“I think it’s going to take a lot more than just a sorry, kid.”
“Well, then can you just kiss her on the mouth and take her to dinner?” Jake insists, and I quickly cover my mouth to stifle a laugh.
Jason chuckles, a low, raspy sound, as he rubs the back of his neck, clearly feeling the pressure from a very persistent six-year-old. “Believe me, son, there’s nothing I’d like more than that. But it’s up to Mila. And she seems busy right now, so why don’t we let her finish getting her groceries? We’ve already taken up enough of her time.” His eyes meet mine, steady and unblinking, almost like he’s quietly hoping I’ll say otherwise. Jake’s gaze flicks silently between Jason and me.
Seeing them tonight has stirred that familiar sense of comfort and warmth—the sense of home I always felt whenever they were near. It was as if those feelings had never truly left, only settled quietly in the background over the months. No matter how hard I tried to silence them, they always lingered. Becausethe truth is—I still think about them. I still miss them. I still love them. And one thing I know for sure is that I still ache for Jason.
As the silence drags on, Jason looks down at his son with a bittersweet smile and takes his hand. “You ready to go, little man?”
Jake glances up at me, a flicker of disappointment crossing his little face before he looks back at his father and nods.
“Say goodbye to Mila,” Jason says, offering me a small smile.
“Bye, Mila.”
“Bye, sweetie.” My voice cracks as the words leave my mouth. Jason’s gaze lingers on mine a moment longer before he finally walks away with Jake. As I watch them quietly disappear around the corner, something inside me fractures a little.
I stand frozen in place, chest heavy with longing and heartache. After all this time, Jason’s love for me hasn’t wavered, he’s never stopped caring, and he’s never given up on us. Even now, I could still see the hope in his eyes, the hope that one day I would come back to him. And damn if that doesn’t fill my heart with overwhelming joy.
There’s no denying it anymore—I still want Jason. I want him in my life, in every way that matters. And it’s time I finally tell him the truth. I want to give us another chance, a real one this time. And I refuse to wait a single moment longer. With my mind made up and my heart wide open and free to embrace love again—his love—I sprint towards the registers, praying they haven’t left just yet.
As I turn the corner, I see them just ahead, waiting in line. My heart quickens, and I start moving towards them. Jason looks my way, his brow furrowing. But when he reads my expression, he quickly takes Jake’s hand and steps out of the queue.
“Mila, are you okay?”
I steady my breath as I close the distance between us. “I’m fine. I just wanted to ask you something.”
He nods slowly, curious. “Of course. You can ask me anything.”
“Can I call you sometime?” I ask, then quickly shake my head. “Actually, no. What I really wanted to ask is… is it okay if we could all hang out again sometime? Like we used to.”
Jason draws in a deep breath, his face alight with shock, relief, excitement, and hope all at once. His smile stretches wide, and I can’t help but mirror it.
“Mila, you never have to ask. Jake and I would love that. Right, bud?” he says to Jake without breaking eye contact with me.
“Please visit us,” Jake pleads. “You have to meet Mongoose.”
I raise an eyebrow at Jason, who lets out a chuckle.
“It’s his pet guinea pig,” he explains. “Jake wanted a real mongoose, but I told him they’re not allowed as pets, and that they don’t actually live here. So, a guinea pig was the next best thing.”
“Right. Gotchya!” I laugh as I look back at Jake. “Well, I would love to meet Mongoose—the guinea pig.”
His adorable smile stretches so wide I wish I could freeze it in my mind forever. When I glance back at Jason, his expression is tender, radiating warmth.
“I better let you get those checked out.” I gesture to the full shopping basket in his hand.
“I’ll give you a call tomorrow.”
He nods, pulling Jake close to his side. “I’ll be waiting,” he says softy, then winks at me before turning around and heading back to the checkout with Jake.
I walk in the opposite direction as them, resuming my search for more groceries. But as I wander through aisle after aisle, my mind is no longer on food—no, it’s focused solely on the next time I get to see Jason again.
CHAPTER 39
Mila
Sofia is sprawled on her stomach across my bed, propped up on both elbows as she surveys my outfit with a critical eye. It’s the third one I’ve tried tonight, but I already know this is the one—a gorgeous long-sleeved blush dress that’s fitted through the bodice before flaring softly at the hips, the hem skimming just above my knees.
