Isabella's smile caught Adrian off guard, melting his anger into stunned admiration. He stared, captivated. Isabella, equally surprised by his gaze, quickly composed herself. The others, witnessing this exchange, knew the tension had eased.

Debra, beaming, immediately approached, taking Isabella's hand. She warmly invited Isabella and Damian to live with the Carters, picturing the children playing together. Lillian and Kevin were already at home, offering perfect playmates.

Isabella hesitated. The thought of moving into Adrian's family home was daunting, despite its appeal. She cherished their simple life. But then Debra mentioned Damian’s earlier interaction with Lillian and Kevin—a joyful scene Isabella hadn't expected. Damian, usually withdrawn, had thrived. This contrast to their previous, unsuccessful attempts to socialize him sparked a thought: was it the familial connection?

Debra, sensing Isabella's apprehension, reassured her. "Adrian has other properties; you’ll have your privacy. We adore you and Damian, but we won't intrude. You can visit as often as you like. We just want you to be part of our family, to spend more time together." Debra's words, heartfelt yet cautious, emphasized mutual respect and flexibility.

Adrian, taking Isabella's hand, added, "We'll bring Damian over often, so he can be with Lillian and Kevin. Things will get better."

Relief washed over Isabella. She confessed her discomfort about moving in with Adrian’s family. Debra, though slightly disappointed, readily agreed. "That works too," she said, her smile tinged with sadness.

Isabella felt a pang of guilt. The Carters, particularly Adrian's parents, were genuinely kind and welcoming. Patrick, seeing Debra's disappointment, gently reassured her, "Don't worry, they'll have their own lives eventually."

Debra, sighing softly, conceded. The warmth of the day lingered, yet a quiet melancholy settled as they prepared to leave. Debra lingered, coaxing Damian to call her “Grandma,” but he remained silent.

On the drive back, Stacey anxiously checked on Hayden, "No lunch break. Are you tired?"

"I'm fine," Hayden replied, his calm smile a reassurance.

"Rest when we get home," Stacey insisted. Hayden chuckled, “Okay.” Her gaze lingered on him, lost in thought. Jeremy, observing their interaction, eyed them curiously. Hayden subtly deflected Jeremy’s gaze with a hand gesture.

Back at Carter Villa, everyone urged Hayden to rest. He eventually agreed. Jeremy followed him. In the guest room, Jeremy looked up at Hayden, his anxiety evident. "Daddy, how long until Ms. Becky loves you?"

Hayden was taken aback. He closed the door, squatting to meet Jeremy's gaze. "Why do you ask?"

Jeremy, tears welling, whispered, "I don’t want to call her Ms. Becky anymore. I want to call her Mommy. I want to tell everyone she's my mommy!"