BFF

Get it done

Tia – Six Months Later

"Girls, let's go! We're gonna be late!" I called out, trying to juggle my purse, Easton's sippy cup, and a million other things. "Put a move on it—and Easton, put it down!"

My baby boy had just turned one. Yay me! But whew, he was already as bad as he wanted to be—cute, yes, but a handful.

"Dada," he babbled, looking around hopefully.

"He's not here, baby boy," I said gently, taking his little hand. "Let's go."

We stepped outside into the morning rush. I wrangled the kids into the car, then drove to drop-offs. First up was Kairi's school.

"Okay, girls," I said with my mom-voice fully activated. "Let's have a great day and be the amazing little ladies I know you are."

After Kairi, it was time for Kenzie and Easton. They were both at the same daycare now—Kenzie had recently graduated to the 3-year-old room, and Easton had started in the toddler room.

"See you later, little butt," I told Kenzie, giving her a quick hug.

"Bye, Mommy! Tell Daddy to pick me up some candy!" she called back.

I laughed. "Okay, I will."

At the toddler room, Ms. Terri greeted me at the door.

"Good morning, Mrs. East! Hey, Easton!"

Easton clapped his chubby little hands, grinning from ear to ear.

"Say hey, East!" I cooed, leaning in to kiss his cheeks. He whined a little when she took him, but I knew she could handle it. She was his favorite teacher, and he was in good hands.

Back in the car, it was just me and Mia now.

"So," I asked, glancing at her from the driver's seat, "do you want your prom dress made or do you wanna buy one?"

"I want one made," she said confidently.

We were in full prom prep mode. I couldn't wait to see the kids all dressed up. Corey had been working on his suit with Dave, but since Mia was trying to be all independent and prideful, I was just now getting started on her dress. I hadn't even realized her mom wasn't helping with any of it—but best believe, we were going to make it happen. For my babies? Anything.

"Let's go meet with my girl Carla," I told her. "She'll get you together. Her shop's in Oakland."

We stopped to grab iced coffee—mama fuel—then headed to Carla's boutique.

On the way, Mia turned to me with soft eyes. "I just wanted to thank you for everything, Tia. For real. I don't know how I would've done this without you. Or East."

I smiled, reached over, and squeezed her hand. "Girl, don't even worry about it. You know I got you. We'll always be here for you. No matter what."

"I love you," she said, voice cracking just a little.

"I love you too."

After everything that went down with her mom, Mia had lived with us for a while. Eventually, we helped her co-sign for an apartment and even covered the security deposit. Dave and I both knew what it felt like to struggle, to feel alone—and we refused to let her feel that way, not under our watch.

Just as we pulled up to Carla's, my phone started buzzing with an incoming FaceTime call.

Husband calling...

I smiled as I tapped to connect.