The house was quiet, save for the faint hum of the city outside. You came back from work and kissed Janet, hello on the lips. You sat next to her at the breakfast table, sipping coffee, trying to convince yourself that today would be normal. That hope vanished when Nadia burst into the room, energy bouncing off her like a supernova.

“Guess what!” she exclaimed, waving a small document in front of your face. “I’ve decided to take our family name!”

You nearly choked on your coffee, glancing at Janet with wide eyes. The older woman simply shrugged, a knowing smile playing on her lips. She had always been the one to let Nadia find her own path, even if it meant surprises like this.

“You… what?” you managed, still recovering from the shock.

“I’m taking the Van Dyne name!” Nadia repeated, fists pumped. “Because you and Janet were the only ones to ever believe in me. You both believed in me when nobody else did. So, I want to carry that. Proudly.”

Janet reached over and ruffled her daughter’s hair, her delicate fingers a contrast to the immense power she wielded in other circumstances. “We’ve always believed in you, Nadia. That won’t change just because you make it official.”

You found yourself laughing, shaking your head at the earnestness radiating from Nadia. Her energy was infectious, filling the room with warmth you hadn’t realized you’d been missing. “I… I didn’t know you could get even more adorable,” you said, trying not to sound sappy.

Nadia’s grin widened, and she darted toward you, grabbing your hand. “Come on, come with me! I want you to see the certificate!”

Janet chuckled softly, rising from her seat. “Go on, don’t let me slow you down. I’ll make the celebratory toast later.”

The three of you walked briskly to the small office where the document was waiting. Nadia’s hands shook slightly as she signed, a mixture of pride and nerves. You watched, heart swelling with emotion, as she sealed her decision with a flourish.

When she turned to you, eyes shining, she whispered, “Now you’re officially part of the Van Dyne family too.”

Your heart skipped a beat. “I… I’m honored,” you admitted, feeling a rare ache in your chest that was all warmth and love. Janet gave you an approving nod, her eyes gleaming with pride.

Later, as the three of you sat together, Janet poured coffee into three matching mugs. The sunlight hit the room just right, illuminating Nadia’s triumphant smile and the calm, reassuring presence of Janet beside her. You realized that family wasn’t just about blood or titles—it was about the people who believed in you, who fought for you, who loved you without question.

Nadia leaned against you, and Janet’s hand brushed your shoulder, a gentle reminder of her quiet strength. “I think this calls for a toast,” Janet said, her voice firm yet tender. “To family, to belief, and to the ones who never give up on us.”

You raised your mug alongside theirs, feeling the truth of her words settle deep inside you. Surrounded by these two incredible women, you understood that no matter what the world threw at you, this—this warmth, this bond—would endure.

As you clinked mugs, Nadia’s laughter rang out, infectious and joyous, and Janet’s soft smile reminded you that love didn’t always need grand gestures—it often lived in quiet, steadfast support. And in that moment, you felt utterly, irrevocably at home.