Chapter 191
Alisa’s therapist managed their group and sat down with them. She said, “This is our Family Affirmation Circle. In this activity, we practice using kind words and noticing strengths. Parents, I’d like you to hold your child’s hands, look at them, and tell them one thing you appreciate about them. This way, our children will understand what healthy support sounds like. Let’s start with Mr. Thorne p>
Nathaniel first held Alisa’s hand. He smiled. “Ali… I’m proud of how brave you are. Even when things feel loud or confusing, you still try. You don’t give up. I’m sorry I wasn’t always there to see how strong you are. But I see you now p>
That made Serena’s chest tighten a little, but she simply smiled and continued to observe.
When Nathaniel held Bastin’s hand, he said, “Bastin, I love how protective you are of your sister. You always make sure she’s okay. Thank you for watching over Ali while I wasn’t around p>
“Sure thing, Dad!” Bastin proudly replied.
When it was Serena’s turn, she said to Alisa, “Baby, I love how your mind works. You notice details no one else sees. You make the world more interesting p>
Turning to Bastin, Serena said, “And Bastin, you make everything brighter. Even on my hardest days, you find a way to make me laugh. Thank you, my love p>
“You are welcome, Mommy!” Sebastian said, beaming.
When it was the children’s turn, Sebastian said, “I like Mommy and Daddy when we live together p>
Alisa nodded eagerly. Her eyes sparkled as she spoke, “I…I p>
“You can do it, Ali,” the therapist encouraged.
Alisa turned to Nathaniel and said, “I like it when Daddy stays p>
Sebastian added, “Daddy loves Mommy p>
“When Daddy’s home, it feels safer,” he continued.
Alisa nodded again. She hugged Nathaniel and looked at him. “I love Daddy p>
“Me too!” Sebastian exclaimed. “I didn’t know I had a daddy before, so I’m very happy p>
Serena did not know when it happened, but Nathaniel wept. Although he sniffed it away quickly and wiped the corners of his eyes, everyone saw.
Nathaniel hugged both the kids and kissed their cheeks. “Daddy loves Ali and Bastin p>
Serena cried too. Even the therapist was moved to tears.
There was something so natural, so pure in the children’s words that deeply touched them.
Next, the therapist asked Serena and Nathaniel to say good things about each other.
Nathaniel spoke first. “Serena, you are the strongest woman I know. You survived your past without letting it define you or our children. You carried this family when I didn’t. Now that I’m here, let me carry it for you p>
When it was Serena’s turn, she paused for a moment and thought deeply. After some time, she looked into Nathaniel’s blue gray eyes and said, “see another version of you see the father of my children the one they love I see a man who is willing to do everything for this family p>
For several seconds, Serena and Nathaniel held each other’s gaze in silence. It felt
as though more words were waiting between them, but the eyes surrounding them kept those words unspoken.
“You have a beautiful family,” the therapist finally said. “Children thrive when they see connection. Whatever you choose moving forward, hope you choose it with the same teamwork you showed today p>
By the time they left the therapy center, Sebastian and Alisa had fallen asleep. In the car, the twins were curled up against Nathaniel’s chest as though he were their only pillow.
Nathaniel took pride in it. He held them steady and kissed them repeatedly during the drive home.
That scene would have once made Serena jealous, but now, seeing them, she was simply happy for Nathaniel and the kids.
“Serena, take a picture of us,” Nathaniel asked. “Mom would love to see this p>
“Bianca should have come along,” Serena said, taking her phone.
“Playing the obstacle course would certainly give her back pains,” Nathaniel laughed.
Serena took several pictures of Nathaniel and the children. After sending him the copies, she chose the best one and made it her screensaver.
Then, she leaned against him.
A chuckle left Nathaniel’s lips. “I wish I had longer arms p>
She laughed softly. And without looking at him, she said, “Okay. I agree p>
“Agree to what?” Nathaniel asked.
Serena looked him in the eye and replied, “I agree to give you a chance — to give this family a chance. But I’m not ready to get married again p>
“Let’s wait and see. But officially, you are mine, and I’m yours,” she added. “You are no longer… my secret lover p>
Nathaniel cleared his throat. “So I’m like… your boyfriend p>
“Um-huh,” Serena nodded.
“What about the ring?” he reminded her.
“If I decide to marry you, then you don’t need to give me another ring,” she explained, flashing the ring in front of them. “I like this one, so keep if you’d like to give me another ring, that’s your decision. I’ll willingly accept it p>
He gave her a look that said ‘I can’t believe you p>
But either way, he said, “I’ll take whatever you can give me p>