Willa had always been cautious about who she let into her life, especially after her divorce. She learned the hard way that not everyone is worthy of your trust or your heart, even if they come with wedding rings or promises of forever.

When Nolan came into her and her daughter Ava’s life, Willa didn’t rush. She let him earn their trust, and slowly, he proved himself. Nolan never hesitated in loving Ava like she was his own daughter, showing up in ways Willa had always hoped for. If Ava skinned her knee, Nolan was the first with a band-aid. If she had a nightmare, Nolan was already at her door before Willa had time to react.

To Nolan, Ava was his child. Period.

But to Nolan’s mother, Darlene? That wasn’t so clear.

Darlene, with her pearls and pinched smiles, never outright said anything unkind, but her actions spoke volumes. There were the little things – the way she’d buy two cupcakes instead of three, or how she’d pat Ava’s head like she was a neighbor’s dog. Her comments were even more cutting.

“Isn’t it strange? She doesn’t look anything like you, Willa. Does she look like her father?”

Or, “Maybe it’s better you waited to have a real family, Nolan. Not… this.”

Willa, ever the peacekeeper, bit her tongue. For Nolan. For Ava. She didn’t let it show, but inside, she was always calculating Darlene’s next move. Darlene wasn’t evil, just… cold. She saw children like Ava as placeholders, not as true family.

But Willa never expected Darlene to do this.

A few months ago, Nolan surprised them all with an extravagant trip to the Canary Islands—a beachfront resort, all-inclusive, everything planned to perfection. Nolan had just gotten a work bonus and wanted to celebrate.

“Ava’s never been on a plane,” Nolan said, his voice full of excitement. “She deserves something magical, Willa. She deserves everything good in the world.”

Ava’s excitement was contagious. Willa could hardly believe how perfect everything was falling into place. But life, as always, had other plans.

Just a week before they were supposed to leave, Nolan got called away for a business emergency in Europe. His face fell as he told Ava.

“You two go ahead,” he said, running his fingers through Ava’s hair. “Mom and Jolene will help with the flight. I’ll catch up with you guys if I can.”

Ava clung to Nolan’s leg, her tiny fingers grasping at him like she wouldn’t let go. It took ten minutes, two gummy bears, and a lot of patience to finally get her buckled into her booster seat.