The numbers tell part of the story. Noah started. We’ve assisted 412 families in our first year. Emergency housing support, job placement services, child care subsidies, and legal advocacy. But numbers don’t capture what these programs actually mean to people. He pulled up a video testimonial. A single mother named Kesha talked about how the foundation’s job placement program had helped her find stable work after years of cycling through minimum wage positions that didn’t cover her rent.
Before I was working two jobs and still couldn’t make ends meet, Kesha said on the video, “My daughter barely saw me. We were 3 weeks from eviction. The foundation didn’t just help me find a better job. They gave me stability. Now I can afford our apartment and actually spend time with my kid. That’s not just a statistic. That’s our whole life changing.
” Y Noah played three more testimonials, each one showing a different family whose circumstances had improved because of the foundation’s work. When the lights came back up, several board members looked moved. Even David Reeves was quiet. These are the outcomes that matter, Noah concluded. Not just whether we spent our budget efficiently, but whether we changed lives.
And we have 400 times over. That’s what this foundation exists to do. Victoria was smiling at him from her seat, and Noah felt something settle in his chest. They’d done this. Together, they’d built something that actually mattered. The board approved the second year’s budget without debate and increased funding by 30%.
After the meeting, Victoria caught Noah in the hallway. That was incredible. It was just honest. Exactly. That’s what made it incredible. Victoria glanced around, making sure they were alone, then kissed him quickly. I’m proud of you. What you’ve built here, it’s exactly what I hoped for. We built it. You made this possible. I provided money. You made it matter.
Victoria’s expression was soft. Thank you, Noah, for all of it. Emma’s 10th birthday came with less fanfare than the previous year. Her request, surprisingly. She wanted something small, just family. Family meant Noah, Victoria, Lucas, Mrs. Chen, and Emma’s best friend, Madison. They had cake at home, watched movies, and Emma declared it her best birthday, yet even though there was no bounce house.
This is better, Emma said when Noah tucked her in that night. Last year was fun, but this feels more real. What do you mean? Last year felt like a party. This year felt like family. Emma’s expression was serious, like we all actually belong together instead of just pretending. We do belong together. I know, but it’s nice that it feels that way now. Emma was quiet for a moment.
Dad, can I ask you something? Always. Are you going to marry Victoria? Noah wasn’t prepared for the question. I don’t know, sweetheart. Why do you ask? Because you love her. I can tell. And she loves you back. That’s what people do when they love each other, right? They get married. Sometimes, but not always.
And we’ve only been together a few months. But you’re going to eventually, Emma persisted. Because I think you should. Then Lucas would be my real brother, and Victoria would be like my mom, and we’d all actually be a family for real. Noah’s throat felt tight. We’re already a family, M. The marriage part doesn’t make it more real, but it makes it official.
like telling everyone else that we belong together. Emma looked at him with Sarah’s eyes. I want that. I want us to be official. I’ll think about it. Okay. Okay. But don’t think too long. You’re both being slow about this. Noah laughed despite the emotions churning in his chest. When did you become the adult in this relationship? I’ve always been mature for my age.
Everyone says so. After Emma fell asleep, Noah found Victoria in the nursery with Lucas. The baby was fighting sleep, fussy and cranky, and Victoria looked exhausted. “Let me take him,” Noah offered. Victoria handed Lucas over gratefully. “He’s been like this all evening. I think he’s getting a tooth.
” Noah walked slow circles with Lucas, feeling the baby gradually settle. Emma asked me something tonight. “What? If I’m going to marry you?” Victoria went very still. What did you tell her? That I didn’t know. That we’ve only been together a few months. Noah looked at Victoria. But the truth is, I do know. I’m just scared. It’s too soon to say it out loud.
Noah said, “I’m not asking. Not yet. But I want you to know that I’m thinking about it. About making this permanent.” He adjusted Lucas in his arms. If that terrifies you, tell me now. Victoria crossed the nursery and wrapped her arms around both Noah and Lucas. It doesn’t terrify me. It should, but it doesn’t. Good.
Because Emma’s right. We’re being slow about this. We’re being careful. There’s a difference. >> Maybe. Or maybe we’re both just scared of being happy because we’re waiting for it to fall apart. Victoria pulled back to look at him. Is that what you’re doing? Yeah. Are you? Yeah. Victoria smiled sad and honest.
I keep waiting for you to realize you can do better than a workaholic billionaire with trust issues and a baby who won’t sleep. And I keep waiting for you to realize you can do better than a former warehouse worker with a criminal record and a complicated past. So, we’re both idiots. Looks like it. Lucas chose that moment to finally fall asleep.
