Page 151 of That First Flight

IknowI’m stronger. I knowshewill be stronger.

“I wanted to talk to you about that, actually,” I continue. Mackenzie raises a small eyebrow in question. “How would you feel if Oliver stayed in our lives?”

She turns to look at him briefly before she looks back at me. “I thought that was the plan.”

Oliver and I can’t help but laugh.

“I really like him, Mackenzie. As more than just a friend to us.”

“You have a crush on him? Like you want to date him?”

I nod in response.

A few heartbeats pass while I hold my breath to wait for a response. Her mouth twists in a radiant smile as she clenches her fists together shaking them as if she’s… excited?

“Finally,” she screams.

My eyes widen as I look at Oliver. His face matches mine in shock. “What?”

“I knew you guys liked each other. Likea lot. I mean, what’s not to like?” Mackenzie holds her hand out towards Oliver like she’s the co-host onWheel of Fortune. “He’s so funny.”

“So you’re okay if we maybe date each other?” Oliver asks.

“I think you should marry each other!”

I practically spit out my juice, but Oliver doesn’t react the same way I did. His eyes burn a hole through me and his infectious smile makes my neck grow hot. There’s no way I was even thinking about marriage.

But, I do see a life with him. I see a future with him.

“One day,” Oliver responds.

Two simple words that hold so much power. I never imagined I would find someone who would love and accept not just me but my daughter into their life.

It takes a special person to love a single mom. You’re not just falling in love with her, you’re falling in love with someone she loves more than anything in the world. It’s a package deal that someonechoosesto accept.

They don’t force themselves to love the tiny human just because they love the mom. It’s something that comes naturally.

Oliver has successfully shut down everything I thought I knew about never being able to find love as a mom.

“I love when wishes come true.” She beams as she dives into her pancakes.

“Huh?”

“New Year's Eve, Mom. I wished for someone to make you really happy because I didn’t want to see you sad anymore.”

The dams open and tears spill from my eyes.

I thought I loved her years ago. I thought I loved her yesterday. But every day I love her more than I ever thought possible.

“I love you, Mackenzie.”

“I love you the most,” she beams. “And I really love your boyfriend too.”

The three of us break out into laughter.

Despite everything that’s happened in the last twenty-four hours, I’ve never felt more free knowing that Mackenzie accepts Oliver into our lives and loves him as much as I know I do.

Nothing in the world feels better than having my girl in my arms, snuggled close on my couch watching trashy reality television.

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