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“Yes,” Gabe finally said. “We talked about this yesterday. You two are happy about it, right?”

“Yes,” Agnes said slowly. “But sometimes happy things only happen in dreams.”

Gabe let out a sound like he’d been punched.

I felt the same way.

“It is real,” I said, taking both girls in my arms. “I pr⁠—”

I paused and glanced at Gabe.

“You promise?” Agnes asked.

Beatrice burrowed deeper.

“It’s a force of habit.”

“You’re not Mommy.”

I only stared. I wasn’t sure who the reminder was for.

“Does that mean she’ll keep them?” Beatrice asked.

Agnes turned to me. “Will you keep your promises?”

“I’ll do my best. Sometimes, plans change, but this one won’t.” I leaned in. “Let me tell you something. It’s a secret.”

Both girls leaned in, eyes wide.

“If your dad breaks the promise, I’ll hunt him down and make him regret it.”

They burst into giggles.

“I would regret it,” Gabe said with a frown. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Yay!” Agnes said, jumping over to Gabe. Beatrice followed, and I couldn’t help but smile at the sight.

Gabe embraced them both, then eyed me. I had no idea what he wanted, but then he reached over to drag me to him too.

“Okay, okay. Family—” I paused. Was I a part of this family? I knew I wasn’t Alice. I didn’t want to be, but they were kids I cared so much about.

“Family hug,” Gabe confirmed.

“Yes!” Agnes said.

“I like family hugs!” Beatrice added.

My heart felt like it had melted. Just twenty-four hours ago, I wasn’t sure Gabe was staying, much less that I would be a part of something like this.

But it felt right. It felt like what I’d been missing. Maybe it didn’t happen the way I expected it to, but this was exactly what I’d dreamed of.

My greatest wish had come true.

“Listen.” I was on my tiptoes to get my hands on Gabe’s shoulders. “You’re my watchdog.”

“I’m the watchdog,” he repeated dutifully.

“Neither Kevin nor Toby know about this meeting. If you get one whiff, you pull the excuse.”