I stand too, smoothing my dress again, and remember I need to do something. “Mr. Devry,” I call out. He stops and looks at me. “Thank you for all your help, especially for calling in a favor to get me into Starlight.”

  He smiles and gently pats my shoulder. “Jackie, do you know why I went out of my way to help you?” I simply shake my head. “My daughter wasn’t born my daughter.”

  My eyes widen, and for a moment, I’m speechless. I gnce at Mom, who looks just as surprised as I do. Mr. Devry’s smile softens, and he shifts his briefcase to his offhand before continuing.

  “When she was younger, she struggled a lot. She didn’t understand how she was different, just that she was different. I tried to help her in every way I could, but life was hard for her. Finally, when she was 8, I took her to see a therapist, and we found out why. After that, everything changed for her.” He pauses, his gaze steady on me. “Lily’s a very happy 11-year-old now, and I have a beautiful daughter. She lights up our home.”

  A lump forms in my throat, and I swallow hard. “That's... amazing,” I say softly, my voice catching a little. “I wish my father were like you.”

  Mr. Devry’s expression shifts, something sad but understanding flickering in his eyes. He bends down to eye level and pces a hand on my shoulder. “From what I see, it’s his loss, Jackie.”

  I nod, feeling a strange mix of acknowledgement and something heavier—something I can’t quite name. I slip my arms around his neck and gently hug him. “You’re a very kind man, Mr. Devry.” I brush his cheek with my lips and step back.

  Mr. Devry’s eyes soften, and he gives me a small nod, his hand lingering on my shoulder for a moment before he straightens up. “Alright,” he says, clearing his throat and adjusting his tie. “Let’s get this done.”

  We follow him down the hallway, the sound of our footsteps echoing softly against the marble floors. The clerk’s office is just around the corner, a small room with a counter and a few people milling about. Mr. Devry steps up to the counter, opens his briefcase, and pulls out the documents. He slides them across to the clerk, a middle-aged woman with a kind smile and gsses perched on the edge of her nose. “Here we go,” Mr. Devry says, his voice smooth and confident. “Petition for name and gender change.”

  The clerk takes the papers, gncing over them quickly. There’s a heavy thunk as she embosses a seal on them. Then she turns to her computer, and her fingers seem to fly across the keyboard as she inputs the information. “Alright,” she says, looking up at me and smiling. “All done. Once the system updates, you’ll officially be,” she gnces at her screen again. “Jacqueline Annette Stetson, and you should receive your amended birth certificate within 2 business days.”

  I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. A small smile tugs at my lips as I ask, “That quickly?”

  “Mhmm,” she replies with an abbreviated nod. “They’ve streamlined the process quite a bit in the st few years. Give me a moment, and I’ll make a certified copy of your paperwork. If you have an ID, you can use it to get a new one at the DMV.”

  She clicks a few keys and heads toward the back. A minute ter she returns with my paperwork, embosses it, and hands it to me with a smile. “Here you go,” she says. “Just so you know, you’ll need to request an updated Social Security card. You can do that online or in person at the local office.”

  “Thank you,” I reply, tucking the papers into my purse carefully.

  Mr. Devry clears his throat, pulling our attention back to him. “Well, Jackie,” he says, his tone light but meaningful, “it’s official. You’ve done it.”

  I grin up at him, and a swell of something—relief, exultation, and maybe even a bit of amazement—bubbles up in my chest. “Yeah,” I say, my voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. “This has been a long time coming.”

  Mom gives my shoulder a gentle squeeze, and I look up to see her smiling. She gnces at Mr. Devry and asks, “Would you care to join us for lunch? We’re going to celebrate at the Paseo.”

  Mr. Devry chuckles softly, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “I’d be honored,” he says. “The Paseo, huh? That’s quite the treat.”

  “It’s Jackie’s favorite pce,” Mom replies. “And today’s a day worth celebrating.”

