The weeks that followed were a mix of careful reconciliation and joyous moments. Becky’s parents visited often, wanting to make up for the time they lost with their daughter and granddaughter. Mrs. Armstrong couldn’t get enough of Jisoo, always doting on her and spoiling her with love. Even Mr. Armstrong, once so stern, softened considerably in the presence of the tiny girl who had his daughter’s eyes.
Becky, though cautious at first, began to let her parents back into her life. She still had wounds that needed healing, but seeing them make an effort warmed her heart. It was especially comforting to know Jisoo would grow up surrounded by love, something Becky had feared she couldn’t provide on her own.
---
One Sunday afternoon, Becky, Freen, and Jisoo were at Freen’s parents' home for lunch. The two families had been spending more time together lately, finding strength in their growing bond. Freen’s mother was holding Jisoo, beaming as the baby tried to babble a word that sounded suspiciously like “Lola.”
“Did you hear that?” Mrs. Chankimha gasped, turning to everyone in the room. “She called me Lola!”
Becky laughed, clapping her hands. “It’s her first time saying that! She loves you so much.”
“Of course, she does,” Freen’s father chimed in. “She’s a Chankimha! Smart and charming, just like her parents.”
The room erupted in laughter as Freen mockingly puffed out her chest. “See? She gets it from me.”
Becky rolled her eyes, a teasing smile on her lips. “I think she gets her charm from me, thank you very much.”
As the playful banter continued, Freen found herself watching Becky. The light in her eyes, the way she smiled, the soft laughter that filled the room—it was everything Freen had ever wanted. For a moment, she felt overwhelmed with gratitude. She had her family back, and it was more than she could have ever hoped for.
---
Later that evening, as they drove home, Jisoo fast asleep in the back seat, Freen reached over to take Becky’s hand. The city lights flickered past the windows, casting a warm glow over them.
“Bb,” Freen began, her voice soft but steady, “I’ve been thinking about something.”
Becky turned to her, her curiosity piqued. “What is it?”
“I want to make things official,” Freen said, her thumb brushing over Becky’s knuckles. “I want us to be a real family in every sense of the word. I want to marry you.”
Becky’s eyes widened, her heart skipping a beat. “Freen…”
“Before you say anything, let me just say this,” Freen continued. “I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I’ll spend the rest of my life making it up to you and Jisoo. I want to give you the life you deserve—the life we all deserve. Will you let me? Will you spend your whole life with me?”
Tears welled up in Becky’s eyes as she gazed at Freen. She could see the sincerity, the love, the determination in her partner’s face. It was the same look Freen had when she promised to find her, to fight for her.
“Yes,” Becky whispered, a smile breaking through her tears. “Yes, Freen. I’ll marry you.”
Freen let out a breath she didn’t realize she was holding, her face lighting up with pure joy. “You’ve just made me the happiest woman in the world.”
They shared a quiet moment, holding hands as the car continued down the road. In the back seat, Jisoo stirred slightly, as if sensing the happiness radiating from her mothers.
Their journey hadn’t been easy, and it wouldn’t always be smooth sailing. But together—with their love, their daughter, and their growing family—they knew they could face anything the future held.
