I laid out a plate of pancakes for Theo as the morning sun hung low in the sky, bathing the kitchen in a warm, golden glow. His expression brightened, and he eagerly delved in without realising the chaos that roiled inside of me. My thoughts kept returning to what I had discussed with Logan. He had committed to staying and being involved in Theo's life. For my son, it was everything I had hoped for but never imagined was possible. But it was frightening now that it was real.
I was thinking when there was a knock on the door. My chest tightened with the now-familiar feeling of anticipation as my heart leaped. Logan arrived early.
"Is it Logan, Mommy?" Wiping a dab of syrup from his cheek, Theo asked.
I made an effort to smile. It could be. Let's see.
Logan's familiar face greeted me as I opened the door, his normally assured demeanour softened by a hint of hesitation. The colours of the wildflowers in his bouquet stood out against the subdued morning light.
He offered them with a lopsided smile that evoked a wave of memories and said, "These are for you."
The delicate scent of the flowers stirred something deep within me as I took them. "Thank you," I said, attempting to suppress my emotional outburst. "Enter now."
Logan entered, his eyes straying to Theo, who gave him an openly admiring smile. "Logan!" With a shout, Theo jumped out of his chair and rushed to put his arms around Logan's legs.
Logan knelt down and gave him a tight hug. "Hey, friend. How do those pancakes taste?
Theo's eyes glistened. "So delicious! Pancakes made by Mommy are the best.
With a hint of something unsaid in his eyes, Logan looked up at me. "She probably does."
I distracted myself by putting the flowers in a vase and turned away. There was a tension in the room that was simmering just below the surface. I was aware that we couldn't continue to skirt the more difficult subjects, but it wasn't the right moment with Theo present. Not yet, anyway.
Logan got up and held Theo in his arms, concentrating only on our son. After breakfast, how about a little adventure? Me and you?"
Theo's expression brightened. "Really? Like an actual adventure?
Logan laughed. Yes, without a doubt. A forest trail is close by. Do you believe you have the courage to take on it?
Theo practically burst with excitement as he puffed out his chest. "I have the most courage!"
As I watched them, a twinge of desire pulled at me. They had an unbreakable bond that developed so fast it was almost magical. Despite all the years that had passed, they were at ease and comfortable together.
I cleared my throat. "Be sure to exercise caution if you're going hiking. That path can be a little challenging.
Logan looked at me and nodded. "We'll be secure. Assure me.
---
As they embarked on their journey, I was by myself with my thoughts—a rare respite from the chaos that had become my life. Without Theo's incessant chatter, the house felt strangely empty. I shifted erratically, clearing away breakfast before beginning to care for the flowers Logan had brought. They were a thoughtful gesture that made me feel oddly uneasy; they were simple but lovely.
My mind was filled with memories of our past. Back when we were young and everything seemed to be coming together just right, I recalled the first time Logan had brought me flowers. Because of a bond that seemed ageless and unbreakable, we had been inseparable. Nevertheless, he had broken it so effortlessly, ignoring me without hesitation.
It was only when the door creaked open that I realised Logan had returned because I was so engrossed in the past. His little face flushed with excitement, Theo followed him as he stepped in.
"We spotted a deer, Mommy!" Theo shouted, his voice full of enthusiasm. "It was really close!"
I reached down to smooth his hair and grinned. "You seem to have had an adventure."
"We did," Logan said, maintaining a fixed stare at me. "Theo has excellent vision. I didn't even notice it until he did.
My heart grew as Theo smiled, his pride shining through. Perhaps it wasn't much, but it felt significant to know that he and his father had experienced this moment together. I felt a ray of hope for the first time in a long time.
---
Logan lingered in the living room with an awkward posture after Theo had gone to his room to rest. Maybe I should stop avoiding him since I knew he wanted to talk.
His voice was low as he asked, "Can we sit?"
I nodded and sat down in the armchair as he took the couch across from me and looked into my eyes. "I want you to know how sorry I am, Aria. For everything.
I tried to steady myself while looking down and twitching my fingers together. "I've heard excuses before, Logan. However, you must realise that apologising won't make the hurt go away. It doesn't alter what took place.
"I understand." He spoke quietly and regretfully. "I was a fool, oblivious to what I believed a Luna ought to be." I was so preoccupied with strength that I failed to recognise your value.
The words cut deeper than I wanted to acknowledge, causing my heart to ache. It was obvious to you that I wasn't good enough for you. But Logan, things are different now. I've evolved.
His face was serious as he leaned forward. "I recognise that. Aria, you are stronger than I ever could have guessed. And I'm sorry I didn't support you when it counted. I want to be there for Theo, but I don't expect you to forgive me just yet. I want to be his father and support him unconditionally.
Upon examining him, I looked for any indication of hesitation, but instead I saw sincerity and a softer quality. It was obvious that he meant it. He was prepared to go to any lengths.
"All right," I muttered, my voice hardly steady. "Theo's life is open to you. However, this does not imply that we are... We are unable to return to the past. I will always remember what you did.
Logan slowly nodded while maintaining a fixed gaze. "I get it. I'm not giving up, though. One day at a time, I will gain your trust. If you don't mind, I'm here for you as well as for Theo.
His promise felt as brittle as glass, and the weight of his words hung in the air. Although I wanted to believe him, the wounds he had caused were too severe to ignore.
I said quietly, "Logan, take it day by day." "That's my only contribution."
---
As the days stretched into weeks, Logan stayed as promised. He was always there, spending time with Theo and gradually developing a relationship that seemed to get stronger every day. They would walk and visit the park, and I would frequently find myself observing them and marvelling at how organic everything appeared. Theo felt as though his father had been with him constantly.
It was more difficult for me to maintain my composure because Logan didn't push me or ask for more than I was prepared to give. Little by little, I found myself opening up to him and sharing moments that brought back memories of our previous connection.
Logan stayed by the door one night after Theo had gone to sleep. His voice was quiet as he said, "Thank you, Aria." "For allowing me this opportunity."
I stared at him, feeling torn. "Thank you not yet. Any certainty is still a long way off.
A tiny, hopeful smile tugged at his lips as he nodded. "I understand. However, I will remain here for however long it takes.
And for the first time in a long time, I felt a glimmer of something perilous, something I had vowed to avoid—the hope that perhaps, just possibly, we might still have a future.