Page 137 of Undone

Thatwashome.

After everything we’d been through, this moment, this peaceful slice of life, was exactly what I needed. Noah looked radiant, her hair catching the light, her eyes sparkling with joy. It was surreal, seeing her like this, happy and free from everything she used to carry.

It seemed like just yesterday we were navigating the darkest corners of our lives, each day a struggle against shadows that felt impossible to escape. But today, the light seemed to pierce through those shadows, and for that, I was grateful.

Every second with my girls was something I cherished more than I could ever put into words.

“Daddy!” Gracie’s tiny voice broke through my thoughts, her hands waving as she spun around. “Come play with us!”

I stepped onto the lawn, a smile tugging at my lips. “What are we playing today?”

“Tag!” Noah called out, her laughter infectious. “And you’re it!”

Before I could process what she said, Noah took off running, her playful spirit igniting the evening air. Gracie followed close behind, her little legs pumping as she giggled, and without a second thought, I chased after them.

My heart soared as I took off, much slower than I used to be, but this moment still was pure bliss. For the first time in so long, life felt… easy. I tagged Gracie and scooped her up into my arms, her squeals of delight echoing through the yard. Her small body against mine sent a rush of gratitude through me. Gratitude for everything that led us here, even the hard moments, especially the hard moments.

“Okay, okay! I give up!” Gracie cried, collapsing into giggles as I pretended to struggle to hold her.

“No one gives up in tag!” I said, spinning her around playfully before setting her back on her feet.

Noah slowed to a stop, leaning over to catch her breath. Her face was lit up with sheer happiness, and I couldn’t help but be in awe of her.

“You’re a great dad, you know,” she said softly, filled with sincerity. I felt a rush of warmth at her words.

“I’m just trying to keep up with you two,” I replied, my eyes lingering on her.

She smiled, and in that moment, I saw the light of hope shining in her eyes, hope that hadn’t always been there. She fought her demons fiercely, battled through pain and trauma, and I’d watched her transform over the last several months.

Therapy became a cornerstone for her, and even Gracie and me, a place where we unpacked all the hurt, the betrayals, and the baggage from our past. Watching her heal, day by day, was one of the bravest things I’d ever seen, and it wasn’t just about John. She’d started to rebuild her relationship with her parents too. That process had been long and difficult, but I admired her strength and resilience.

I spent the last few months in physical therapy, regaining my strength slowly but surely. It wasn’t easy, but I’d have no problem living with metal in my leg to be able to spend the rest of my life with my girls.

We had come a long way from the day I’d stood on her doorstep, secretly smitten with my sister’s best friend.

And now, we were a family.

“Gracie, want to show your dad what you’ve been practicing?” Noah asked, a playful smile lighting up her face.

“Uh, duh!” Gracie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “Look, Daddy! I can do a flip now!”

“Let’s see it!” I encouraged, grinning as I thought of the afternoons I’d peeked out the window to see Noah and Gracie practicing together in the yard, Noah patiently teaching her the right moves.

Gracie rushed to the grass, her little body twisting and turning as she attempted a flip. Her determination made me laugh but also filled me with an overwhelming sense of pride. Watching her grow and seeing how Noah stepped in to guide her—it was everything I’d convinced myself I could live without. A family filled with laughter, joy, and the simple pleasures that made life worth living. And it was mine.

After Gracie showcased her skills, we all collapsed onto the grass, breathless and happy. The sun dipped lower, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink. I wanted to hold on to this moment and remember it for years to come—when we were old and gray and Gracie was grown, and these simple moments were some of our happiest memories.

My heart had woven seamlessly into hers. As if every thread was carefully picked and placed. As heartbreaking as the journey was, it all beautifully came together in something that was uniquely us.

“Why are you looking at me like that?” she asked, her lips curling into a playful grin.

“Like what?” I asked, feigning innocence.

“Like you love me,” she teased.

“Well… I kind of do.”

“Kind of, huh?”

---