crazy.”