I discovered after my divorce that I should not give my heart to anyone, not even those who present me with vows of eternal love or wedding rings. I didn’t fall in love with Nolan right away. I gave him the opportunity to earn us. Ava, my daughter from my previous marriage, and I. Ava, whose nose, giggle, and feisty little heart will not shatter no matter how hard the world tries.

What’s greatest about Nolan? Only for illustrative reasons. He didn’t hesitate. He entered our lives as though he were a natural part of them and we were never lacking anything. He cherished Ava as if she were his own. It still does. He’ll be the first to apply a bandage if she cuts her knee. He arrives at her door before me if she has a nightmare. She is Nolan’s child. For a period. To Darlene, his mother? Not at all.

Darlene, with her picture pearls and pinch smiles, never spoke directly. She was not required to. She would purchase two cupcakes rather than three because of it. Like she was caressing a neighbor’s dog, she would pat Ava’s head. What about what she said? “Isn’t that odd? Willa, she doesn’t resemble you at all. Does she resemble her dad? maybe my own favorite. “Nolan, perhaps you would have been better off waiting to start a real family. Not this.

I’m shocked it didn’t scar after all the times I bit my tongue. For Nolan’s sake, I maintained the peace. For Ava’s. On the inside, though, I was constantly observing her. Making calculations. Darlene was the type of lady who viewed kids like mine as stand-ins, but she wasn’t actually a monster.

I didn’t think she would do anything, though. Not in this manner. We were all taken by surprise when Nolan took us to the Canary Islands a few months ago. I’m referring to an all-inclusive seaside resort with meticulous planning. He wanted to rejoice after receiving a job bonus. He stated, “Ava has never been on a plane.” Willa, she ought to recall her first experience as something quite remarkable. She is deserving of all the nice things in life. She was overjoyed. All of us were. Until life performed its best function… A week prior to the trip, Nolan was summoned away to Europe. urgent business matter. He was heartbroken.

Nolan brushed Ava’s hair behind her ear and murmured, “You two go ahead.” “Jolene and Mom can assist with the flight. If I can, I’ll be with you. Nolan’s younger sister is named Jolene. She enjoys thinking of herself as a vocalist and can be lovely when she wants to be. But in my opinion, the girl seems tone-deaf. Nolan appeared devastated. Ava’s little fingers curled into his denim as she clung to his leg like a baby koala.

We all had to fasten her u in her booster seat, which took 10 minutes and two gummy bears. Her bottom lip protruded as she continued, “I want Daddy to come with us.” I answered, “I know, baby.” “I also want that. But for now, Daddy has to go to work. We could be surprised by him! Therefore, we must constantly be prepared for his arrival, shall we?