24. Rendal

CHAPTER 24

Rendal

I stare at my phone, reading Chloe's message for what feels like the hundredth time. "Rendal, I'm happy for you and Zola. Thank you for everything you're doing for her." The words are there, black and white on my screen, but they feel... distant. Clinical. Not at all like the Chloe I've come to know and care for deeply.

My thumb hovers over the reply button, but I hesitate. What can I say that will truly convey how I feel? How do I show her that this isn't just about Zola, but about us—about the future I want to build with her and Penelope?

I lean back in my chair, running a hand through my hair. The office around me fades away as I think about Chloe's smile, the way her eyes light up when she talks about her students, the gentle way she interacts with Zola. I can't lose that. I won't.

But how do I make her see that I'm all in? That I'm not just fighting for Zola, but for us?

I stand up, pacing the length of my office. My mind races with possibilities. A grand gesture? No, that's not Chloe's style. She appreciates sincerity, honesty. I need to show her, not just tell her, how serious I am.

An idea starts to form. It's risky, but it feels right. But who am I kidding? I'm tired of waiting around to see if things go right. I need to act. Right fucking now.

When I go to pick up Zola, we don't head to the park like we usually do. Instead, we head to the florist's shop. "Ready to pick out some pretty flowers for Miss Chloe?" I ask.

Zola nods enthusiastically, her pigtails bouncing. "Can we get the pink ones? Miss Chloe likes pink!"

I chuckle, grateful for my daughter's innocent excitement. "Sure thing, sweetheart. Let's see what they have."

We enter the shop, and the sweet fragrance of flowers envelops us. Zola darts from one display to another, her eyes wide with wonder. I follow her, keeping an eye out for Chloe's favorites.

"Daddy, look!" Zola exclaims, pointing to a beautiful bouquet of pink and white lilies. "These are perfect!"

I smile, amazed at my daughter's intuition. "You're right, Zola. These are Miss Chloe's favorites."

As we pay for the flowers, I feel the weight of the letter in my pocket. I spent a long time writing it, perfecting it, pouring my heart out onto the page. I hope it's enough to show Chloe how much she means to me.

Back in the car, I check my watch. We're right on schedule. Lisa confirmed that Chloe and Penelope would be home, unsuspecting of our surprise visit.

"Are you excited to see Penelope?" I ask Zola as we drive.

She nods vigorously. "Yeah! I miss her so much, Daddy. Can we have a sleepover soon?"

Her words tug at my heart. "We'll see, sweetie. Let's focus on today first, okay?"

As we pull up to Chloe's house, I reach into the glove compartment and pull out a small, wrapped gift—a charm bracelet with Chloe and Penelope's names on it.

"Alright, Zola," I say, trying to inject some humor into my voice. "Remember our secret mission? Operation Surprise Miss Chloe?"

Zola giggles. "Roger that, Captain Daddy!"

I can't help but laugh. "That's my girl. Now, let's go make Miss Chloe smile."

We walk up to the front door, Zola clutching the flowers while I hold the letter and gift. I take one last deep breath, hoping everything goes according to plan.

Zola bounces excitedly beside me, her eyes shining with anticipation as I ring the doorbell.

The seconds stretch into eternity as we wait. Then, the door swings open, and there she is. Chloe's eyes widen in surprise, her lips parting slightly as she takes in the sight of us.

I step forward, smiling wide to see her again. "Chloe," I begin, feeling the weight of everything I want to say. "I know we've been through a lot, and I understand your hesitation. But I want you to know that I'm not just fighting for Zola; I'm fighting for us. For our family. I love you, and I can't imagine my life without you."

The words hang in the air between us, and for a moment, I wonder if I said too much. But then I see the glimmer of tears in Chloe's eyes, and a small smile tugs at her lips.

Before either of us can say anything more, a high-pitched squeal breaks the tension. Penelope appears behind Chloe, her face lighting up at the sight of Zola. In an instant, the two girls are racing towards each other, colliding in a tangle of limbs and laughter.

"Zola!" Penelope cries, hugging her friend tightly.

"Penelope!" Zola squeals back, her pigtails bouncing as she jumps up and down.

Their joy is infectious, and I can't help but smile. I look back at Chloe, who's watching the girls with an amused grin. When her eyes meet mine again, I see a softness there that gives me hope.

I reach out, gently taking her hand in mine. Her skin is soft, and I can feel her pulse racing beneath my fingers.

"I've thought about this long and hard. I've fought for Zola, and now I'm fighting for us. For our family. You, me, Zola, and Penelope - we belong together."

I glance over at our daughters, still wrapped up in their joyful reunion. Their laughter fills the air, a reminder of the happiness we could all share.

"I know it won't be easy," I continue, turning back to Chloe. "There will be challenges. Valeria might try to cause problems, and we'll have to navigate co-parenting. But I'm ready for all of it. I'm ready to face whatever comes our way, as long as I'm facing it with you."

I squeeze her hand gently, pouring all my emotions into that simple gesture. "I love you, Chloe. I love Penelope. And I want to build a future with all of us together. No more doubts, no more hesitation. I'm all in if you are."

I watch her face, searching for any sign of her feelings. My heart pounds in my chest as I wait for her response, hoping that my words have reached her.

Finally, she speaks. "Gosh, Rendal… you really went above and beyond this time, huh?"

"I wanted nothing but the best for you," I reply, wiping the stray tears that run down her face.

"I can see that. Thank you," Chloe teases, her eyes twinkling with pure affection. "Is this how you always apologize? With flowers and grand speeches?"

I chuckle, feeling lighter than I have in weeks. The tension that's been coiled in my chest finally starts to unwind. "Only for the special ones," I quip back, my voice low and playful. I can't help but admire how beautiful she looks, even with tear-stained cheeks. "Though I have to admit, Zola helped with the flower selection. She's got quite the eye for bouquets." I pause, running a hand through my short dark hair. "You should've seen her at the florist's, bossing me around like a tiny drill sergeant. 'No, Daddy, not those!' Ran me around like I was in the Navy."

Chloe laughs, the sound like music to my ears. "Well, I'll have to thank my little florist later," she says, glancing over at where Zola and Penelope are playing.

The girls are in their own world, giggling and twirling around the living room. Zola's attempting to teach Penelope some kind of dance move, but it looks more like she's imitating a drunken flamingo. Penelope, bless her heart, is trying her best to follow along, resulting in a hilarious display of flailing limbs and uncontrollable laughter.

"Oh my," Chloe says, covering her mouth to stifle her own giggles. "I think we might have a couple of future dance stars on our hands."

I snort, watching as Zola nearly topples over. "Or future comedians. They'll have the whole place rolling in laughter."

As we watch the girls' antics, I feel the last of my worries fade away. This is what I've been fighting for - these moments of pure joy and togetherness. I turn to Chloe, drinking in the sight of her radiant smile and the way her eyes crinkle at the corners when she laughs.

Without thinking, I reach out and pull her close. She looks up at me, surprise and warmth mingling in her gaze. I lean in and capture her lips with mine. It's an audacious move, but she looks beautiful and I just can't help myself.

Chloe responds immediately, her arms wrapping around my neck as she deepens the kiss. It's like coming home after a long journey, familiar and exhilarating all at once. I pour everything I feel for her into that kiss - my love, my commitment, my promise for our future.

When she parts, she trails her thumb along my lips. "I missed that a lot."

"Me too."