Chapter 10
Frank's thoughts had been consumed with Liam ever since that afternoon. The laughter, the shared moments, and the simple joy of being in his son's presence it was everything Frank hadn't known he was missing.
Yet, as much as he wanted to be the father Liam deserved, Frank knew this journey wasn't going to be easy. There would be obstacles, setbacks, and challenges, but Frank was ready to face them head-on.
He had called Emma later that evening to check in on Liam. The conversation had been brief but meaningful, and it was clear to Frank that Emma was still skeptical. He didn't blame her—after all, trust couldn't be rebuilt overnight. But Frank wasn't planning on walking away. Not this time.
The next few days were a whirlwind of trying to adjust to his new role. Between work, meetings, and trying to make time for Liam, Frank was exhausted. But he welcomed the exhaustion. It felt good to be working toward something meaningful for the first time in years.
Frank's assistant, Claire, could see the change in him.
"You seem… different lately," she remarked one morning as Frank sat at his desk, reviewing documents.
Frank glanced up at her, arching an eyebrow. "How so?"
"I don't know," Claire said with a thoughtful expression. "You're more focused. And, I don't know… there's something softer about you."
Frank smiled, though it felt unfamiliar. "Maybe I'm finally growing up."
Claire didn't push further, but she couldn't help but notice how Frank's demeanor had changed in recent weeks. He had become more patient, more thoughtful—less driven by the relentless pursuit of success and more attuned to what truly mattered.
That evening, Frank found himself standing outside Emma's apartment again. He had texted her earlier in the day, offering to take Liam to the park for a few hours. Emma had hesitated but had agreed. Frank wasn't sure whether that was a sign of progress or simply a reluctant acceptance of his efforts, but he wasn't about to let it stop him.
When Emma opened the door, she didn't smile, but her eyes held a softness that Frank hadn't noticed before.
"Hi," she said. "Liam's getting ready for his bath, but you can take him afterward. Just… be careful with him, okay? He's still getting used to the idea of having you around."
Frank nodded, his heart racing at the thought of being alone with his son again. He had been doing everything he could to get to know Liam better, but it was still so new—so fragile.
"Of course," Frank said. "I won't let him down."
Liam was in his room, sitting on the floor with a puzzle in front of him. When he saw Frank enter, his face lit up with recognition.
"Dad!" he said, jumping to his feet. "You came back!"
Frank smiled, his chest swelling with emotion. "I said I would, didn't I?"
Liam nodded eagerly, grabbing his shoes and holding them out to Frank. "Let's go to the park!"
Frank took the shoes from him, gently helping him put them on. "Alright, champ. Let's do this."
As they walked to the park, Frank marveled at how natural it felt. He and Liam didn't talk much, but the quiet companionship was more than enough. Frank had never known a kind of peace like this before—being in the company of someone who needed him, who looked to him for guidance and care.
At the park, they played together, with Frank pushing Liam on the swings and helping him climb on the jungle gym. Frank couldn't remember the last time he had allowed himself to be fully immersed in something so simple, yet so fulfilling.
After a while, they sat on a bench, watching the other children play. Liam leaned against Frank, his small head resting on his shoulder.
"I like this," Liam said quietly.
Frank smiled down at him. "Me too, buddy. Me too."
Later that evening, as they returned to Emma's apartment, Frank felt a sense of accomplishment he hadn't known in years. Liam had opened up to him more, and even Emma had started to relax around him. It was a small step, but it was progress.
But as Frank stood in the doorway, watching Liam play with his toys, a knot formed in his stomach. The hardest part of this journey was just beginning.
Emma had made it clear that she wasn't going to let him in easily. She had every right to be cautious, and Frank knew it was going to take time for her to trust him fully. But that didn't matter. He was prepared to fight for both Liam and Emma—for their future.
When Emma came into the living room later, she looked at him, her expression unreadable. "You did well today," she said, her voice softer than usual. "Liam had a good time."
Frank met her gaze. "I want to keep doing well, Emma. For him. For both of you."
Emma sighed, crossing her arms. "I'm still not sure about all of this, Frank. I don't know if you're really ready to take on the responsibility of being a father. It's not easy. It's not just playing in the park and buying toys."
Frank took a step toward her, his voice firm but sincere. "I know it's not easy. I've seen that now. But I'm ready. I promise you, I'm ready to do whatever it takes to prove that I can be the father Liam deserves."
Emma looked at him for a long moment before finally nodding. "We'll see, Frank. We'll see."
As Frank left that night, he couldn't shake the feeling that this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be full of challenges, but he was determined to overcome them. Liam and Emma had already shown him a new world, and Frank wasn't about to let that world slip away.
He was ready to fight for them. Ready to change for real this time.