Audition day. I'm standing in line at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center. It's not Cinderella, but they're doing a production of Into The Woods.

I'm auditioning for the role of The Baker's Wife, I just don't think I could do a bigger part.

"Mia Hart and Nicholas Cook," the lady calls. I smile, he must be auditioning for The Baker.

"I'll give you two ten minutes," she says, leading us to a room. I nod, and thank her, turning to Nicholas.

"Any suggestions?" I ask him. He offers a weak smile, "This is my first time." I grin, "Me too. We're a bunch of newbies. We should pick a song."

"Ah yes, well, what plays do you like?" He asks. "Pretty much everything. How about we sing Something There from Beauty & The Beast," I suggest. He lights up, "I've got it memorized."

We work on harmonies for the rest of the time together, then the lady that brought us here returns, and introduces herself as Autumn, the director.

We begin singing together, and I truly feel something special. This is the first step I've taken towards musical theater since my college production of Grease-which I played Frenchy in.

As much as I dream of being a Broadway star, I don't think I could just leave like that. My kids are here, my Owen is here, and the guys are here. And if I moved to New York, I'd be farther away from Josh and Jaxon. I wouldn't be able to do it.

Nicholas and I finish singing, and we leave the room together. "You have a really talented voice, Ms. Hart," he says. I blush, "Thank you, Mr. Cook. It was a pleasure singing with you." He grins, "Hope to see you at rehearsals." With that, he leaves.

~*~

"Alan, you have to open it, I can't!" I close my eyes. The cast list has been sitting in my email for a few days now. I've refused to open it until I was with Alan. The kids are all playing, so I'm finally going to know.

He opens it, and my heart rate speeds up. "Did I get it, Alan? Did I?" I ask. "Slow down, crazy chick, I'm reading," he chuckles. A few seconds later he sighs, "I'm sorry, Mia girl, you didn't get the role of the Baker's wife." I open my eyes, as my heart sinks, this is all I wanted.

"You're Cinderella!" He exclaims. "Wait, really?" I glance up at him, tears brimming in my eyes. He nods, "Yes princess, you're playing a princess." I can't believe what I'm hearing-Cinderella-this is huge. I have to tell everybody.

(Ch-Chad, C-Caleb, Jo-Joey, O-Owen, Ja-Jaxon, J-Josh)

M- I had that audition a few months ago for Into The Woods, and I read the cast-list. Auditioned for Baker's Wife, got Cinderella!!!

O- Awh, babe, in so proud of you. I'll be front row every night. You've always been a princess to me.

Ch- My baby sister's playing a princess?! You better not be marrying a handsome prince without my approval 😉

J- I knew you would get in, darling! I'll have to come out for opening night! Give it your all, and you'll shine like a superstar.

Ja- Mia, I'm so unbelievably proud of you. I'll be with dad on opening night to give you some flowers. I know you'll kill it!

C- Way to go, kiddo! Dreams do come true. You're one of the leads, and you didn't even have to go to NYC for it to happen. I know how much this means to you, and I couldn't be prouder.

Jo- Okay love, always remember to warm-up your voice before a performance. Kidding, I'm practically oozing with pride. Keep up your excellent work, and you'll reach the stars.

M- Awh, okay, you guys are my favorite guys on the planet. I love you all so much. Xx❤

I put my phone away, and look at Alan. "Josh and Jaxon are flying in for opening night. Reversals start soon, so the kids'll have to rotate between you guys. And Alan, I want you to come to the first rehearsal with me," I tell him. He nods, "The kids can stay with Owen that night, and I'll take you. When is it?"

"Next Thursday. You don't have plans, do you?" I ask. He shakes his head, "Nope babe, I'm all yours." I smile, and hug him, "Alan, you're honestly the best." He kisses my head, "I'd do anything for one of my favorite princesses."

~*~

Rehearsal day, and I'm as nervous as heck. "Owen, sweetheart, you sure you'll be fine with them?" I ask. He nods, "Go to rehearsal, princess, I've got them. They're fine." I smile, and hug him, "Okay, bye kiddos, be careful!"

"Bye mom! Have fun at rehearsal!" Stephen calls from the next room over. They're adjusting really well, and I'm super proud of them. "I'll call you when it ends," I tell Owen, heading out the door to Alan's car.

