Chapter 15

The sun had just begun its slow ascent, casting a soft golden light over the nursery. Evelyn, stirred by the faint sounds of Leo's cooing, gently slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Earl. The past few days had been a whirlwind, but Leo had brought a quiet joy to the house, one Evelyn hadn't expected.

As she entered the nursery, she found Leo standing in his crib, his chubby hands gripping the bars and his bright eyes lighting up when he saw her. A smile broke across his face, and Evelyn's heart warmed instantly.

"Good morning, sweetheart," she whispered, scooping him up and holding him close. Leo responded with a small giggle, his tiny hands grasping her hair, tugging it playfully.

She laughed softly, bouncing him on her hip as they made their way to the changing table. "You're getting stronger every day, aren't you? Soon, you'll be walking and running around, keeping me on my toes."

Leo babbled in response, as if agreeing with her, and Evelyn's laughter filled the room. The tenderness in her actions, the patience in her voice, made her feel more at peace than she had in weeks. For now, this was her world—a quiet morning with a little boy who had already found a place in her heart.

Later, Evelyn sat on the living room floor with Leo, the soft light from the windows making the space feel warm and safe. Toys were scattered around them, but Leo seemed fixated on a small stuffed elephant, hugging it tightly.

"Do you love your elephant?" Evelyn teased, watching him closely as he held it up and pressed it to his cheek.

Leo responded with a wide, toothless grin, his innocent joy infectious. Evelyn's heart swelled as she clapped her hands, encouraging him to explore more toys. She gently placed a set of colorful blocks in front of him, guiding his small hands to stack them.

"You're so clever," Evelyn said softly, her eyes following his every move. "I wonder what you'll be when you grow up."

Leo blinked at her, as if pondering her question, before clapping his hands and babbling once more. Evelyn chuckled, her love for the little boy deepening with every moment they spent together.

Unbeknownst to Evelyn, Earl had returned home earlier than usual. His footsteps were light as he walked through the hallway, his mind preoccupied with the usual burdens of work. Yet, as he neared the living room, he heard the soft murmur of Evelyn's voice, her tone warm and playful.

Curious, Earl stopped just outside the doorway, his gaze falling on Evelyn and Leo. She sat on the floor, her posture relaxed, her eyes bright with joy as she encouraged Leo to take a few steps toward her. The little boy, though wobbly, laughed as he toddled into her waiting arms, his giggles filling the air.

"You're doing so well!" Evelyn praised, kissing his forehead as she caught him.

Earl watched in silence, his heart stirring in a way he hadn't felt in a long time. Evelyn, with her cheerful patience, had an undeniable presence. She was more than just kind—she was determined, a woman who embraced the challenges life threw at her, even when it wasn't easy. He had seen that in the way she handled their marriage, and now, with Leo, it was even more apparent.

Evelyn was the kind of person who made the best of whatever situation she found herself in, and Earl couldn't help but admire her for that.

Feeling something shift inside him, Earl stepped into the room. Evelyn looked up, surprised but smiling warmly at him. "You're home early," she said, her voice soft but welcoming.

"I finished up quicker than expected," Earl replied, his eyes drifting to Leo, who was now watching him curiously.

For a moment, there was a comfortable silence between them, until Evelyn spoke again, her tone gentle. "Leo's been practicing his steps. He's getting stronger every day."

Earl knelt down beside them, his gaze softening as he looked at Leo. "Is that so?" he murmured, reaching out to ruffle the boy's hair. Leo blinked up at him, his expression curious, before letting out a small giggle.

Earl felt something tighten in his chest—an unfamiliar warmth. He hadn't allowed himself to think about fatherhood, not since his relationship with Nathalie had ended. But in moments like this, it was hard to ignore the quiet dream he had once carried—of having a family, of holding a child of his own.

Without thinking, Earl gently took one of Leo's small hands in his. "Let's see what you've got, buddy," he said softly, guiding Leo to stand up. The boy wobbled for a moment, his legs unsure, but with Earl's steady hand, he managed to take a few shaky steps.

Evelyn watched them with a soft smile, her heart swelling at the sight of Earl interacting with Leo. There was something so natural about it, as if a piece of Earl that had long been buried was finally surfacing.

"Look at that," Evelyn said, her voice filled with quiet awe. "He's walking with you."

Earl looked down at Leo, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "He's a tough little guy," he murmured, feeling a strange sense of pride. For a brief moment, he imagined what it would be like to have a child of his own, to be there for all of those firsts—first steps, first words, first adventures.

As he glanced at Evelyn, who was watching them with such warmth and patience, he couldn't help but wonder if that future wasn't so impossible after all. Maybe, just maybe, he could allow himself to dream again.

The thought lingered in his mind as Leo stumbled into his arms, his little hands gripping Earl's shirt. Earl held him close, his expression softening further as he looked at the boy. For the first time in a long time, Earl felt the weight of his past begin to lift, making room for something new, something hopeful.

Evelyn stood and gently touched Earl's arm. "I think he's ready for his nap," she said, her voice quiet.

Earl nodded, standing up with Leo still in his arms. "I'll take him," he offered, surprising even himself.

Evelyn's eyes softened with gratitude. "Thank you, Earl."

As Earl carried Leo upstairs, feeling the small weight of the child resting against him, he realized that maybe this life wasn't so foreign after all.