Chapter 9
The morning sunlight streamed through the windows of Emma's apartment, casting a warm glow over the modest living room. Frank stood just outside her door, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt, though he had deliberately chosen casual attire to avoid intimidating Liam.
For the first time in years, Frank felt genuine nerves coursing through his veins. Today wasn't about business deals or strategies—it was about meeting his son for the first time.
When Emma opened the door, she gave him a curt nod. Her expression was neutral, but her eyes betrayed the cautious hope she carried. "Come in," she said, stepping aside to let him through.
Frank walked inside, his gaze immediately landing on a small boy sitting cross-legged on the carpet, surrounded by colorful blocks. Liam was engrossed in his creation, his little hands carefully stacking pieces to build what looked like a castle.
Emma cleared her throat softly, and Liam looked up. His wide brown eyes, so much like Emma's, met Frank's. There was a moment of silence, and then Liam tilted his head, curiosity lighting up his face.
"Hi," Frank said, crouching down to be at Liam's level. "You must be Liam."
Liam nodded slowly. "Who are you?" he asked, his voice small but direct.
Frank glanced at Emma, who gave him a subtle nod of encouragement. Turning back to Liam, he smiled. "I'm Frank. I'm… I'm your dad."
The words felt foreign yet oddly right as they left his mouth.
Liam blinked, his little brow furrowing in thought. "My dad?" he repeated, as if testing the idea.
"Yes," Frank replied, his voice soft. "I know I haven't been around before, but I'd really like to get to know you, if that's okay with you."
Liam studied him for a moment, then glanced at Emma. "Mommy?"
"It's okay, sweetheart," Emma said gently. "Frank just wants to spend some time with you. You don't have to do anything you don't want to."
Liam seemed to consider this for a moment before nodding. "Okay," he said simply.
Frank let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He looked at the blocks scattered around the floor and grinned. "What are you building here? It looks pretty amazing."
"A castle," Liam said, his voice growing more animated. "But it keeps falling down."
"Maybe I can help?" Frank offered.
Liam hesitated, then shrugged. "Okay."
Frank settled onto the floor, carefully picking up a block and adding it to the structure. Liam watched him closely, his small hands moving in tandem with Frank's as they worked together to stabilize the castle.
As they built, Emma observed from the kitchen, her heart a tangle of emotions. Seeing Frank with Liam felt surreal. For so long, she had been both mother and father to her son, shielding him from the pain of an absent parent. Yet now, as she watched Liam smile and laugh with Frank, she wondered if maybe—just maybe—things could be different.
After an hour, the castle stood tall, and Liam clapped his hands in triumph. "We did it!" he exclaimed.
"We sure did," Frank said, his chest swelling with pride. "You're a great builder, Liam."
Liam beamed at the compliment, and for the first time, he gave Frank a shy smile.
As the day went on, Frank continued to interact with Liam, reading him a story and even attempting to draw a picture of a dinosaur at Liam's request. It was messy and barely recognizable, but Liam laughed so hard that Frank couldn't help but laugh with him.
By the time lunch rolled around, Liam was chattering away about his favorite cartoons and the games he liked to play. Frank listened intently, soaking in every detail.
Emma served sandwiches and juice, and as they ate together, she couldn't help but notice how natural Frank seemed in this setting. He was attentive, patient, and genuinely interested in what Liam had to say.
After lunch, Frank and Liam sat on the couch, flipping through a book about animals. Liam pointed excitedly at each picture, telling Frank everything he knew about lions, elephants, and giraffes.
"Did you know elephants have really good memories?" Liam asked, his eyes wide with excitement.
"I did," Frank said, smiling. "But I think you might know more about animals than I do."
Liam giggled. "That's because I watch a lot of animal shows."
Frank laughed, marveling at how quickly Liam had warmed up to him. For the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of belonging that had nothing to do with his wealth or success.
As the afternoon turned to evening, Emma gently reminded Liam that it was time to start winding down. Liam groaned but didn't argue, and Frank took that as his cue to leave.
"I'll see you again soon, buddy," Frank said, ruffling Liam's hair.
"Okay," Liam said, smiling up at him. "Bye, Dad."
The word hit Frank like a bolt of lightning, filling him with a mix of joy and guilt. He crouched down to Liam's level one last time. "Goodbye, Liam. I'll be back, I promise."
Liam nodded, then turned and ran off to his room, already chattering about his day.
Frank stood and turned to Emma. "Thank you," he said quietly. "For giving me this chance."
Emma nodded, her expression softer than it had been before. "Don't make me regret it, Frank."
"I won't," he promised.
As Frank walked back to his car, he felt an unfamiliar but welcome sensation a sense of purpose that had nothing to do with his career or his wealth. For the first time, he felt like he was truly on the path to becoming the man he wanted to be: a father Liam could be proud of.