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“Hey, Mom,” Emma’s voice echoed from the phone. “Is Isabella with you?”

“Hello to you, Em.” Kelsey chuckled.

Isabella laughed. “I’m here. Hi you two!”

“Isabella,” Emma said. “Dana and I want to invite you to our graduation next month.”

“I graduate on Friday and Emma on Saturday,” Dana explained. “We really hope you can be there.”

Isabella beamed a smile at Kelsey in excitement. “I’d love to!”

“Great. If you want to bring Wyatt and Gus let me know and we’ll find some fun things to do with them,” Dana said.

Isabella shrugged. “But this is your special day. Are you sure you want them tagging along?”

“Of course we want them there,” Emma said. “Make sure Carmen doesn’t plan your next trip for that weekend.”

“I’ve already told her,” Kelsey said.

“Okay. What are you two doing?”

“We’re on our first official date,” Kelsey said.

“Let me take a picture and send to you,” Isabella said. She quickly snapped a picture and texted it to them.

“Aww, you both look so nice. You’re all dressed up,” Dana said. “Mom, is that a new dress?”

Kelsey smiled shyly. “This is a special occasion.”

Isabella smiled and kissed Kelsey on the cheek.

“Okay, we need to leave you alone now,” Emma said. “Have fun, see you next month.”

“Bye, Mom. Bye, Isabella,” Dana said, ending the call.

Kelsey chuckled. “Those two.”

“I love them. I can’t believe they invited me to graduation.”

“I’m so glad they did,” Kelsey said. Then she gasped and put both hands on her cheeks.

“What’s wrong, babe?” Isabella asked.

“I just realized I have someone to share this with,” Kelsey said as tears pooled in her eyes. “I remember our conversation that day on the beach. I didn’t realize how much it meant to me until right this moment.” Tears spilled down Kelsey's cheeks.

Isabella moved closer to Kelsey and took her in her arms. “Oh babe, we’ll be celebrating so many successes together.”

Kelsey’s head rested on Isabella’s shoulder. “I hope so.” She pulled away and looked into Isabella’s eyes. “It won’t be easy.”

“I don’t know what all you’ve been through and what you’ve faced as a gay single mom, but you’re no longer alone, Kels. I will fight for us. I will fight for our kids. I will protect you.”

Kelsey smiled. “I got that idea in Carmen’s office this morning. You were fierce and defended our love even though it’s so new.”

“It may be new, but I know in my heart that we belong together. We have so much love to give and it will only grow. Just imagine how wonderful it’s going to be. Our kids will feel it and it will make them strong, too.”

Kelsey kissed Isabella softly.

“I know you’re worried, but I’m strong and I believe in us. Trust me, baby,” Isabella said.