PART 13:

The parts you show the world and the parts you keep hidden. The strength and the fear. All of it. They sank onto the couch together. Lena curled into Evan’s side. For the first time in 2 years, she felt the burden she’d been carrying lighten. Can I ask about Emma? Evan said after a while.

What was she like? Lena smiled through fresh tears. She was incredible. Wild and free and so full of life. She never met a stranger. could start a conversation with anyone. She believed in magic, used to leave coins on the ground for people to find because she said everyone deserved a little luck. She sang constantly, even though she couldn’t carry a tune to save her life.

She made the best grilled cheese in the world. Used this secret ingredient she wouldn’t tell anyone, not even me. Maya has her spirit, Evan observed. That fearlessness, that joy, she does. Sometimes I look at Maya and I see Emma so clearly it takes my breath away. The way she laughs, the way she approaches the world with complete confidence.

It’s like having a piece of Emma back. Does Maya know about Emma? Not yet. She’s too young to understand, but I’m going to tell her I have pictures, videos, Emma’s journals. I’m saving everything so Maya can know her birthother when she’s ready. Lena paused. I want her to know that Emma loved her, that she wanted her, that the only reason Emma isn’t here is because life is unfair and cruel sometimes.

That’s beautiful and hard. Everything about this is hard, but it’s also beautiful. Maya is the best thing Emma ever did, and raising her is the greatest privilege of my life.” Evan kissed the top of her head. “You’re an amazing mother. I’m a terrified mother who has no idea what she’s doing most of the time.

” same. I think that’s just parenting. They laughed and the sound was light and free. The weight of the secret was gone and in its place was something solid and real. What happens now? Lena asked. Now we keep doing what we’ve been doing, dating, spending time together, letting the girls be sisters, except now we do it without secrets.

Complete honesty from here on out. Complete honesty? Lena agreed. That sounds terrifying. It is, but I think we can handle it. Evan shifted to look at her. I do have one question, though. Anything. Your parents, are they still out of the picture? Lena’s expression hardened completely. They made their choice. They chose their pride and their expectations over their daughter and granddaughter.

I haven’t spoken to them since Emma’s funeral. Do you think that’ll ever change? I don’t know. Part of me hopes they’ll come around someday, realize what they’re missing. But I’m not holding my breath, and I’m not letting Maya grow up feeling unwanted by them. As far as she’s concerned, our family is just us. And now us, Evan added softly.

If you want it to be, I do want that more than anything. They talked for hours, filling in details and answering questions. Evan wanted to know about Emma’s pregnancy, about the early days with Maya, about the grief and exhaustion and joy of those first years. Lena wanted to know about Rachel, about how Evan had navigated single parenthood, about his fears and hopes for the future.

By the time they picked up the girls from Carol’s house, Lena felt lighter than she had in months. The secret was out, and the world hadn’t ended. Evan was still here, still looking at her with love and admiration. Maya and Sophie tumbled out of Carol’s house covered in flower and joy. “We made cookies,” Sophie announced. “So many cookies.

Grammy said we were excellent bakers,” Maya added proudly. Carol appeared behind them, laughing. “They were very enthusiastic helpers. There’s flour in places I didn’t know flour could reach.” “Thank you for taking them,” Evan said, hugging his mother. “Anytime! You know I love it.” Carol looked between Evan and Lena, a knowing smile on her face. You two look happy.

Good talk. Very good talk, Lena confirmed. I’m glad. Carol squeezed Lena’s hand. You’re family now. You know, you and Maya both. The simple statement brought tears to Lena’s eyes again. Family. It was all she’d wanted, all she’d been searching for. That evening, they all had dinner at Evan’s house.

a chaotic affair involving the cookies the girls had made and frozen pizza because no one had the energy to cook. The girls were wound up from their day with Grammy, running circles around the living room and telling elaborate stories about the ducks they’d seen at the pond. After dinner, after baths and stories and the elaborate bedtime routine of two overtired toddlers, Lena and Evan finally collapsed on his couch.

“This is my life now,” Evan said, staring at the ceiling. Constant chaos, no quiet moments, and I wouldn’t change a single thing. Not a single thing, Lena teased. Well, maybe I’d make them sleep past 6:00 in the morning. That would be nice. Dream big. Evan turned to look at her, his expression serious.

I am dreaming big. I’m dreaming of mornings where we all wake up in the same house. Of bedtime routines that are hours together, not split between two places. of the girls sharing a room because they want to, not just for sleepovers. Of building something permanent and real? Lena’s breath caught.

Evan, too much, too fast. No. Perfect. Perfectly terrifying, but perfect. We don’t have to rush anything. We can take our time. Do this right. But I need you to know that’s where I’m headed. Toward you. Toward us. Toward forever. Forever? Lena whispered, testing the word. It didn’t feel as frightening as it once had. I think I like the sound of that.

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