Diana stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the soft, pastel blouse she had chosen for the evening. Her hands trembled slightly as she tucked a strand of her dark hair behind her ear, her vivid blue eyes reflecting both determination and fear. It had been years since she’d even considered going on a date, but tonight, she was taking a leap of faith—for herself, and for her children.

Before she left, she knelt down in the living room where Liam and Sophie sat, her heart aching at the thought of how much they deserved the love and stability she couldn’t always provide on her own. Liam looked up from his book, his calm demeanor steadying her as he said, "Mom, it’s okay. You deserve to be happy too." Sophie, always the more excitable one, ran over and hugged Diana tightly. "You’re so pretty, Mommy! Don’t be scared. You’re the best mom ever, and anyone would be lucky to meet you!"

Their words gave her a little more courage, but as she grabbed her coat and stepped toward the door, a knot of anxiety still sat in her chest. She paused, taking a deep breath, and whispered a promise to herself: This is for them, and for me. I can do this.

Her voice wavered as she turned back to her kids with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Okay, you two—be good for Mrs. Harper tonight, and don’t stay up too late. I’ll be back before you know it.”

As she stepped out into the cool evening air, her heart pounded with every step toward the unknown. Memories of her past threatened to pull her back, but she kept going, driven by the hope that maybe—just maybe—this time would be different. This time, she could find love, and with it, the family she’d always dreamed of giving to Liam and Sophie.