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“Harper, Hudson told me about what happened with your mom when we were buying the tickets while the kids went to the bathroom,” Benedict begins cautiously. “Is everything alright?”
I sigh. “Yeah, it’s…complicated. Does it change what you think of me?”
“Never,” he answers without hesitation, his voice steady and reassuring. “We all have our pasts, Harper. What matters is who you are now. Besides, I don’t think you’re capable of doing something like that.”
“Thank you, Benedict,” I say softly, meeting his eyes. “That means a lot to me.”
“Always here for you,” he replies, giving me a small, genuine smile.
We walk together in silence for a moment, both lost in our thoughts while keeping an eye on the kids. With every step, I feel a connection growing between us—a bond that goes beyond mere attraction. And for the first time in a long while, I’m no longer afraid to let someone else in.
Feeling emboldened by Benedict’s support, I decide to share more about my troubled past. “There was this guy, Ray,” I begin, my voice shaking slightly as I recall the memories. “He was…sleazy, to say the least. One night at a party, he started kissing all over me. It was gross.”
I look down at my hands, clenching them into fists. “My mother found out about it and instead of supporting me, she blamed me for what happened. She said I provoked him with my ‘inappropriate attire’ and that I should’ve known better.” The betrayal still stings, but I force myself to continue.
“Things got worse from there. When I left Ian, well…he told her, and I’m sure everyone else, that I’d cheated but he was still willing to forgive me if I came home since he knew how ashamed I was,” I reveal, swallowing hard. The hurt in my chest is almost unbearable, but I know I need to let it out. And something tells me Benedict is worth opening up to. “Of course, he was full of it, but my mom clearly hung on to every word.”
Benedict’s eyes are filled with concern as he watches me, listening intently. “That must have been incredibly difficult for you, Harper,” he says softly. “No one should have to go through that, especially not alone.”
“Thank you,” I whisper, feeling tears prickling behind my eyes. “It was tough, but the kids gave me the strength to keep going. They made everything worth it.”
“Your kids are lucky to have you, Harper,” Benedict says, his voice full of sincerity. “You’re an incredible mother.”
A warmth spreads through my chest at his words, and I can’t help but smile. “Thank you, Benedict. That means more than you could ever know.”
“Always here for you, remember?” He grins, and I feel my heart skip a beat as we continue walking through the petting zoo, our connection growing stronger with every step we take together.
We pass by a pen full of bleating goats. My heart heavy in my chest, I take a deep breath before continuing. “I really do appreciate everything you guys have done,” I say quietly, my voice barely audible over the low hum of conversation from parents and children around us.
“We’re here for you—not just me, but all of us. You and your kids won’t be alone during the holidays, or any other time.”
His words wash over me like a soothing balm, easing some of the ache I’ve carried for so long. I glance up at him, my eyes meeting the fierce determination in his. “Thank you, Benedict. I don’t know what I would do without you and the others.”
“Let’s make sure you never have to find out,” he replies softly, a hint of a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.
“I’m looking forward to spending the holidays with all of you,” I confess, feeling a surge of anticipation at the thought. “It’s been a long time since I’ve had a real family Christmas. It’s been just me and the kids for the last few years.”
“Then we’ll make sure it’s one to remember,” he promises, his eyes twinkling with mischief. His other hand reaches out to brush a stray hair from my face, sending tingles across my skin.
“We’ll hold you to that,” I tease, feeling lighter than I have in years. My connection with Benedict has grown stronger, more intense, and the knowledge that we’re all in this together fills me with a sense of belonging I thought I’d lost forever.
Just as I’m about to reply, Olivia comes bounding over, her eyes wide with excitement. “Mommy, can we go on the rides now? Please?” she begs, tugging on my arm.
“Of course, honey,” I say, chuckling at her enthusiasm. “Let’s see if your brother is ready too.”
“Yay!” Olivia exclaims, releasing my arm and racing back to where Peter is playing with a baby goat.
“Looks like our moment of peace is over,” Benedict says with a laugh, waving at Peter to join us.
“Wouldn’t trade it for anything,” I admit, squeezing his hand before letting go.
The sun beats down on my face, warming my skin as we step outside the petting zoo tent. The air is filled with the sounds of laughter and excitement from nearby rides, music is playing over the park’s speakers, and the scent of popcorn and cotton candy is wafting through the air. I can feel Benedict’s strong presence beside me, his hand brushing against mine every so often.
“Mom! Look!” Peter shouts from atop of Hudson, who has hoisted him onto his shoulders. My little boy clings to Hudson’s neck, eyes sparkling with anticipation. “Can I feed the giraffe now?”
“Go ahead, buddy!” Hudson encourages, grinning from ear to ear. It’s clear he’s enjoying this as much as Peter is.
“Alright then,” I say with a smile, watching as Hudson leads Peter toward the giraffe enclosure, while Olivia races along beside them. Her laughter fills the air, and a surge of happiness swells within me.
