"Thanks for taking care of us," Emma said softly. "It was a really good weekend."
"Thank you for letting me be part of it," Sandra replied, smoothing Emma's hair. "Sweet dreams."
Toby's hug was more exuberant. "Can we do the beach again next weekend?"
"We'll see what your dad has planned," Sandra said diplomatically.
Once the kids were settled, Terry and Sandra curled up on the couch together. Terry told her about some of the more interesting sessions he'd attended, particularly the ones on financial crimes, but mostly he just wanted to hear about their weekend.
"They were perfect," Sandra said, her head resting on his shoulder. "Honestly, Terry, they're such good kids. I had the best time with them."
"They’re crazy about you," he said simply.
Sandra smiled but sat up when she noticed the time. "I should probably head home. Early day tomorrow."
Terry caught her hand as she started to stand. "Stay. Please."
She hesitated, and he could see the conflict in her eyes. "Terry..."
"I hate for you to leave," he said quietly. "But I understand if you need to go."
Sandra sat back down, taking his hand in both of hers. "You know we need to be solid, right? Before we take the step of me staying over."
"Aren't we solid?" The question came out more vulnerable than he'd intended.
"Yes… I think so," she said gently. "I know how I feel when I'm with you, when I'm with all of you. But we need to be absolutely sure, especially for your kids' sake."
Terry studied her face, seeing the love there alongside the caution. "And that's exactly why I'm falling in love with you. Because you care about them, not just me."
"I care about all of you," she whispered.
Terry cupped her face in his hands and kissed her deeply, pouring all his feelings into the contact. She melted into him, her hands fisting in his shirt, and for a moment, he almost convinced her to stay. But when they broke apart, she pressed her forehead to his.
"I have to go," she said regretfully. "But this weekend... it felt like a preview of something beautiful."
"I can already see a future with you in it," Terry said honestly. "I hope you feel the same."
Sandra's smile was radiant. "Yeah… and that terrifies me in the best possible way."
He walked her to her car, stealing one more kiss before reluctantly letting her drive away. As he watched her taillights disappear, Terry felt the certainty that whatever the future held, he wanted Sandra to be part of it.
Terry glanced at his watch as Patricia walked into the Virginia Beach coffee shop. He’d driven over the bay early after calling the previous night to set up the face-to-face. She looked polished as always, her navy blazer crisp and her blond hair pulled back in a sleek ponytail. She appeared ready to tackle a boardroom full of executives.
"Thanks for meeting me before you had to go into work," he said, standing as she slid into the booth across from him.
"No problem, Terry.” She smiled and glanced down at the two cups on the table.
He pushed a latte toward her. "Two sugars, no cream."
Patricia wrapped her hands around the cup and smiled. "You still remember."
"Some things don't change." Terry studied her face. "You look good. The new promotion treating you well?"
"It's everything I wanted." She took a sip and set the cup down carefully. "Regional director means more travel, but the challenge is incredible. Next up will be the corporate director. I'm finally building the career that I wanted. "
The pride in her voice was unmistakable. Terry nodded, understanding flickering in his eyes. "That's what you always needed. I'm glad you found it."
"Are you?" Patricia tilted her head. "Really?"