I throw my bag in the backseat, and climb in. Alan reaches over and grabs my hand, "Now Mia, I know you're nervous, just know God's with you. Do your best, and be the best Cinderella you can be. Don't worry about what anybody says, you do you." Alan brings my hand to his mouth and kisses it.

We drive to the theater, and I get inside and there's a lot of people here. I don't see Nicholas. I stay as close to Alan as I can, looking for a place to sign in. I see Autumn, and drag Alan with me to the table.

"Mia Hart!" She exclaims, as I'm walking. I smile, "It's nice to see you again, Autumn." She grins, "Yes, I was very pleased with your audition." I blush, "Thank you. This is my friend, Alan." She nods, and shakes hands with Alan,"Well, just make yourself at home. We'll be starting soon, Mia."

Alan leads me over to some chairs. There's a lot of people, it's both exciting and overwhelming. "Alan," I whisper. He locks his eyes on mine, and brushes the few wisps of hair out of my eyes, "What is is, lovely?"

"I'm scared. What if nobody likes me?" I admit. He takes my hands, and runs his thumb along my scars, "There are going to love you, my darling, and if they don't, I'm here okay?" I nod, feeling a bit better, and lay my head on his shoulder.

Autumn walks out, and claps her hands, "Okay performers, I'm going to call your name, you'll stand, and say who you'll be playing, understand?" She asks. There's a chorus of 'yes' and 'okay'.

"First, Mia Hart," she reads. Alan squeezes my hand and I stand up slowly. "I'll be playing Cinderella," I announce.

I watch as the rest of the cast introduces themselves. They seem like a nice, talented group of people, and I'm pumped to work with them.

We do a cold read through, and then highlight all of our lines. "Please begin memorizing this week," Autumn says. We all nod, and just spend the rest of the time getting to know each other.

The Baker and Baker's wife are a young couple, Jesse and Robin . My prince is played by a nice, chill guy named Oliver. The other prince is Oliver's best friend, Craig. Craig's princess, Rapunzel, is played by Melissa. Little Red and Jack are played by the incredibly adorable, but also extremely talented, Mae and Levi. The witch is the absolutely stunning Darla, and Larry plays our wolf. And then of course, the whole ensemble, and other smaller roles.

"Okay, great first day everybody. Come back on Saturday morning at 10," Autumn says. "Bye Mia," Robin says on her way out. I smile at her, "See ya Saturday."

"I can't believe I was nervous for that," I admit to Alan once we get back to the car. "You did a good job, princess. Do you want me to go again on Saturday?" He asks. I shrug, "I don't want this to take up too much of your time."

"Mia, honey, if you need me, I'm here. Don't worry about me, it's all part of the dad job," he says. I grin, "Okay. I'd really appreciate you coming." He nods, "Okay then, Super Dad'll be there." I shake my head, "You're such a goofball."

I pull out my phone to call Owen, like I promise, while Alan drives.

M- Hey hon, just got out of rehearsal.

O- How'd it go princess?

M- Pretty good, my cast mates are super nice. I think it's gonna be a fun play. I have another practice Saturday, but I know you how your fishing trip, so I'll see in Joey and Jewel can watch the kids.

O- Okay, sounds good. Oh- and I wanted you to know Ms. Hive called me back.

M- Awesome, did she agree?

O- Mhm.

M- Yes! After the wedding we'll have kiddos. We can talk more once I get there though, on my way.

O- Okay, be careful, my love.

M- I will. See ya in a few.

I hang up my phone and turn to Alan, "I kinda spoiled the surprise." He doesn't seemed fazed, "I'm so proud of you, Mia. Those kids adore you, you and Owen will make excellent parents." I smile at him, "Thanks Alan. I think adopting them is really what God wants us to do." He nods, "I'll pray about it."

We pull up to Owen's house, and go inside. Alan distracts the kids while I discuss the adoption with Owen.

"Did Ms. Hive say anything else?" I ask. He shakes his head, "Nope. She said to call her back when we're ready." I nod, "This is perfect. They're such sweet kids, and everybody already loves them." He grins, "I know babe, this is gonna be awesome."

After telling Owen goodbye, Alan drives me and the kids home. "Thanks for everything today, Big Al. I really appreciate you," I say kissing his cheek. He grins, "No problem, girlie. See you kids later, be good."

"We will Alan," the say in unison, beating me to the door. I open if, and for the rest of the day we just chill, play video games, and watch movies.