She stared outside, where the day before the concrete company had poured a beautiful new patio inside the six-foot privacy fence that surrounded the backyard.

Pride ballooned in her chest. It was all finally coming together for her. After years of working two and three jobs, of attending college nights and weekends, some of her dreams were beginning to come true.

She not only had her very own house, but she also had a brand-new patio where she could have a barbecue and invite neighbors who would hopefully soon be friends.

She turned from the window at the sound of a soft coo coming from the portable infant rocking seat in the center of the kitchen table. Her heart swelled as she smiled at her four-month-old little girl.

"Hey, Lilly girl," Peyton said as she scooped the baby up in her arms. Lilly flailed her arms and cooed again, her rosebud little lips turning upward in a happy smile.

It almost frightened Peyton, how happy she'd become, how many of her dreams were beginning to blossom into fruition. In a month she would begin teaching first grade at the Black Rock Elementary School. And even though Lilly hadn't been planned, she was the greatest gift Peyton had ever been given.

Although things hadn't worked out between Peyton and Lilly's father, Rick, Rick had promised to be there for his daughter, and Peyton knew he'd do just that. He was a good man, just not the man for Peyton.

"Are you hungry?" Peyton asked as she placed Lilly back in her seat.

Lilly bounced and wiggled an