Tiffany’s heart swelled with joy as she caught sight of her little sister, her inky black curls bouncing with each wobbly step. The toddler’s chubby legs struggled to keep up, but determination shone in her eyes as she reached out for Tiffany.

“Tiffy!” Sky squealed, her arms reaching upward for a hug. “Up!” Sky commanded with a giggle.

Tiffany bent down and scooped Sky into her arms, pressing a soft kiss to her sister’s cheek. “Hey, little darling,” she whispered, holding Sky close.

Sky giggled, wrapping her small arms around Tiffany’s neck.

“She missed her big sister,” Riley said as she walked in, her eyes soft with love for them both.

Tiffany frowned. “I am sorry for worrying you and Dad.”

Riley shook her head. “Don’t look so guilty, Tiffany. A girl your age needs to skip school once in a while. Your father understands that, and so do I.”

“How did you find out so fast, anyway?” Tiffany asked.

“The school called and said you weren’t in class. But don’t worry, I got you covered with the excuse letter,” Riley whispered in a conspiratory tone.

Tiffany let out a small breath of relief, her shoulders relaxing as she shifted Sky onto her hip. “Thanks, Riley,” she said, offering her stepmother a grateful smile. “I was worried you guys would be furious.”

Riley chuckled softly and stepped closer, tucking a strand of hair behind Tiffany’s ear in a gentle, motherly gesture. “You know, we’re not here to control you. We just want you to be safe, and to make sure you’re okay. But you don’t have to carry the weight of the world on your shoulders, sweetheart.”

Tiffany nodded, feeling the warmth of Riley’s words settle over her. It was moments like this that reminded her of how lucky she was to have Riley in her life. She’d been so patient and understanding, never trying to replace her mother but always there when Tiffany needed her.

Sky wriggled in Tiffany’s arms, her giggles pulling her back into the moment. “Tiffy, down! Play!” she squealed, wiggling until Tiffany set her back on the floor.

As Sky toddled off toward her toys, Tiffany glanced back at Riley. “It’s just… everything feels like so much sometimes, you know?” she admitted, her voice quieter now. “Like I have to balance school, this life… and then there’s Jacob.”

Riley’s eyebrows raised slightly at the mention of Jacob, but she didn’t interrupt. Instead, she leaned against the doorway, her expression calm and understanding. “Do you want to talk about it?” she asked gently.

Tiffany bit her lip, feeling a rush of emotions. “He asked me to the prom,” she said.

Well, he blackmailed her to go with him, but Riley didn’t need to know that part.

Riley gasped. “The prom! Oh my goodness, Tiffany. That’s so exciting. We have to go dress shopping! It’s in a few weeks, isn’t it?”

Tiffany couldn’t help but smile at Riley’s enthusiasm. “Yeah, it is in a few weeks,” she said.

Riley’s eyes sparkled, clearly lost in thoughts of glittering gowns and all the fun preparations. “Oh, you’re going to look stunning! We’ll find the perfect dress for you. This is such a big moment in your life!”

Tiffany hesitated. “I don’t know if I even want to go,” she admitted.

Riley paused, her excitement fading as she took in Tiffany’s expression. “Why not? Is it because of Jacob? It seems the boy likes you. But if you don’t want to go with him, you don’t have to, sweetheart,” she said.

Tiffany looked down. “I…I don’t know what I want anymore. I thought I didn’t want to at first. But he is just…”

Tiffany trailed off. He was infuriating and arrogant, always pushing her buttons. But there was something else there too, a spark between them that she couldn’t ignore.

“He’s just what?” Riley prompted gently.

Tiffany sighed, struggling to put her feelings into words. “He’s frustrating and cocky and he drives me crazy sometimes. But…there’s something about him. When he looks at me, it’s like…I don’t know…”

“Like you are important to him?” Riley offered, a knowing smile tugging at her lips.

Tiffany nodded, biting her lip as she searched for the right words. “Yeah, kind of. It’s like he sees me, really sees me. But then he can be so infuriating! It’s like he knows how to push my buttons just to get a reaction.”

Riley giggled softly. “Sounds like typical teenage boy behavior. They can be clueless sometimes, even when they think they’re being charming.”

Tiffany rolled her eyes, a small smile creeping onto her face. “Exactly! One minute I’m laughing, and the next, I want to throw my textbook at him.”

Riley leaned in closer, her voice a gentle encouragement. “Do you think maybe he’s trying to impress you?”

“I don’t know,” Tiffany admitted, her heart fluttering at the thought.

“Well, what do you want, Tiffany? Do you want to get to know this boy? Maybe set him straight?” Riley raised an eyebrow.

Tiffany grinned. “Kind of like how you set Dad straight?”

Riley smirked. “Exactly!” She leaned back slightly, her expression becoming more serious. “But remember, it’s important to be true to yourself. If you want to go to the prom and see how things go with Jacob, then do it. If not, that’s okay too. You have the power to make your own choices.”

Tiffany nodded. “I think I will go with him. But if he tries anything funny, I will kick his ass.”

Riley laughed out loud at that. “I don’t doubt that, Tiff. You are your father’s daughter, after all. Now, tell me, when do you want to go shopping for a prom dress?”

“What is it am I hearing about going to the prom?” River growled from the door.

Oh, great.

Tiffany slowly turned around to face him.

River’s facial expression was icy cold. “First, you skipped school, and now you are going to prom with some boy?”

“Uh, hey, Dad,” she started, trying to keep her voice steady. “It’s just a prom. Everyone goes.”

River’s expression didn’t soften. “Who is this boy?”

Tiffany felt a wave of anxiety wash over her as she met her father’s fierce gaze. “His name is Jacob,” she replied, keeping her tone casual though she could feel her heart racing. “He’s in my English class.”

River crossed his arms over his chest, his posture rigid. “And what exactly do you know about him?”

Riley stepped forward, sensing the tension building. “River, sweetheart, maybe you should give Tiffany a chance to explain herself. She’s old enough to make her own decisions, and I trust her judgment.”

Tiffany shot Riley a grateful look, appreciating her stepmother’s attempt to ease the situation. “Yeah, Dad. Jacob is…I mean, he’s not the worst. He’s kind of cocky, but he’s funny,” she said, hoping to make him understand.

River’s brow furrowed as he processed her words. “You are going nowhere until I meet this kid.”

Tiffany felt her stomach drop at her father’s words. “Seriously, Dad? Do you have to meet him?”

River’s expression remained stern. “Yes, I do. You’re my daughter, and I want to make sure you’re safe. I can’t protect you if I don’t know who you’re dealing with.”

“Yes, Dad,” Tiffany said quietly.

“Invite him over for dinner tomorrow. It’s an order,” River said curtly and walked away without another word.