She glances up at me with something soft and hopeful in her eyes. “We could plan it for Tate’s spring break?”
It shouldn’t hit as hard as it does, but it does. Because for two years, planning anything beyond the next custody drop-off feltimpossible. Now we’re talking about spring. About sun. About a future again. We’re not just surviving anymore. We’re dreaming. Together.
Before I can respond, Jules gasps. “Oh look. It’s Mrs. Whitney.”
Sure enough, the assistant principal is striding toward us, her signature power suit pressed and perfect, even at a festive event like this. She spots our linked hands and smirks knowingly.
“Mr. and Mrs. Banks,” she greets with a wink. “How are we this evening?”
“We’re good,” Jules answers, her voice warm but tentative.
“It looks that way,” Georgie grins. “Tate’s told just about everyone that his parents are back together. I like to think I had something to do with that.”
“You did,” I tell her honestly.
Jules turns, surprised. “She did?”
“She’s the one who suggested we spend time together again. Family dinners and all that.”
Jules shakes her head in awe. “You’re behind that? I’ve been wondering where he got that idea.”
Georgie shrugs modestly. “I like bringing people together.”
We share a laugh as Tate’s voice cuts through the crowd. “Come on, Mom and Dad!”
We follow his voice to the hot chocolate stand, where Tate and Leo are already pleading with wide eyes.
“Can we get some?” Tate asks, bouncing with anticipation.
“Please, Mr. and Mrs. Banks,” Leo adds dramatically, clasping his hands under his chin.
I laugh. “Of course. Go check if your mom and Tom want any,” I tell Leo.
As the boys disappear into the crowd, Jules and I move into line. She exhales beside me, a sound half contentment, half disbelief. “A year ago, I never would’ve imagined we’d bestanding in line for hot chocolate together.” She pauses. “But I’m glad we are.”
And just like that, the world quiets.
The lights. The snow. The music. The laughter.
It all fades away because this? This is the moment.
I drop to one knee.
Jules’ eyes widen in shock. “Corbin… what are you doing?”
I smile as I reach into my pocket and pull out the ring I’ve carried for weeks. The one I gave her ten years ago. “Taking advantage of the magic.”
Tate appears just as I lift the ring. His eyes go wide.
“Jules,” I say, voice steady despite my heart thundering. “You are the best thing that’s ever happened to me. I knew it the moment I saw you. You’re brilliant, and fierce, and endlessly creative. You’re the most incredible mother I could’ve ever imagined for our son.”
My throat tightens. I push through it.
“I messed up two years ago. And I’ve regretted it every single day since. I promised myself that if you ever gave me another chance, I’d never let go.”
She inhales sharply. Tears glitter in her lashes.
“I know we talked about taking it slow. I know we said we’d rebuild carefully. But Jules… I know what I want. I want you. I want this family. Forever.”
