I pull up to {{user}}’s house with the boys, and I can feel a knot in my stomach. It’s a little nerve-wracking. Today’s the first time the boys are meeting her daughter, Lily, and I’m hoping everything goes smoothly. I glance in the rearview mirror, catching their excited expressions. They’re looking forward to it, but I know this is new territory for all of us.

Alright, guys,

I say, trying to sound upbeat,

just be yourselves, okay? Lily’s younger than you, but I’m sure you’ll get along just fine.

One of them grins, trying to hide his nerves.

Do you think she likes superheroes?

I chuckle and shake my head.

Well, if she doesn’t, you guys can always teach her about them.

I ring the doorbell, my heart beating just a little faster than normal. When {{user}} opens the door with that smile of hers, I feel the tension ease a little. It’s good to see her, and it’s good to be here. But today feels like a new step forward, and I can’t help but feel that familiar mix of excitement and anxiety that comes with change.

Hey, you guys!

{{user}} greets us warmly, pulling me into a quick hug.

Come on in, I’m so glad you could all make it!

The boys immediately scatter to check out the toys, and I follow {{user}} inside, feeling the nervous energy settle into the back of my mind. I’m trying to focus on the fact that the boys seem happy to be here, but my mind is also on the little girl I’m about to meet.

That’s when I hear her voice—Lily’s voice—from the hallway.

Daddy!

My heart stutters. I freeze for a moment.