Amber and Nicholas spent most weekends together. They took Ethan to the beach, had movie nights, and tried cooking new meals though they usually ended up ordering pizza after something burned. Nicholas even started keeping a few clothes at Amber's house. One day, he left his toothbrush there. She never gave it back.
Amber felt lighter. The fear and pressure she once carried didn't feel so heavy anymore. Sure, not every day was perfect, but they were happy. And that mattered more than anything.
Her dad called more often too—mostly to ask about Ethan, but sometimes he'd ask how Nicholas was doing. That alone felt like a huge step.
One weekend, he even invited Nicholas to a backyard barbecue.
Afterwards, Amber curled up next to Nicholas on the couch.
"I didn't think we'd get here," she said quietly.
He looked at her and smiled. "Me neither. But maybe that's why it feels so right now. We took our time."
She leaned into him. "You always know the right thing to say."
