Song for this chapter: Jeremy Zucker & Chelsea Cutler - This Is How You Fall In Love on the multimedia.

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The morning sun filtered through the trees, casting a soft glow on the quiet streets of D.C. Linc and I stood at the doorway of Karen's house, preparing to head out for the day. It had been two days since our heartwarming Thanksgiving. Karen had been insistent that we take some time for ourselves, and I couldn't help but feel a bit guilty for leaving Ivy behind, even if it was only for a few days.

"Mom, are you sure it's okay?" Linc asked again, glancing over at Karen, who stood with Ivy, both of them smiling.

Karen waved a hand, laughing softly. "Of course, it's okay! You two deserve to spend some time alone together. Don't worry about us. Ivy and I will have a wonderful time, won't we, sweetie?"

Ivy nodded enthusiastically, her eyes bright as she looked up at her grandmother. "Yeah! Grandma and I are gonna have lots of fun!"

I smiled at the sight of them together. It was still a little surreal to see Ivy bond so easily with Karen, but it made my heart swell with warmth knowing how much love surrounded her.

Linc squeezed my hand, his eyes meeting mine with a gentle reassurance before turning back to Karen. "Well, if you're sure..." he said, still sounding a little hesitant.

Karen waved him off again, this time more firmly. "Go, Linc. You two need this. Trust me, we'll be fine. You're allowed to enjoy yourselves too."

I laughed softly, feeling a mixture of excitement and guilt. "Alright, alright. We'll head out then, but Ivy, remember you can call us anytime, okay? If you need anything—"

Before I could finish, Ivy shook her head, crossing her arms and giving me a serious look. "No, Mommy, I'm not gonna call you."

I blinked, surprised by her firm tone. "You won't?"

Ivy shook her head again, more determined this time. "Nope! I want you to have fun. I want you to enjoy your life for once without thinking of me."

Her words hit me like a gentle wave, washing over me with a mix of pride and love. I knelt down to her level, brushing a hand through her hair. "Oh, sweetie, I always think about you. But you're sure you don't need anything?"

Ivy smiled, her small hand touching my cheek. "I'm sure, Mommy. I want you and Daddy to have a good time. You deserve it."

I could feel the tears prickling the corners of my eyes, touched by her thoughtfulness. Linc crouched beside me, wrapping his arm around Ivy and kissing the top of her head.

"You're the best, you know that?" he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

Ivy giggled, throwing her arms around both of us. "I know! Now go! Have fun!"

Linc and I stood up, exchanging a grateful look with Karen. She smiled warmly, her support shining through.

"Go on, you two," Karen said softly. "We've got it covered here."

With one last hug, we made our way to the car, Ivy waving goodbye with all the excitement of a child on an adventure of her own. As we pulled away from the house, the world outside seemed brighter, and for the first time in a long while, I felt the weight of responsibility lift, even if just for the day.

"She's amazing," I whispered, looking over at Linc.

He smiled, glancing over at me as we drove away. "Just like her mom."

And with that, we set off for a day that was all our own, the promise of time together filling the air between us.

***

The plane touched down smoothly at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the familiar sight of the city peeking through the windows as we taxied to the gate. As soon as we disembarked, we were greeted by the crisp Seattle air that carried a mix of rain and pine—a scent that always reminded me of home. Linc held my hand as we walked through the terminal, the weight of our journey ahead sitting quietly between us.

Just outside the baggage claim, Travis was waiting. His familiar face broke into a grin as we approached, though I could tell by the tightness around his eyes that he knew this trip wasn't purely a happy one.

"Sign, Linc," Travis greeted, pulling Linc into a quick, brotherly hug before giving me one as well. "I've got your car parked just out front."

"Thanks, man," Linc replied, his voice soft. There was gratitude but also something unspoken in his tone—a quiet acknowledgment that Travis had been with him through countless trips to this city, even when it involved more work than pleasure.

As we stepped outside, Travis pointed to Linc's sleek black car waiting for us. It had been kept in Travis' garage for as long as I could remember, a practical solution since Linc was often in Seattle anyway, either for meetings or just to spend time with Travis.

