She squeezed my hand. “That’s totally normal. Trust me, it gets better.”
We spent the rest of the afternoon playing with the kids. For the first time in years, I felt genuinely happy.
That night, when I tucked the kids into bed, Zach looked up at me with serious eyes. “Mom, are you and Dad getting divorced? I heard you on the phone. And you seem happier here without him.”
I chose my words carefully. “Your dad and I have been having problems for a while now. We’re going to try to work things out, but… yes, we might get divorced.”
“Okay. As long as you’re happy, Mom. That’s what matters.”
Tears pricked my eyes when I hugged him tight. “When did you get so wise, huh?”
The kids were asleep. Then I stood on the balcony, watching the moonlight dance on the waves. My phone buzzed with a text from Garrett, “This isn’t over. I’ll see you in court.”
I took a deep breath. The road ahead would be tough, yet I felt ready to face whatever came my way.
I crawled into bed, and I thought about the uncertain future ahead of us. It was terrifying, but also exhilarating. For the first time in years, I felt like I was taking control of my life.
