Chapter 27

Mikayla's POV
In the back of my mind, I kept thinking about Emma and Daniel. I wanted the best for them and didn’t want to sacrifice their future because of this situation. Once again, I felt daunted by this reality.
When I got home and saw the children playing in the sunshine, I realized that I had to find a solution as soon as possible.
I had to take off work today in order to find the best solution to this situation. I felt bad about leaving the children at home while I went to work, but with no clear options, I had to make sure everything was okay.
Suddenly, a familiar voice called out to me. “Mikayla, what’s wrong with you?” Rudolf appeared at my door.
Of course, I couldn’t contain my shock. “Didn’t you say you’d be here in three days?”
“Well, my plans changed. I was looking forward to seeing you guys,” Rudolf replied with a smile on his face, but there was a hint of worry in his voice as he saw the expression on my face.
I felt like all my emotions were exploding at the sight of him. “Rudolf, you shouldn’t have come so early. I’m dealing with a difficult situation here,” I said, trying to keep myself from getting too carried away.
He looked at me seriously, as if he understood the turmoil going on inside me. “What happened? Is something wrong?” Rudolf asked, stepping closer, ready to help.
The atmosphere between us could feel intense. “My boss asked me not to bring the kids to work anymore,” I replied, my voice full of pain. “Now I’m at a loss for what to do. I don’t have a place to leave them, and I don’t want to leave them alone.”
Rudolf paused for a moment, considering my words. My anxiety was growing, and seeing the worry on his face made me feel a little more at ease. “Mikayla, you’re not alone. We can figure it out together,” he said, trying to reassure me.
“You just got back and have to go home again. I don’t want to bother you,” I said, shaking my head in despair.
He shook his head, “No, I’m willing to help. We can check out nearby daycares, or maybe there are other options we can try together.”
Feeling a little relieved, I replied. “We can try to find a daycare, but I’m not sure I can afford it,” I said, feeling partly hopeful but partly afraid of disappointment.
Rudolf smiled, “Let me take care of everything. We’ll figure out the best solution. In the meantime, I can take care of Emma and Daniel.”
That statement surprised and relieved me at the same time. It was believable that he had truly kept his promise to be there for me and why he meant so much more to me now.
“Thank you, Rudolf. This means so much to me and the kids,” I replied sincerely. Maybe his love and support would lead me in a better direction.
We quickly looked for information about daycare, eager to find the best solution for our children. But suddenly Rudolf stopped in his tracks and looked at me seriously. “Mikayla, will you marry me?”
I was shocked, feeling like time had stopped. “What did you say?” I asked, still trying to process everything. It had been a year and a half since we broke up, and hearing his question so urgently made me not know how to respond.
“Well, I want to marry you and register our marriage. I know we’ve been through a lot, but I also can’t imagine how you’re going to live alone, especially with kids,” he replied, a serious look on his face. “You don’t have to work anymore and just take care of our children. I’ll take responsibility for everything,” he explained, and his tone of voice revealed his sincerity.
I was still stunned, letting the words roll through my mind. Feelings of confusion and emotion mixed together in my heart. Everything felt surreal, and I didn’t know how to respond.
“Let’s look at each other. You and the kids are everything to me. I want to be a part of your life in a more meaningful way,” he continued, and I could see the conviction in his eyes.
Seeing him drive like this made me cry inside. However, many questions and doubts were swirling in my mind. Why now? Am I really ready to change everything?
“Rudolf, this all feels so profound. I… I need some time to think,” I replied, trying to balance my sometimes fearful and hopeful feelings.
“Take your time,” he said softly. “I don’t want to pressure you. All I want is your happiness, and whatever you decide, I will support you.”
Hearing his words made my chest tremble. The love and understanding he offered touched me. Maybe this was a chance to start over in a better way—as a whole family.
On the other hand, the separation and uncertainty from before scared me. Would this decision bring more happiness or more sadness in the future?
We continued to research daycares, but inside, tension and happiness were swirling around my mind. Right now, I had to keep things from getting out of control.
“We don’t need to find a daycare if you want to marry me, Mikayla. I’m not stopping you from staying here. I don’t mind living with you in your house either. Or if necessary, I can renovate your house,” Rudolf said with conviction.
His words shook my mind. He offered a solution that seemed extraordinary, but my heart was still hesitant. The idea of getting married and living with him felt exciting, but also scary. There were so many things to consider—was this the right time? Was I ready for another change in my life?
“I…” I took a deep breath, trying to calm the doubts in my head. “Rudolf, we’ve only just met again after so many years. This all feels so fast. I want to be sure that we can face this together,” I said, trying to explain my feelings.