Chapter 13
It was the kind of day that would have been an ordinary Saturday for most people. The sun was bright, the breeze was warm, and the world seemed to be bustling with life outside.
But for Frank, it felt different. There was a sense of anticipation in the air, like everything was shifting just a little. He wasn't sure what would happen next, but for the first time in a long while, he felt like he was moving in the right direction.
Frank was waiting outside Emma's apartment again. It had become a routine, but today felt special. He had promised Emma he would show up more regularly this was his time to demonstrate that he wasn't just a passing presence in their lives. That he was committed to being there for them, no matter what.
When Emma opened the door, she didn't have the same guarded look she often did. Today, her expression was softer, but still cautious.
"Hey," she greeted him, stepping aside to let him in.
"Hey," Frank replied with a smile. "How's Liam?"
"Good. He's finishing breakfast," Emma said, her voice warmer than usual. "I was thinking… maybe we could take him to the park today. He's been asking to go."
Frank's heart leapt at the suggestion. It was small, but it was progress. It was a sign that Emma was starting to trust him again, and it meant the world to him.
"That sounds perfect," Frank said, his smile widening. "When do you want to leave?"
"Give him a few minutes to finish up, and then we can head out," Emma replied. "We'll meet you in the living room."
Frank nodded and made his way toward Liam's room, his mind racing with thoughts of how he could make today special.
He had come to understand that, for Liam, it was the little moments the time spent together, the conversations that seemed insignificant but held meaning that mattered most. And Frank was ready to be a part of that.
When he walked into Liam's room, the little boy was sitting on the floor, surrounded by toys and books. His face lit up as soon as he saw Frank.
"Hey, Dad!" Liam called, jumping up from the floor.
Frank chuckled and knelt down to Liam's level. "Hey, buddy. You ready to go to the park?"
Liam nodded eagerly, his eyes sparkling. "Yeah! I want to play on the swings!"
"Sounds like fun," Frank said, ruffling Liam's hair. "Let's go then."
The three of them made their way to the park, and as they walked, Frank couldn't help but notice how natural it all felt.
Emma was walking beside him, and while there was still a certain distance between them, it felt like they were moving in the right direction. They were a family slowly, but surely, they were becoming one.
At the park, Liam ran ahead, his laughter filling the air as he ran toward the swings. Emma and Frank followed at a slower pace, talking quietly as they walked.
"You know," Emma began, her voice thoughtful, "Liam really does like you. He talks about you a lot, even when you're not around."
Frank's heart swelled at her words. "I'm glad. I want to be a good influence on him."
"You are," Emma said, glancing at him. "But there's still a lot of ground to cover."
"I know," Frank replied earnestly. "I'm not rushing things. I just want to be here for both of you."
They arrived at the swings, and Frank pushed Liam lightly, watching the boy's joy as he soared higher and higher. Emma stood beside Frank, watching Liam with a soft smile on her face.
For a moment, it was easy to imagine a future one where Frank was a constant presence in their lives, where trust was rebuilt and relationships strengthened.
The afternoon passed in a blur of laughter, games, and quiet conversations. It felt good. But Frank knew it wasn't enough yet. There was still much more work to do.
Later, as the sun began to set and they made their way home, Emma turned to Frank.
"I've been thinking," she began, her voice tentative. "I want to take things slow, but I also don't want to hold you back. You're doing well with Liam, and I can see that you care about him. I'm just… afraid of letting go of control. Of trusting someone else again."
Frank stopped walking, his heart pounding in his chest. "I understand, Emma. I'm not asking for everything all at once. I'm asking for a chance to prove to you that I'm not going anywhere. That I can be there for you, too. Not just Liam. You're part of this family, too."
Emma's gaze softened, and for a moment, Frank saw the vulnerability she tried so hard to keep hidden. He took a step closer to her, his voice low but sincere. "You don't have to do this alone anymore, Emma. Let me in. Let me prove I can be the man you need."
She stood there, studying him with an intensity that almost made him squirm. But then, after what felt like an eternity, she nodded slowly. "Okay. We'll take it one step at a time. But no more promises, Frank. Just actions."
Frank smiled, relief flooding through him. "I can do that. I'll show you, Emma. Every day."
They continued walking home together, their steps in sync. The road ahead was still uncertain, but for the first time, Frank believed they were on the right .