"Kept it clean for you," Travis joked, though his voice was lighter than usual. "I figured you'd want to drive it while you're here."

Linc smiled, but there was a weight in his expression. "Appreciate it."

The three of us piled into the car, with Linc sliding into the driver's seat. I sat beside him, watching as he settled into the familiarity of the vehicle. The engine roared to life, and for a moment, the sound seemed to fill the air, easing the tension between us.

"Are you two good for the rest of the trip?" Travis asked, leaning in through the window. "If you need anything, you know where to find me."

"Yeah, we're good," Linc answered, glancing at me to confirm. I nodded, managing a small smile. "Thanks again, Trav."

"Anytime. Be safe," Travis said, stepping back to let us leave.

As we pulled away from the curb, the streets of Seattle stretched out before us, familiar yet distant. Linc reached over and gave my hand a squeeze as we navigated through the city. The silence between us wasn't uncomfortable; it was filled with the understanding that we were heading somewhere deeply personal—my father's resting place.

Instead of the hum of the plane, it was now the steady rhythm of the car's engine and the distant sound of Seattle's rain that accompanied us. Linc kept one hand on the wheel, the other in mine, giving it gentle squeezes as if to remind me he was here. The city passed by in a blur, the weight of what was ahead heavy on my heart, but Linc's presence grounded me, made it easier to breathe.

When we arrived at the cemetery, I could feel my heart beating a little faster. Linc parked the car, and we both stepped out, the crisp air filling my lungs as I tried to steady myself. It had been a while since I visited my dad's grave, but every time felt like the first—filled with both sorrow and peace.

We walked side by side to his resting place, the familiar path leading me to the spot where his headstone stood. My father's name was etched in the stone, and as I stood there, the memories came flooding back. I knelt down, brushing some leaves off the grave, my fingers tracing the letters of his name.

"Hi, Dad," I whispered softly, feeling the lump in my throat rise. "I'm back... We're back."

Linc stood behind me, giving me space, but I could feel his presence—solid and comforting.

"Ivy's growing up so fast," I continued, my voice quiet. "She's... she's so much like you, Dad. She's kind, thoughtful, and funny. You'd be so proud of her. I wish you could've met her."

I closed my eyes for a moment, letting the stillness of the moment wash over me. "And Linc's here too..." I glanced over my shoulder at Linc, who gave me a small, reassuring smile.

We stood in silence for a few more moments, just taking in the peace of the place. I knew my father wasn't really gone—his love was still with me, in every part of my life, through Ivy, through the lessons he had passed down.

I placed a small bouquet of flowers beside the headstone, something Ivy had picked out before we left. "We love you, Dad," I whispered, feeling a deep sense of closure wash over me.

Linc placed his arm around me, pulling me close as we stood together. "I'm sure he's watching over you, over us," he said quietly.

I smiled softly, wiping away a tear. "I think so too."

We didn't stay long, but the visit was enough. Enough to send our love to him and to feel his presence once more. It was bittersweet, but as we walked back to the car, I felt lighter somehow, knowing that my father's spirit would always be with me—guiding us, watching over Ivy, and loving us from wherever he was.

As we drove away from the cemetery, the mood between us felt lighter, more peaceful. I leaned back in my seat, gazing out at the Seattle skyline. It had been an emotional stop, but one I needed. I was lost in thought when Linc broke the silence, his voice low and a little playful.

"You know," he began, "I was thinking... how about a long drive? Maybe we head back to Montana for a while?"

I turned to him, surprised but already smiling. "Montana?"

Linc nodded, a grin spreading across his face. "Yeah. Just you and me on the road. No schedule, no rush. It'll be just like old times."

I laughed softly, my heart swelling at the thought. "Like our first date?"

"Exactly," he replied, glancing over at me with a nostalgic gleam in his eyes. "Six years ago. Remember? That random, spontaneous drive. We didn't even have a plan."

"How could I forget?" I said, my voice softening. "It was one of the best days of my life."

Our first date had been nothing short of perfect, not because we had done anything grand, but because of how natural it all felt. We'd driven for hours, stopping whenever we felt like it—exploring the quiet roads, mountains, and open fields. We hadn't cared about the destination. It was all about the journey, and the company.

