Page 156 of A Perfect Fit

Several days after Isabelle’s first-ever fashion show eight years ago, Aaron officially asked Jen out on a date, and the rest is history.

The four of us are as close as ever. Isabelle and Jen even got pregnant around the same time and shared similar pregnancy cravings.

“Definitely a mini Aaron,” Isabelle agrees. “And then we’re having Ivy’s family come over on Sunday, too. It’ll be a big weekend.”

Ivy went to therapy to work on the insecurity and resentment she’d harbored over the years, and she’s in a healthy relationship with her now husband. The journey Isabelle and Ivy went through to repair their relationship took some time, but they’re in a good place now. Same thing for Isabelle and her mom.

As for my family, it took me a lot of therapy to process Mom and Andrew’s affair and the revelation that I’m his birth son.

Andrew quit his job at Carter Marketing Solutions shortly after I resigned. I’m not sure where he’s at now—I haven’t maintained any relationship with him. As for Mom, my contact with her is limited. I’ve accepted what happened and she’s been remorseful, but I don’t know if I’ll ever completely forgive her.

It wasn’t easy, but therapy also helped me with overcoming my belief that I always needed to have everything figured out or that I couldn’t lean on others. Now, whenever I have bad days, I don’t feel like a burden anymore for letting Isabelle take care of me.

“It’ll be great,” I say, giving Isabelle a smile. “Ready to head home?”

She smiles back. “Always.”

“Yay! Mommy and Daddy are home!”

As Isabelle and I enter our home, our two daughters—Francesca and Josephine, who are aged five and four, respectively—race toward us in their pajamas, large grins plastered across their faces.

Anna, who’s babysitting them tonight, trails behind them.

“Hey, kiddos,” I say, giving them both a hug. “Have you been causing any trouble for Anna?”

“Nope!” Francesca and Josephine chirp in unison.

“Not at all, Uncle Jace,” Anna adds. “Chesca and Josie have been great.”

“Thanks for keeping an eye on them, Anna,” I say. “We really appreciate it.”

“Of course.” Anna beams. “I love spending time with them.” She turns to Isabelle. “Aunt Isabelle, how was your interview?”

Anna turned seventeen and started her first year of fashion school recently. When she had gotten old enough, Isabelle had taught her how to use a sewing machine, and since then, Anna further cemented her dream of wanting to become a fashion designer.

“It was great!” Isabelle says. “It was so much fun.”

Francesca turns to Isabelle, stretching out her arms. “Mommy, I want a hug from you, too.”

Isabelle pulls her into a hug. “Of course, honey.”

Josephine wraps her arms around her mom and sister. “I want a hug from Mommy as well!”

Isabelle laughs, her beautiful eyes crinkling with delight. “Let’s do a group hug then.”

As Isabelle interacts with our daughters, I can’t help but smile. I’m so proud of our little family and grateful to be Francesca’s and Josephine’s father. Pulling out my phone from my pocket, I take a photo to capture the moment.

“Mommy, can you please make another dress for me?” Josephine asks, a twinkle in her eye. “I want it to be yellow and have flowers. Pretty please?”

“Of course, darling,” Isabelle assures her.

“Yay!” Josephine cheers. “You’re the best!”

I clear my throat, pretending to act like I’ve been left out. “What about me?”

Josephine grins at me, revealing dimples on her cheeks. “You’re the best, too. You’re both the best in the world!”

We all laugh at her words. Simple moments like this with my family are when I’m at my happiest.