  We step out of the courthouse and into the crisp afternoon air. The sun is shining, and the streets are bustling with people going about their day. I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of everything—the years of self-hatred, the uncertainty, the fear—just evaporate like mist under the warmth of the sun. For the first time in as long as I can remember, I feel... light. Like, my feet don’t even touch the ground. I’m finally allowed to be who I’ve always been, without hiding, apology, or hesitation.

  We walk to Paseo’s, which is just a few blocks away. The restaurant is cozy, with warm lighting and the smell of garlic and herbs wafting through the air. I’ve always loved this pce—it feels like home. The hostess leads us to a table by the window, and I slide in next to Mom while Mr. Devry sits across from us.

  “So,” Mr. Devry says, picking up the menu, “what’s good here?”

  “Everything,” I reply with a grin. “But their wagyu steak fettuccine is, like, totally amazing.”

  He nods, gncing over the menu. “Fettuccine it is, then.”

  We pce our orders, and as we wait for our food, the conversation flows easily. Mr. Devry tells us more about his daughter, Lily, and how much she loves art and ballet. I share a few stories about myself after coming out, but there isn’t much to tell, and I don’t want to talk about him.

  Our food arrives, and my part of the conversation lulls as I dig in. The fettuccine is as amazing as I remember, rich and creamy with perfectly cooked steak. That doesn’t stop Mom and Mr. Devry from chatting up a storm as they slowly eat, though. Mom smiles, ughs, and is much more animated than I’ve ever seen her before, seeming to blossom under Mr. Devry’s attention.

  As we finish up, Mom reaches into her purse and pulls out a small, wrapped box. She sets it on the table between us and gives me a warm smile. “This is for you,” she says. “A little something to celebrate the day." She pushes the box toward me, her eyes soft with affection.

  I blink at it, surprised. “Mom, you didn’t have to…”

  She cuts me off with a gentle wave of her hand. “I wanted to. Open it.”

  I pick up the box, feeling the weight of it in my hands. It’s small but solid, wrapped in silver paper with a neat little bow on top. I gnce at Mr. Devry, who’s watching with an amused smile, then back at Mom. Carefully, I peel back the wrapping and lift the lid.

  Inside is a pair of diamond stud earrings and a diamond pendant neckce. “Mom,” I whisper, my throat tight. “They’re beautiful.”

  She beams at me for a few moments. “You’ll have formal dances you have to attend at Starlight, and I want my baby to look spectacur.”

  I stare at the jewelry, the diamonds catching the light and sparkling like tiny stars. My fingers tremble slightly as I pick up the pendant, holding it up to see it better. The diamond is delicate but radiant, hanging from a thin silver chain that looks almost weightless. The earrings are just as stunning—small but elegant, perfect for any occasion.

  “Mom…” I say again, my voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you. I don’t know what else to say.”

  “You don’t have to say anything,” she replies, her eyes shining with pride. “Just promise me you’ll continue to shine as you have been. You deserve to shine, Jackie.”

  I nod, swallowing hard against the lump in my throat. I can’t remember the st time I felt this overwhelmed with gratitude—not just for the gift, but for everything she’s done for me. I reach over and hug her tightly, my face buried in her shoulder.

  “Thank you,” I murmur into her blouse. “For everything.”

  She hugs me back just as tightly, her hand rubbing soothing circles on my back. “Always,” she says softly.

  When we finally pull apart, Mr. Devry is smiling at us, his expression warm and approving. Though his voice is a little sad as he says, “I wish Lily’s mother were still alive so she could have that. She has me, but it’s not the same.”

  I gnce at him, my heart tugging a little at the sadness in his voice, and an idea pops into my mind. One that is a two-fer in my opinion. “I don’t see why Mom can’t spend time with her. I’ll be gone, and she has quite a bit of free time since she doesn’t work.”

  If you’re thinking that I’m trying to distance Mom from Dad, you’re dead on target, and a bonus is Lily getting to spend time with Mom and Mom getting to spend time with a decent man like Mr. Devry. Who knows, maybe Mom might even decide that staying married to a controlling narcissist isn’t the best idea, and I firmly believe she’s never going to be truly happy unless she gets away from him.