I leaned my head back against the seat, smiling as the memories washed over me. "I loved that day. Just the two of us, talking about everything and nothing."

Linc chuckled. "And you getting excited every time we passed a new landscape."

"Hey! Montana's beautiful," I teased, nudging him playfully.

"It is," he agreed, his voice softening. "But not as beautiful as you."

I rolled my eyes, though my heart fluttered at the sweet comment. "Are you still trying to win me over after all these years?"

"Always," Linc said with a wink, his hand slipping into mine.

I looked at him for a moment, feeling that familiar warmth and love. Montana sounded perfect, like stepping back in time to when everything felt so new between us. I squeezed his hand, my decision made.

"I love the idea, Linc. Let's do it."

His face lit up, that same boyish excitement I'd seen on our first date. "Really?"

I nodded, feeling the anticipation bubble inside me. "Really. Let's go on an adventure. But maybe we should stay here in Seattle for tonight and leave at 3AM or earlier? I really missed it here in Seattle."

"Alright then," he said, smiling.

***

Before 3AM, we headed for the open road, ready to relive one of the best memories of our relationship. It felt like we were starting all over again, rediscovering each other in a way that only long drives and open landscapes could allow. The thought of Montana brought back everything that had made us fall in love in the first place—the spontaneity, the simplicity, and the connection we shared.

As we drove, I couldn't help but feel a little thrill of excitement. It was going to be just like old times, but somehow even better. After all, this time, we weren't just two people exploring the unknown—we were partners, parents, and a family. And that made this journey even more special.

As we drove further into the vast, open landscapes, I found myself quietly watching Linc. His focus was on the road, but the way his hands gripped the wheel, the soft smile on his lips, the way his brow furrowed in concentration—it all made me fall in love with him even more. The sunlight streaming through the windows seemed to cast a soft glow around him, and I couldn't help but feel an overwhelming sense of happiness.

I smiled to myself and, without thinking, spoke aloud. "You know, I named Ivy 'Ivy' because it means faithfulness."

Linc glanced over at me, intrigued, and I continued, my voice soft and filled with emotion. "I wanted her name to reflect that... because I was always faithful to you, even when fate tore us apart." I paused, feeling the weight of my words. "Ivy's second name, Liarra... I never told you this, but it's a combination of our names. Lincoln and Synarra."

Linc's smile widened, a mixture of surprise and warmth. "I never knew that. Liarra, huh?"

I nodded, my heart swelling as I looked at him. "Yeah. I wanted her to carry a piece of both of us, even when we weren't together. I guess I always knew, deep down, that we were meant to be—no matter what happened. I would always be faithful to you, to us."

Linc reached over and took my hand, his touch grounding me as always. "You've always been the strongest part of us, Sign. I don't know how I got so lucky."

I felt tears well up in my eyes, but they were happy tears. "We've been through so much, Linc. All those choices we made—good and bad, selfish and selfless... it all brought us here. To this moment. And I'm just... I'm so happy. I'm so happy that after everything, I'm here with you. You're my husband, and you're Ivy's father. It's all I ever wanted."

For a moment, I let the joy settle in, my heart overflowing with love. But then, out of nowhere, a sudden pang of fear gripped me. It was irrational, but it was there, like a shadow creeping into the sunlight.

I hesitated, my voice quieter as I spoke again. "Sometimes... sometimes being this happy scares me, you know? Like... maybe something bad is going to happen because it feels too perfect."

Linc glanced at me, his gaze filled with understanding. He squeezed my hand a little tighter, as if to reassure me. "Nothing's going to happen, Sign. We've been through the worst already, and we made it. We're here now, together. That's what matters."

I nodded, trying to shake off the feeling. Linc was right. We had faced every storm, every heartbreak, and we had come out stronger on the other side. This was our time to be happy, to embrace the life we had built together. But still, in the back of my mind, that tiny seed of fear remained—because sometimes, when everything feels so perfect, it's hard not to wonder if it's too good to be true.

But as I looked at Linc, the love and reassurance in his eyes, I let myself breathe. I let myself be happy. After all, we deserved this happiness—every single bit of it. And I was going to hold on to that, no matter what.