Warmth floods through me, spreading from my chest to every part of me. I plaster a big, bright, and very genuine smile.

“Yes,” I finally admit. “It’s true. I want the best of both worlds. I love teaching, but I also love being with the girls every day.”

The moment I say it, Ari and Syd tackle me in a hug, their little arms wrapping tightly around me.

“We love you, too.” Ari says, her voice filled with pure emotion.

“The most in the world!” Syd adds.

Tears sting my eyes as I hold them close. “I love you girls more than you’ll ever know.”

Vic watches us with a soft expression, then he cups my face gently, his thumb stroking my cheek. “Kerry, you can have any and everything you want. You don’t have to choose.”

I search his eyes, feeling overwhelmed in the best way possible. “What do you mean?”

Vic slightly leans back, shifting his gaze to the girls before returning to me. “Well, this has been quite a year, an amazing one,” He starts. “More than I ever could’ve imagined. I never thought I’d meet you.” His eyes soften. “I never thought I’d have a superstar soccer player for a daughter in Ari or a future dance star in Syd. I certainly didn’t predict they’d make so many friends.”

“Best friends!” Syd eagerly interrupts.

Vic chuckles. “Right. I wouldn’t have thought any of us would be this happy again. And it’s all because of you.”

My lips part, but he keeps going.

“I’d selfishly love for you to keep homeschooling the girls,” he admits. “But I know you miss your old school, and they definitely miss you.”

I tilt my head, curious. “So… what are you saying?”

He smirks. “What if… the girls enrolled in school, too? That way, all three of you could still see each other throughout the day, every day.”

The room goes completely still for a second before the girls gasp in unison.

Ari nearly jumps off the couch. “I get to see my best friends every day? OMG! Thank you, Dad!”

Syd is practically bouncing in place. “I can’t wait to get in trouble.”

We all burst into laughter.

Then, Vic turns back to me. “What do you think, babe? I want you to do what you love, and not just for the girls, but for all the kids in town.” He pauses, his eyes locked onto mine. “But only if it’s what you want.”

I don’t hesitate. I reach for him and press a soft, lingering kiss to his lips. “I think… it’s a perfect idea.” I say, my voice full of certainty.

Syd and Ari practically explode with excitement.

“We have the best family ever!” Syd declares, throwing her arms around both Ari and me.

And I know, deep in my soul, that she’s absolutely right.

~~~