Chapter 1

One

Natalie

"You're not fooling anyone, you know."

Jess's voice pulled me out of my thoughts as she set a steaming mug of coffee in front of me. I blinked, then raised an eyebrow at her, feigning ignorance.

"Excuse me?" I asked, wrapping my hands around the mug, letting the warmth seep into my cold fingers.

"You're doing that thing again," she said, sliding into the seat across from me. Her kitchen was cozy, the kind of place that made you feel instantly at home. The scent of fresh coffee and oddly familiar—oatmeal and cinnamon, maybe—filled the air. "You know, where you pretend everything's just fine, but really you're overthinking your entire life."

"I am not," I protested, but the weak defense made Jess snort into her own mug.

"Right. And I'm the Queen of England."

I couldn't help but smile. "Your Majesty, you really shouldn't talk to your subjects that way."

She grinned, but her eyes reflected concern. Jess had always been the kind of friend who could see right through me. With her shoulder-length hair, bright blue eyes, and a warmth that radiated from her like sunshine, she was the picture of effortless beauty. Even now, in a simple T-shirt and jeans, she looked like she'd stepped out of a magazine. But it wasn't just her looks; it was her heart. She cared deeply about everyone in her life, and I was no exception.

"Seriously, Nat, you need to loosen up a bit. When's the last time you went on a date?"

I took a long sip of coffee, hoping it would buy me some time. Unfortunately, Jess had the patience of a saint when it came to my evasions. "I'm busy," I finally said, which wasn't even a good excuse, but it was true.

Jess sighed, shaking her head. "Busy avoiding anything that remotely looks like a relationship, maybe."

"It's not like that," I muttered, though it was exactly like that. After my relationship with Jason imploded spectacularly, I'd thrown myself into my work at the preschool. It was easier to focus on other people's kids than to think about the mess I'd made of my own love life.

Jess, being Jess, wasn't about to let it go. "You deserve to be happy, Natalie. You're amazing. Anyone would be lucky to have you."

I gave her a rueful smile. "I know. But right now, I'm happy focusing on my students. They're a lot less complicated than men."

Jess rolled her eyes but didn't push further. She knew when to pick her battles. "Well, speaking of the kiddos, are you ready for today's field trip?"

"More than ready," I said, grateful for the change of topic. "The kids are so excited. I just pray they don't get too wild at the ice cream shop."

"Please," Jess said, dismissively waving a hand. "You've got this down to a science. Besides, I'll be there to help corral the little monsters."

I laughed. "Your son included?"

"Especially Jude," Jess said with a mock-serious nod. "He's been bouncing off the walls since you mentioned the field trip as a reward for good behavior."

As if on cue, Jude came barreling into the kitchen, his eyes wide with excitement. He was a mini version of Jess, with the same bright blue eyes and unruly curls that refused to be tamed. "Mom, are we going yet?"

Jess ruffled his hair, her smile softening. "We're almost ready, bud. Just finish getting your things, and we'll head out soon."

Jude let out a dramatic sigh, clearly not satisfied with the timeline but willing to comply. He darted back out of the kitchen, leaving a trail of energy in his wake.

We chatted more about the day ahead, the easy rhythm of our conversation like second nature. Jess knew me better than anyone, and even when she pushed, it was out of love. I couldn't imagine starting my day any other way.

"Jude's already asked me twice when we are leaving," Jess said, shaking her head with an amused smile. "I swear, the boy's more excited about this field trip than Christmas morning."

I grinned, imagining the kids' eager faces. "I'm glad. They have been talking about this trip for weeks. I think the idea of endless ice cream is just too good to resist."

Jess leaned back in her chair, her expression softening. "You know, Nat, you're really amazing with those children. They absolutely adore you."

I felt a warm flush of pride. "They make it easy. I love seeing how excited they get over the little things. It's one of the best parts of my job."

"It shows," Jess said, her tone serious now. "You put so much into Bright Horizons. The children and their parents are lucky to have you."

I shrugged, trying to play it off, but her words hit home. The preschool had become my sanctuary—a place where I could focus all my energy and love without worrying about the messiness of adult relationships. "I just want to make sure they have the best experience possible. This outing is going to be fun for them."

Jess smiled knowingly. "And for you, too. I've seen the way your face lights up when you're with them. You're in your element."

"Guilty as charged," I admitted with a laugh. "There's just something about watching them discover new things. It reminds me that the world is still full of wonder, even when life gets complicated."

Jess nodded, finishing off her coffee. "Well, I'm looking forward to it. Plus, I get to spend the day with Jude, and he's been talking about this nonstop. He's convinced he can eat more scoops of chocolate than anyone else."

"That sounds about right," I said, smiling at the thought of Jude trying to outdo the other kids. "Just make sure he doesn't eat so much that he gets sick."

Jess laughed. "I'll do my best, but no promises. You know how determined he can be."

Jess's kitchen, warm and quiet just moments ago, was suddenly alive with energy as we moved with practiced efficiency to tidy up the dishes. The soft hum of the dishwasher filled the space, blending seamlessly with the sounds of the morning outside—the chirping of birds, the distant buzz of a lawnmower, and the world slowly waking up around us.

