Webut on the floor, picnic–style, in front of the TV. Miles choses movie some animated film about talking animals–and we settle in for a cozy family night. – 

It’s such a simple thing–pizza, a movie, sitting together on the or–but it feels perfect. Complete. As if all the scattered pieces of my lille have finally clicked into place. 

After pizza and during a ball in the movie, Arthur turns to me. “Olt, meant to ask–lave you thought about schools for Miles? He should be starting kindergarten soon, right?” 

Inod, glancing at Miles who’s completely absorbed in the movie.’ve been looking into options. There’s a good public school not far from here, but” 

“But?” Arthur prompts. 

I hesitate “There’s also Wellington Academy. It’s private, and expensive, but their arts program is amazing.” 

I’m worried Arthur might think I’m being elitist or that I’m trying to spend his money, but if I’m being honest, the things I learned about the fading arts programs in Ordan and the misallocation of funds is worrisome. Maybe it’s hypocritical of me, wanting to enroll my son in a school that doesn’t have those issues while simultaneously lobbying for improving conditions in public schools, but I just want the best for him. And we can afford 

To my relief, Arthur nods enthusiastically. “Wellington is great. I’ve heard nothing but good things. And it’s close by, which is a -bonus.” 

“You don’t think it’s too… I don’t know, privileged?” 

Arthur considers this. “I think what matters is the quality of education and whether it suits Miles‘ needs. And from my research, Wellington has an excellent program for children on the spectrum. I think he would thrive there.” 

I bite my lip. “I want that for him, I murmur. “Plus, it’s within walking distance, so as he gets older he can walk to school himself ” 

“Let’s schedule a tour,” Arthur says simply. 

I nod. A tours sounds good. And even though it feels a bit… wrong to enroll my son in such a prestigious school knowing what the conditions in poorer districts are like, I still want the best for him.’s a tricky situation, and I’m not sure if there’s a “right” decision 

After the movie ends, Miles is yawning but fighting sleep. “I’m not tired,” he insists, even as his eyelids droop. 

“Time for bed, little man,” Arthur says, scooping him up. “You’ve had a big day.” 

I follow them to Miles’s new room, watching as Arthur tucks him is, pulling the covers up to his chin. “Goodnight, buddy. Sweet dreams.‘ 

“Night, Daddy,” Miles mumbles, already half asleep. “Night, Moreny.” 

I lean down to kiss his forehead. “Goodnight, sweetheart. We’ll see you in the moming” 

We leave his door cracked, a night light casting a soft glow in the corner. In the hallway, Arthur pulls me into a hug, his chin resting on top of my head. 

“Happy?” he asks. 

‘So happy I could burst,” I admit. “This is all I’ve wanted for so long. Us, together. A real family.” 

He pulls back to look at me, and I’m stricken by how serious his expression is as he murmurs, “1 Iris. I need you to know that.” 

“Good,” I say, “because I’m not going anywhere” 

ver letting you go again, 

1/2 

Chapter 265 

+25 BONUS 

We end up back in the living room, where Arthur puts on a record on low volume. He extends his hand to me. “Dance with me?” Trase an eyebrow. “Haven’t had enough dancing lately?” 

“Never enough.” He pulls me to my feet before I can fight it, not that I would anyway. One hand finds my waist, the other clasps mine. I tilt my head back and trace the subtle curls in the hair at the nape of his neck with my forefinger as we begin to sway. 

It reminds me of all those years ago, dancing in this very spot, happy and in love and unaware of the challenges ahead. 

But we’re different now. Stronger. We’ve weathered the storm and found our way back to each other. And as Arthur holds me close, humming softly in my ear, I can’t help but think that maybe he journey was necessary. Maybe we needed that time apart to truly appreciate what we have noWWW. 

What are you thinking about?” Arthur munurs, his breath war against my hair. 

“How lucky I am,” I reply softly. “How it feels like everything in my life was leading to this moment, even the hard parts.” 

He pulls back slightly to look at me, his eyes so tender it nearly makes me burst into tears. “I think about that too. How every choice, every mistake, somehow led us back to each other.” 

There’s so much I want to say, but words seem inadequate. Instead, I take his hand and lead him toward our bedroom, leaving the music playing softly behind us. 

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