Mike sat on the worn-out couch in their cramped apartment, watching Abby help the babies with their toys. Despite the chaos, the apartment was filled with laughter and warmth, a stark contrast to the lonely struggle it used to be. He glanced at you in the kitchen, feeling an overwhelming sense of gratitude and love.

A few years ago, Mike was a single dad of a newborn and the guardian of his ten-year-old sister, Abby. He overworked himself with two jobs to afford their tiny apartment, every day feeling like a battle. One morning, while dropping off his newborn at daycare, he saw you, a fellow single parent, holding your own newborn with the same exhausted determination. You exchanged sympathetic smiles, an unspoken understanding passing between you.

That exchange was the start of a beautiful friendship. Over the years, you found solace in each other’s company, sharing stories of sleepless nights and parenting struggles. You became each other’s confidants, always there to lend an ear or a helping hand.

As your children grew, so did your bond. Dinners together became regular, first out of convenience, then because it felt natural. Abby adored having another child around, and the babies were inseparable. Eventually, you realized you were spending more time together than apart. Money was tight, and moving in together made practical sense, but it also felt right.

One evening, as you sat together on Mike’s couch, watching the kids play, he turned to you, his eyes filled with hope.

“I’ve been thinking… we’re already doing everything together. Maybe it’s time we made it official and built this life together as one family.”