  Mom looks at me, her eyes widening slightly in surprise. “You’re suggesting... what, exactly?”

  I shrug, trying to keep my tone casual even though my heart is racing. “Just that maybe you could spend some time with Lily. You know, be like a mentor or something. She’s into art and ballet, right? You’ve always been great at helping me with my creative stuff. Maybe you could help her too and give her an adult female role model to spend time with as well.”

  Mom hesitates for a moment, her gaze flickering between Mr. Devry and me. Then she smiles—a warm, genuine smile that makes her eyes crinkle at the corners. “I think that sounds like a wonderful idea,” she says. “I’d be happy to spend some time with Lily. It would be nice to have a little creative outlet again.”

  Mr. Devry’s expression shifts from surprise to something softer, almost hopeful. “That’s… a very kind offer,” he says slowly, gncing at Mom. “I’m sure that Lily would love that. She doesn’t get much one-on-one time with anyone outside of school and her activities.”

  The waiter comes around and leaves the check. Mom picks it up and stands, and I say, “Mr. Devry, may I speak to you alone for a moment?”

  He nods, and Mom murmurs that she’ll go pay the bill to give us a moment. I take a breath and blow it out. “Mr. Devry, may I ask how you know my mother?”

  He gnces at the host stand where Mom is, and I can see something there. Longing and affection definitely, but there’s also something else. “I met her in college. She was a tornado back then.” He looks back at me and chuckles softly, shaking his head as if he’s repying the memory in his mind. “Your mother... she was something else. Confident, magnetic. Everyone wanted to be around her. Including me.” He pauses, his gaze drifting back to Mom at the host stand, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “But she only had eyes for your father. I never stood a chance.”

  I blink, processing this. “Wait... so you liked her? Like, liked her?”

  He nods, his expression softening. “Yes, but it wasn't that I just liked her. I fell head over heels in love with her. I guess I still am. I loved my wife, but your mom is a special woman.”

  “Ahhh~ So that’s why you went so far to help me?” He nods, and I pause to take another breath. “I don’t know how much you know about our family situation, but Mom needs to get away from Dad. He’s verbally abusive and controlling, and he’s already tried to hit me.” His eyes widen, and I forge onward. “I recommended she spend time with Lily for both of their sakes. I need a favor from you as well.”

  “If it's something I can do,” Mr. Devry says without hesitation, his voice steady but his eyes full of concern. “What do you need?”

  I lean in a little, keeping my voice low. “I need you to show her that not all men are narcissistic asses who need to control everything and everyone around them. Mom is too kind and loyal for her own good. She needs to see that she isn’t just an extension of my dad.”

  Mr. Devry’s expression shifts, his jaw tightening slightly as he processes my statements. He gnces toward the host stand where Mom is chatting with the waiter, her ughter carrying across the room. When he looks back at me, there’s a resolve in his eyes that wasn’t there before.

  “I’ll do whatever I can,” he says quietly, his voice firm. “Your mother deserves better than what she’s been given. And if I can help her see that, I will.”

  Relief washes over me, and I give him a small, grateful smile. “Thank you. I know this is... a lot to ask, but I just want her to be happy.”

  He nods, his gaze softening. “You’re a good daughter, Jackie. She’s lucky to have you.”

  I shrug, feeling a little self-conscious. “She deserves better, and if you happen to end up being my dad in the process… Well, I’m not likely to compin.” I grin cheekily at him and lean back in my seat.

  Mom comes back then, slipping into her seat with a smile. “All set,” she says brightly, oblivious to the conversation we just had. She looks between us, her brow furrowing slightly. “What did I miss?”

  “Nothing,” Mr. Devry says smoothly, giving her a warm smile. “Just some father-daughter bonding.” His tone is light, but there’s a glint in his eyes that makes me think he’s already pnning his next move.

