Caleb leads the charge again—I’m not sure who’s having more fun, him or my children, and orders ice cream for all of us.
Once again Jason’s eyes light up, and it’ll be worth dealing with his sugar rush later as he takes in the sight of the coned ice cream with chocolate sauce.
The mess doesn’t matter.
The heart of the little boy sparking with life does.
“Is this all for me?” he asks.
“It’s probably a mistake, but yes.” I laugh and his smile lights up my heart.
This is it—the life we should’ve had. I couldn’t do it for my other children at his age, but I can make sure he has a life full of fun and laughter.
“Let’s take a seat and eat this before we do anything else.” Caleb winks at him.
There goes what’s left of my heart.
I’m in love with this man. It feels like it’s taken next to no time, and a lot of it will be old feelings being reawakened, but I love Caleb so much, I think my heart might burst.
When we’re home and the kids have all crashed, I join Caleb on the couch again.
“Thank you.” I rest my head on Caleb’s shoulder.
He kisses my hair. “Any time. It was fun. I haven’t been there for years.”
“I’m so glad you’re in our lives.”
“Me too.”
I take in a deep breath. Today was incredible, and I don’t want it to ever end.
“Caleb?”
He pulls away and looks me in the eyes. “Emma.”
“Did you want to stay?”
Nineteen
Caleb
“Did you want to stay?”
She’s so meek as she asks, and as enticing as it is, I hate it. The Emma I knew was confident and happy. This Emma is withdrawn and scared.
“If you want me to.”
“I’m not ready for …”
I take her hands in mine. She’s trembling. It’s taking everything for her to ask me to stay with her.
“We’ll go as slow as you want. I’m happy to just be here with you.”
She takes a deep breath and smiles. “You make me nervous.”
“I don’t mean to.” I raise a hand to cup her cheek. “Look at how brave and strong you’ve been. Packing up and selling your house. Moving here. Protecting your kids.”
She blinks rapidly. “That was easy.”
