Chapter 25 Amelia hesitated at the entrance of the school gymnasium, glancing at the cheerful banner stretched across the doorway: Annual Fundraiser DinnerSupporting Our Students Dreams.
The twins stood on either side of her, their excitement palpable.
Do we get to sit with Mr.
Hayes? Damien asked, craning his neck to look over the crowd.
I think so, Amelia replied, smoothing Debbys dress.
Her hesitation wasnt for the dinner itself but for the idea of stepping further into James Hayess world.
He had extended the invitation casually, saying it would be a fun evening and a chance for the twins to see the community coming together.
Still, she hadnt expected the pang of nerves that came with being here.
Inside, the gymnasium had been transformed.
Fairy lights draped across the ceiling, casting a warm glow over round tables adorned with simple but elegant centerpieces.
A small stage had been set up for speeches, and a soft hum of conversation filled the air.
There you are! Jamess voice called out, and Amelia turned to see him approaching.
He was dressed smartly in a crisp button-up shirt and blazer, his easy smile making her feel instantly less self-conscious.
Hey, Mr.
Hayes! Damien waved enthusiastically.
Damien! Debby! James crouched slightly to meet their eye level.
You both look fantastic.
Im glad youre finally going out together again.
Are you ready to have some fun? The twins nodded eagerly, and James stood, turning to Amelia.
Thanks for coming.
I know these events can feel a little formal, but it means a lot to the kids.
Amelia smiled, feeling the genuine warmth in his words.
Were happy to be here.
The twins have been looking forward to this all week.
James led them to a table near the stage, where a few other families were already seated.
Throughout the evening, he made sure to engage both children and adults, his presence a calming yet vibrant force.
He teased Damien about soccer tricks, encouraged Debbys budding interest in reading, and even shared a funny story about his own teenage daughter that had Amelia laughing despite herself.
When dinner was served, James leaned toward Amelia, his voice low enough not to disturb the twins.
Youre raising amazing kids, Amelia.
Theyre so full of life.
She glanced at him, her cheeks warming at the compliment.
Thank you.
Theyve had to grow up a little faster than I wanted, but theyre resilient.
It shows, James said, his gaze lingering for a moment longer before returning to the table conversation.
After dinner, as the crowd thinned, James walked them to their car.
The cool evening air was crisp, the stars bright overhead.
That was fun, Damien said, clutching the small souvenir hed won in a raffle.
It was, Debby added, holding Bunny tightly.
Then, with a mischievous grin, she turned to her mother.
Mom, do you like Mr.
Hayes? Amelias step faltered, and she quickly recovered, her cheeks flushing.
What kind of question is that, Debby? she said, laughing nervously.
Debby shrugged innocently.
You smiled a lot tonight.
Amelia ushered the twins into the car, shaking her head with an embarrassed smile.
But as she buckled her seatbelt and caught James waving them off, Debbys question lingered.
*** Later that night, Ryan drove past the school gymnasium on his way to Brendas latest appointment.
He didnt expect to see Amelia, but the sight of her standing under the glow of streetlights, laughing with a man he didnt recognize, stopped him cold.
Amelias smile was radiant, her posture relaxed in a way he hadnt seen in years.
The man beside her was leaning slightly closer, his expression open and engaged.
And the twinshis twinswere practically glowing with excitement as they climbed into the car.
Ryan gripped the steering wheel tightly, his jaw clenched.
When he returned home, Brendas conversation about nursery colors for the baby barely registered.
Later, in the solitude of his study, Ryan picked up his phone and typed a single message to Amelia: We need to talk.
About us.

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Amelia stared at the notification on her phone, her lips pressing into a thin line.
She swiped the message away without responding.
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