Amelia pushed open the door to her old house, a sense of relief washing over her. She had decided to return for the sake of stability. The familiar creak of the floorboards and the faint smell of lavender from the hallway diffuser grounded her.
The twins were settled in Ryan’s house for the week, and while she missed them, the quiet was a welcome reprieve. But as she set down her bag, a sharp knock at the door startled her.
Ryan stood on the porch, his expression unreadable.
“What are you doing here?” Amelia asked, keeping her tone neutral.
Ryan stepped inside uninvited, his shoulders tense. “I need to talk to you about the kids.”
“They’re doing fine,” Amelia replied, crossing her arms. “What else is there to discuss?”
Ryan hesitated, his gaze narrowing. “What’s the deal with this James guy?”
Amelia blinked, caught off guard. “He’s their teacher.”
“He’s more than that,” Ryan shot back. “Damien talks about him like he’s the greatest thing since sliced bread. And I saw you with him last night.”
Amelia’s irritation flared. “He’s good to the twins. That’s all.”
Ryan’s voice rose. “You’re letting some stranger play dad to my kids?”
Amelia’s eyes flashed with anger. “Don’t you dare. James is more of a father figure than you’ve ever been.”
The words struck like a blow, and Ryan’s jaw tightened. For a moment, the air between them was charged, heavy with unspoken emotions.
“You think I don’t regret what I did?” Ryan said quietly, his voice trembling with restrained emotion. “I know I failed you and the kids. But I’m here now. Doesn’t that count for something?”
Amelia’s expression softened, but only slightly. “Regret doesn’t fix anything, Ryan. Actions do.”
Ryan nodded, his shoulders slumping slightly. “You’re right. But I won’t stand by while someone else takes my place.”
Amelia sighed, exhaustion creeping into her voice. “James isn’t taking your place. He’s just… kind. And the kids deserve kindness after everything they’ve been through.”
Ryan stood silently for a moment, then turned toward the door. “I’m not giving up on them—or on you,” he said before leaving.
That evening, as Amelia sat at the kitchen table, her phone buzzed with a message from James:
Damien aced his quiz! Thought you’d like to know.
A small smile tugged at her lips as she typed back: Thank you. I really appreciate everything you’re doing for them.
Meanwhile, Ryan sat in his car outside Brenda’s house, staring at his phone and debating whether to text Amelia again. Instead, he tossed the device onto the passenger seat and drove off into the night.