My name is Rhys Tyler, a 19-year-old from Ireland. I'm studying abroad with my college in New York. The bustling city is a stark contrast to my quiet Irish town.

Today, we are visiting the beach. The sun is hot, and the cool ocean breeze is a welcome relief. Suddenly, I see a young boy fall off a cliff.

Without thinking, I rush towards him, catching him in my arms. He's crying uncontrollably, scared and shocked. I soothe him, trying to calm him down.

"What's your name?" I ask him gently. The boy, still sobbing, manages to stutter, "Ryker Tyler." I freeze in shock, recognizing the name.

"Is your mom Annelyse Vernon?" I ask, my heart pounding. The boy looks at me surprised and asks, "How do you know my mama?"

I hug him tightly, tears welling up in my eyes. "Buddy, I've missed you so much," I say. He stares at me for a moment before saying, "Papa?"

Nodding, I ask him about his mother and sister. "They're in the water. I was with Grandad," he says. I look around frantically and spot an older man looking worried.

"Richard Vernon! Ryker's here!" I call out. Richard, my girlfriend's father, looks relieved. But as he points behind me, my heart sinks. "She knows, kid," he says.

I turn around and see Annelyse, my girlfriend, and our daughter, Riley. "Hey hon," I say, trying to hide my nervousness. "Hi Riley."

The rest of the day is a blur. We spend it talking, catching up on the years we've missed. The children, initially wary, start warming up to me.

That night, as I tuck Ryker and Riley into bed, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. But I also feel a pang of fear. What if I lose them again?

The next day, we visit Central Park. The kids are excited, running around, exploring. I watch them, a smile playing on my lips. But something feels off.

I notice Annelyse talking to Richard, their faces tense. I approach them, curious. "What's wrong?" I ask. The look they exchange worries me.

Annelyse takes a deep breath. "Rhys," she begins, "we need to talk." She looks at me, her eyes filled with concern. My heart starts pounding.

We sit on a park bench, the kids playing in the distance. Annelyse tells me about her parents' decision to move back to Ireland. My heart sinks.

"But what about the kids?" I ask, hoping for an answer I want to hear. "They want to take them back," she says, her voice barely audible.

I feel a wave of despair wash over me. But then, I make up my mind. I won't let them take my kids away from me, not again.

The following weeks are a whirlwind. I do everything in my power to ensure I can stay with my kids. It's exhausting, but I don't mind.

I manage to get a lawyer and present my case. The process is long and draining. But seeing Ryker and Riley's smiles keeps me going.

After what feels like forever, the court grants me custody. I feel an overwhelming sense of relief. I can finally be with my kids, without any fear.

I hug Ryker and Riley tightly, tears streaming down my face. "We're staying together," I tell them. They beam at me, their faces lighting up with joy.

Annelyse smiles at me, her eyes sparkling with tears. "You did it, Rhys," she says. I nod, wrapping an arm around her. We did it.

That night, as I tuck the kids into bed, I feel a sense of peace. I know we have a long journey ahead, but at least we're together.

Days turn into weeks, weeks into months. We fall into a routine, and for the first time in years, I feel like I have a family.

Annelyse and I become closer, and our relationship strengthens. The kids grow up, their laughter filling our home. Life feels complete.

I look at Ryker and Riley, playing in the yard. They're growing so fast, each day bringing new surprises. I feel blessed.

As I watch my kids, I realize that everything I've been through was worth it. The pain, the fear, the fight - it was all for them.

I turn to Annelyse, her hand in mine. We exchange a glance, a silent promise. No matter what, we will always fight for our family.

My journey has been a roller coaster of emotions, but I wouldn't change a thing. I found my kids, my family. And that's all that matters.

As the sun sets, I watch my kids play, their laughter echoing in the air. I feel a sense of fulfillment. This is my happy ending.