Sounds like things are taking a concrete turn for the better between you and W. I think your assessment about your W's comfort is right on.
Whether or not this will lead to her return, I think this is a huge step for two reasons: 1) You're building the foundation of a friendship that will serve you (and your children) well for life and 2) it reinforces the fact that you've made huge strides in your own life---I'm impressed with your maturity and self-reflection at such a young age. You've come a long way, and you deserve to be proud of yourself.