  Mom raises an eyebrow, but she lets it slide. “Well, I’m gd you two are getting along so well,” she says, her smile returning. She reaches over to squeeze my hand. I squeeze her hand back, feeling a lump form in my throat again because the thought of her being with someone who truly cares about her fills me with a kind of hope I haven’t felt in a long time. I gnce at Mr. Devry, who’s watching Mom with that same soft, longing look, and I can’t help but think that maybe, just maybe, this could work out for the best.

  As we leave the restaurant, the temperature is much warmer, but the breeze makes it still pleasant. Mom links her arm through mine, and I lean a bit closer as we walk, feeling a little lighter than I did when we first arrived.

  “So,” Mom says, her tone casual but her eyes sparkling with curiosity, “what were you two talking about while I was paying the bill?”

  I gnce at Mr. Devry, who’s walking a few steps ahead of us, his hands tucked into his pockets. He looks back at us with a small smile, and I can tell he’s leaving this one up to me.

  “Oh, you know,” I say, trying to keep my voice light, “just stuff. Father-daughter bonding, like he said.”

  Mom chuckles, shaking her head. “Uh-huh, sure. Keep your little secret for now.”

  Mr. Devry walks us to our car, opens Mom’s door for her, and she slides in. “How do you want to do this? Do you want me to have Lily call you or what?”

  Mom gnces at me, then back at Mr. Devry, her expression thoughtful. “Why don’t you give me her number first? I’ll call her and introduce myself. That way, it’s not too formal or forced. We can start by chatting and see where it goes.”

  Mr. Devry nods, pulling out his phone. “That sounds like a good pn. I’ll send you her number now.” He taps on his screen, and a moment ter, Mom’s phone buzzes in her purse.

  “Got it,” she says, pulling out her phone to check the message. She smiles warmly as she looks up at him. “Thank you for this. I’m really looking forward to getting to know Lily.”

  “The pleasure is mine,” Mr. Devry replies, his tone sincere. “I think you’ll be great for her.”

  Mom blushes slightly and ducks her head, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Well, we’ll see how it goes.”

  As Mom starts the car, I lean out the window and give Mr. Devry a little wave. “Thanks for everything,” I call out.

  He grins and waves back. “Anytime, Jackie.”

  We pull away from the curb, and Mom gnces over at me with a soft smile. “You like him, don’t you?” she asks, her voice tinged with curiosity.

  I shrug, trying to py it cool, but I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. “He’s… different. In a good way. He actually listens, and he seems to care. Like, genuinely.”

  Mom nods, her expression thoughtful as she focuses back on the road. “He’s always been that way. He’s a good man,” she says quietly. “It’s been a long time since someone made me feel... seen and heard.”

  Her words catch me off guard, and I turn to look at her. There’s a vulnerability in her eyes that I’m not used to seeing, and it makes my chest tighten. “Mom,” I say softly, reaching over to squeeze her hand on the steering wheel, “you deserve to be happy. You’re not someone’s arm candy, and you deserve more than what Dad’s given you.”

  She lets out a shaky breath, her grip tightening on the wheel for a moment before she rexes. “I know, sweetheart. It’s just... hard to let go of something you’ve held onto for so long, even if it’s not good for you.”

  “I get that,” I reply. “But sometimes you have to take a leap of faith, right? You’ve been holding on for so long, and it’s got to be exhausting. Maybe it’s time to try something new. Kind of like when I said I wanted to be your daughter.”

  Mom chuckles softly, her eyes still on the road. “Since when did you become so wise, huh?”

  I grin, leaning back in my seat. “13 years of listening to my mother had to have an impact.”

  She ughs louder this time; the sound is warm and genuine. It’s a sound I haven’t heard in a while, and it makes my heart feel lighter. We drive in comfortable silence for a while, the hum of the engine and the soft murmur of the radio filling the space between us. We stop by the DMV to get my ID changed and then continue home.

  Once there, I tell her I’m going to show Kelly Anne my paperwork and head to her house.

  Kelly’s house is just a couple of houses over, so I grab my purse with the paperwork and start walking. The sun is warm on my face; it’s one of those perfect afternoons where everything feels calm and hopeful. I’m practically bouncing by the time I reach her front door.