?


    I got what Xander meant-If I wanted to see Deni, tonight was my chance.


    When we reached the preschool, Yuna was outside, leading games with the kids. The scene was pure magicughter, joy, no stress, just living in the moment. Honestly, preschool might be the happiest time in life.


    Xander and I stayed back, watching quietly. But kids being kids, their curiosity soon turned to us-especially Xander. One cheeky kid called out to Yuna, "Miss Hart, is that your new boyfriend?"Belongs ? to N?velDrama.Org.


    Leave it to kids to say whatever''s on their minds.


    Yunaughed, shaking her head. "He''s not my boyfriend. He''s my brother."


    The kid didn''t buy it, rallying the others to chant, "Boyfriend! Boyfriend!"


    Yuna sighed, trying tough it off as Xander and I stepped forward with the gifts we brought. That shut them up-mostly. One bold kid still grinned and said, "Thanks, boyfriend!"


    "These little brats are too much," Yuna joked, walking over to us, her smile lighting up her


    face.


    Then her gazended on Xander. My chest tightened, and for a moment, I forgot to breathe.


    This was it.


    Xander looked so different from the Hayden we all remembered. I was terrified-what if Yuna didn''t recognize him? Or worse, denied he was Hayden at all?


    Even though I''d convinced myself he was, a part of me still doubted. Maybe because he''d never outright said it.


    Yuna stared at him for a solid minute, her eyes scanning every detail. Then, without warning, she stepped forward and wrapped him in a tight hug. "Brother...


    That single word-brother-hit me like a wave, both soothing and heartbreaking.


    Xander ced a hand on her head, gently patting it. "You''re doing great as a teacher."


    "You''re not allowed to stay away this long again," Yuna said, her voice thick with emotion.


    The rawness of the moment stung my nose, and I quickly turned my attention to the kids, who were busy ying with their gifts. I walked over with a smile. "Do you like your presents?"


    "Yes!" they shouted in unison..


    I knelt down, letting their joy warm me. "Next time, I''ll bring you even better gifts. Deal?"


    1/2


    "Okay!" they cheered.


    "But..." I added, teasing, "I want something in return. Can you give me a gift, too?"


    The kids exchanged confused nces until one brave little boy stepped forward, kissed my cheek, and said proudly, "Miss, this is my gift to you!"


    I burst outughing. "Just one kiss? That''s all I get?"


    “It counts! When my mom wants a gift, my dad kisses her and says that''s the gift,” he replied,pletely serious. His logic was bulletproof. "Fair enough," I said with a grin. "Kisses do count."


    As soon as I said that, the kids swarmed me, nting kisses on my nose, cheeks, and forehead, their giggles filling the air. I was drowning in tiny kisses, but I didn''t mind.


    "You like kids, don''t you?" came a familiar voice. I nced up-or tried to-but the kids had me pinned.


    p, p, p.


    The slow, deliberate pping cut through the chaos, followed by a smooth, confident voice. "Alright, kids, whoever sits down first gets a gift from me."


    It was Wade.