The following days settled into a gentle rhythm.
Jay agreed to stay at Keifer's house. The thought of a safe, warm space for Kaisan made her heart lighten.
Keifer never crossed a line with her.
He treated her with quiet respect, careful attention, and a protective distance that made her feel safe without ever feeling pressured.
Most of his attention went to Kaisan, who soaked up every bit of it.
They played in the garden, built towers in the living room, read books together, and laughed until their bellies hurt.
Jay joined sometimes, mostly watching, occasionally participating in little games, but mostly letting them bond.
One afternoon, Kaisan climbed onto Keifer's lap while Jay sipped tea nearby.
"Mom… Dad… can we… can we be a family?" he asked, small eyes wide and hopeful.
Keifer's lips curved into a soft smile. "Of course, baby. We already are."
Jay's heart swelled, tears pricking her eyes. She stepped closer, kneeling beside them.
"Yes, baby… we're a family now," she whispered, voice catching.
Kaisan threw his arms around both of them. "Yay! I always wanted this!"
Keifer hugged him tight. "And now you have it, little guy. Forever."
Jay leaned in, resting her head lightly on Keifer's shoulder.
For the first time in years, the three of them—her, her son, and the man she had once loved—felt complete.
The house echoed with laughter, chatter, and warmth.
Kaisan beamed up at them. "We're really a family, aren't we?"
"Yes, baby," Keifer said, brushing his hair gently.
"Yes, we are," Jay echoed, smiling through tears.
And in that moment, no past regrets, no scars, no pain could touch them.
Because they had each other.
And that was enough.
Days passed quietly, filled with small routines and laughter.
Jay watched as Keifer and Kaisan built towers, read books, and played games.
Though Keifer never crossed any personal line with her—always respectful, always careful—when it came to Kaisan, hugs, tickles, and small displays of affection were endless.
One afternoon, there was a knock at the door.
A young woman stood there, confident and poised, holding herself like she belonged.
"Hello," she said with a polite smile. "I'm Clara. I… I was engaged to Keifer."
Jay's brow furrowed slightly. "Oh… I see."
Inside, Keifer appeared, calm but polite.
"Clara… hello," he said softly. "Please, have a seat."
The girl smiled at Jay briefly, then turned to Keifer. "I… I just wanted to meet her. To… clarify things."
Keifer's expression didn't waver. His eyes softened as he spoke.
"Clara… we need to end this engagement."
Her smile faltered, confusion flashing across her face. "But… why? I thought—"
Keifer shook his head gently. "I can't continue this. I'm… not the person you think I am, and my life has changed. I have someone else I need to prioritize."
He glanced at Jay and Kaisan. Kaisan was watching intently from the couch, small hands folded in his lap.
Jay noticed the gentle firmness in Keifer's tone. No arrogance, no harshness—just clarity.
Clara swallowed hard, realizing this wasn't negotiable. "I… understand," she said softly. "I hope… I hope you find what you're looking for."
Keifer nodded politely. "Thank you, Clara. I wish you well too."
After Clara left, Kaisan ran to Keifer and wrapped his small arms around him.
"Dad… you didn't marry her!" he whispered, smiling.
Keifer hugged him back, resting his chin on Kaisan's head. "No, baby. Only you and Mom matter to me. Always."
Jay watched quietly, her heart full.
For the first time, she felt completely safe with him—not just as Kaisan's father figure, but as a man who had chosen them, willingly, completely, without hesitation.
The three of them—her, Kaisan, and Keifer—sat together, a quiet, perfect little family.
And Jay knew, no matter what the past held, this was their new beginning.