"Jude, don't forget your backpack!"

"I've got it, Mom!" Jude's voice echoed back from somewhere down the hall, full of the boundless energy that only a four-year-old could muster.

I couldn't help but smile as I watched Jess move through her morning routine with ease. There was a rhythm to it, a practiced choreography that spoke to the countless mornings she'd spent balancing motherhood, being a wife, and volunteering at the school.

It was moments like these that reminded me why she was my best friend—no matter how hectic things got, she always managed to keep her sense of humor intact. There was a lightness in her step, a confidence in the way she handled the chaos that made me both admire her and feel a pang of envy.

I found myself thinking back to when we first met years ago—when I was fresh out of college and taking my first steps into the teaching world. Jess had been the one to show me the ropes, guiding me through the maze of lesson plans, parent-teacher conferences, and the million little things that come with shaping young minds. She had a way of making everything seem less daunting, and over time, she became my rock, especially after Jason.

Jason. The name still stung, even now, though I'd gotten good at burying those feelings. It had been over a year since our breakup, but the wounds were still hidden beneath the surface. I could still picture his smile, the way he used to look at me like I was the only person in the world that mattered. But that was before the lies and before I found out that I was just another part of his carefully curated image, a box to be checked on his way to success.

I shook my head, trying to focus on the present. Today wasn't about the past; it was about the kids, about giving them the best experience possible. They deserved my full attention, not the ghosts of relationships past.

"Okay," I said, checking my list for the third time, "I've got the permission slips and enough sunscreen to last a week. I think we're good to go."

Jess peeked over my shoulder, giving the list a quick once-over. "You're as organized as ever—you've got this down to a science."

I laughed, shrugging off the compliment. "It's all about preparation. You never know what's going to happen when you're dealing with a group of four-year-olds."

Jess grinned. "Well, with you in charge, I'm sure it'll be smooth sailing."

Just then, Jude came barreling into the room, his backpack slung over one shoulder and his shoes untied. "I'm ready!" he announced, clearly eager to get going.

Jess chuckled, reaching down to tie his laces. "You might want to double-knot these, buddy. We don't want you tripping on your own feet before we even get there."

As she worked, I did a quick mental inventory, noting the first aid kit, wet wipes, and mini bottles of water were in the cupboard at school. This wasn't my first field trip with the kids, and it wouldn't be my last, but I knew better than to underestimate the potential for chaos. Still, I couldn't help but feel the thrill of it all. Bright Horizons had been my sanctuary, my creation. I'd poured my heart and soul into this place, and seeing it thrive brought me a sense of fulfillment I hadn't found anywhere else.

"Alright," I said, clapping my hands together as Jude stood up, "let's get this show on the road. I'll meet you guys at the school."

Jess gave me a mock salute. "Yes, ma'am. We'll be right behind you."

We headed out to our cars, the morning sun peeking through the leafy neighborhood. As I slid into the driver's seat, I took a deep breath, letting the calm before the storm settle over me. It was going to be a good day—I could feel it in my bones.

As I pulled out of the driveway, I caught a glimpse of Jess and Jude in my rearview mirror, both of them animatedly chatting, no doubt about the day ahead. Moments like these made me grateful for the life I'd built, surrounded by people who truly cared about me and the work I did.

The drive to the school was short, but it gave me just enough time to mentally run through the day's itinerary one more time. We'd start with getting in line and taking the short walk to the ice cream shop. Then, after everyone had their fill of sweet treats, we'd head back to the school for some outdoor playtime before calling it a day. Simple, straightforward, and hopefully, incident-free.

I pulled into the parking lot at Bright Horizons Preschool, where a handful of parents were already dropping off their kids. The sight of the familiar building, with its colorful mural and welcoming front doors, filled me with a sense of pride. Every brushstroke on that mural, every piece of furniture inside, had been carefully chosen to create a nurturing environment where children could learn and grow.

As I stepped out of the car, I noticed Betsy, one of my assistants, greeting a parent dropping off her daughter, Lily. Betsy, with her short brown hair and kind smile, knelt down to Lily's level, taking her hand gently.

"Good morning, Lily!" Betsy said cheerfully. "Are you ready for our big adventure today?"

Lily nodded; her eyes wide. "I'm gonna get strawberry ice cream!"

The parent, a woman I recognized as Mrs. Reynolds, smiled at me as I approached. "Good morning, Natalie. I just wanted to say how much Lily's been looking forward to today. She hasn't stopped talking about it."

I returned her smile, feeling that familiar warmth in my chest. "I'm glad to hear it. We've got a fun day planned."

Mrs. Reynolds nodded, a look of appreciation in her eyes. "You do such a wonderful job with these kids. We're lucky to have you."

"Thank you," I said, genuinely touched. "That means a lot."

After a quick goodbye, Mrs. Reynolds handed Lily's bag to Betsy, who guided the little girl inside with the rest of the children. I watched them go, feeling a deep sense of satisfaction. This was where I was meant to be.

Today was going to be a fun day—I was sure of it.