Chapter 179

Stacey stared, speechless. Judging Jeremy’s mother felt wrong, impossible even. Finally, she asked, "What are your plans?"

Hayden just looked at her.

Stacey sipped her coffee, a nervous smile playing on her lips. "I'll check on the kids."

Hayden arrived bearing gifts—writing tablets for Lillian and Kevin. The children were instantly engrossed. Stacey’s hasty exit didn't faze him. He finished his drink, then calmly joined the children, his experience with young ones—he'd raised Jeremy until three—apparent. He expertly guided them, showing them how to learn with the tablets.

Lillian and Kevin, captivated by their “father,” eagerly followed. Their understanding of “father” was simple: someone willing to be one. Hayden fit the bill.

Soon, Stacey felt out of place. Hayden's natural teaching skills—he even started teaching them to read—highlighted her own inexperience. She quietly slipped away.

Outside, Debra and Patrick watched, smiling. Stacey’s expression told them everything. She was the last to know about Hayden's feelings.

Debra said gently, "Becky, Hay's a good man. We checked his past. It wasn't his fault."

"I know he's good," Stacey hesitated, "but… I don't want to marry again, Mom." The pain of her previous marriage still lingered.

Patrick immediately sided with her. "Then don't. Your happiness matters most." Stacey's tension eased under her father's unwavering support.

Debra watched the house, a flicker of regret in her eyes. If Becky doesn’t cherish him, someone else will, she thought. But forcing it won’t work. She sighed. "Okay, Becky. You know him. It's your decision."

After a pause, Debra added, "But…are you sure you have no feelings for him? Some chances…you only get once."

Stacey nodded solemnly. She understood.

Despite Stacey’s reservations, Patrick and Debra warmly invited Hayden to stay at Carter Villa.

The next day, Hayden and a tearful, reluctant Jeremy left for kindergarten. Jeremy, upset by his mother's return, briefly threatened to run away before composing himself.

Stacey and the girls saw them off. At the airport, Jeremy clung to Stacey, tears welling. Stacey soothed him, impulsively promising visits. The relief she felt was immense.

“Mommy, what’s kindergarten?” Kevin asked.

Stacey explained, "It's where little kids learn. You and Lillian can go when you're three."

Lillian’s face lit up. “I want to go now!”

“You have to be three,” Stacey repeated, patiently navigating Lillian’s stubborn protests.

The drive home was a cacophony of “why-three?” arguments. Finally, exhausted, Stacey took them to a restaurant.

The sight of delicious food silenced the debate. Then, Stacey spotted Michael, Gifford, and Pamela. They looked like a happy family. Stacey quickly turned and left, her luck, it seemed, had run out.