Chapter 16

CHAPTER 16

Liam pulled into the parking lot of Sapphire Bay Elementary School. The winter evening was filled with the excited chatter of families making their way toward the brightly lit auditorium.

He stepped out, adjusting the collar of his jacket against the chill, and glanced at his watch. There was still time before the play began. He’d promised Chloe he’d be here, and he was eager to support Oscar in his big moment. As he walked toward the entrance, he couldn’t help but feel a mixture of anticipation and unease.

Inside the school, festive decorations hung from the hallway—handmade snowflakes, colorful drawings, and glittering ornaments created by the students. It was warm and inviting, a complete contrast to the cold outside.

“Liam!” a familiar voice called out.

He turned to see Chloe waving at him from near the auditorium doors. He waved back, then made his way toward her.

“I’m glad you could make it,” she said, her hazel eyes reflecting her gratitude.

“I wouldn’t miss it,” he replied sincerely. “How’s Oscar holding up?”

“He’s a bundle of nerves and excitement. He couldn’t stop talking about his costume.” Chloe’s smile faded as she introduced Liam to the man standing beside her. “Liam, this is Paul—Oscar’s father. Paul, this is my friend, Liam.”

Paul extended his hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

Liam shook his hand firmly. “Nice to meet you, too.” Oscar’s dad was tall with dark hair. He had the same blue eyes as his son—except today they contained a wariness that Liam guessed wasn’t usually there.

There was a momentary pause, a subtle tension hanging in the air.

“We should find our seats,” Chloe suggested, breaking the silence.

“Good idea,” Paul agreed.

They made their way into the auditorium. Parents and siblings shuffled into rows, the hum of conversation punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional squeal of a younger child.

Chloe checked her ticket and showed them where they were sitting. Liam smiled as she took the seat between him and Paul. If he didn’t know better, he’d think she was okay sitting beside her ex-husband. But there was a tenseness in the way she moved that wasn’t usually there.

“It looks like all the tickets have been sold,” Liam commented, attempting to ease the atmosphere.

Chloe looked around the auditorium. “There were only a few seats left when I bought Paul’s ticket. It’s good to see so many people here, especially after all the hard work everyone’s put into the play.”

“Were there any last-minute costume malfunctions?”

Chloe shook her head. “Everyone’s costume is perfect. I’ve left a sewing kit and some tape with one of the teachers. If anything happens, she’ll fix it right away.”

After a few seconds of silence, Paul leaned forward. “How long have you known Chloe, Liam?”

Liam wasn’t sure what Chloe had told Paul about their relationship, so he wouldn’t say too much to him. “A few months. Are you still living in Washington, D.C.?”

Paul nodded. “I enjoy living there, although I’ve been thinking about moving closer to Oscar. The company I work for has an office in Denver.”

Chloe tensed. “You didn’t mention that when we talked.”

“I didn’t have time. It’d make seeing him a lot easier.”

Liam was sure it would, but Chloe didn’t seem happy about it. He glanced at Paul, hoping what he said next would steer the conversation to a safer topic. “Oscar’s a great kid. You must be proud of him.”

“I am,” Paul said with a hint of a smile. “He’s changed so much since I last saw him.”

The lights dimmed, signaling that the performance was about to begin. A hush fell over the crowd as the principal stepped onto the stage to welcome everyone.

“Thank you for coming to our annual holiday play,” she began. “The students have put in a lot of effort, and we’re sure you’re going to enjoy the show.”

Applause rippled through the audience as she exited the stage and the curtain rose. The backdrop was a whimsical winter scene, complete with paper snowflakes and a painted village.

Children filed onto the stage, each dressed in festive costumes—elves, reindeer, snowflakes, and even a few gingerbread people. Liam scanned the group, quickly spotting Oscar in his elf outfit.

As the performance unfolded, Liam enjoyed every minute. The children sang with gusto, occasionally missing a cue or stumbling over a line, which only added to the charm. When Oscar stepped forward for his solo line, he glanced into the audience, his eyes searching for something.

“He’s looking for us,” Chloe whispered.

Paul leaned forward, giving a small wave. Oscar’s face lit up when he saw his dad. He waved back, then delivered his line confidently.

Liam was proud of Oscar, but seeing him search for his mom and dad stirred feelings he hadn’t fully acknowledged before. Even if his relationship with Chloe deepened into something that lasted forever, he’d never be Oscar’s dad. Paul would always be a part of their lives, regardless of whether Chloe wanted him there.

The play continued, ending in a wonderful finale where all the children sang together. The audience rose to their feet in a standing ovation as the curtain fell. But the cheers and applause brought the curtain back up for not one, but three encore songs. The children’s faces were alight with happiness, their voices filling the auditorium.

After the final bow, the house lights came up, and families began gathering their things to meet their young performers.

“That was fantastic,” Liam said, turning to Chloe.

“They did such an incredible job,” she agreed, her eyes shining.

Paul stood up. “We should find Oscar. He’ll be looking for us.”

They made their way out of the auditorium and into the crowded hallway. Children in their costumes darted between adults, laughter and excited chatter echoing off the walls.

“Mom! Dad! Liam!” Oscar’s voice rose above the din. He came bounding toward them, his elf hat slightly askew and a huge grin on his face.

Chloe crouched down to hug him. “You were amazing!”

“Thanks, Mom!” He turned to Paul. “Did you see me?”

“I sure did,” Paul replied, ruffling Oscar’s hair. “You were the best elf out there.”

Oscar beamed, then looked up at Liam. “Did you like it, Liam?”

“I loved it,” he said sincerely. “You did a fantastic job.”

Oscar’s eyes sparkled with delight. “I’m glad you’re all here!” He paused, then looked at Liam and Paul. “Dad, do you know Liam has a dog named Trixie, and we play together a lot.”

Paul sent Oscar a small smile. “That’s wonderful.”

“Liam helps me with my art projects,” Oscar told his dad. “And we found a secret room in the old museum!”

Paul’s eyebrows rose. “A secret room, huh?”

“We were looking for some things that were in a photo we found,” Liam explained.

Chloe cleared her throat. “Well, it’s been a big night. We should probably get Oscar home.”

Paul looked at his son. “I’m staying in town tonight. If it’s okay with your mom, it’d be nice if we could spend some time together tomorrow.”

Oscar looked up at Chloe. “Please, Mom. Can dad come and see us? I could show him my dinosaurs.”

Chloe looked at Paul. “What time do you fly home?”

“Three, but I have to be in Kalispell by two o’clock at the latest.”

Chloe bit her bottom lip. “Why don’t you come to our house at about ten o’clock? After Oscar’s shown you his toys, we can make his favorite pizza recipe for lunch.”

For the first time since Liam had met him, the tension in Paul’s shoulders seemed to disappear. “That’d be great. I’ll bring some of the ice cream Oscar likes.”

Chloe’s eyes widened in surprise, but she didn’t say what was obviously running through her mind. “We’ll see you tomorrow, then.”

Paul kneeled down to hug Oscar. “You did great tonight. I’m proud of you.”

Oscar hugged his dad tightly. “Do you promise to come back?”

Paul kissed the side of Oscar’s face. “I promise.” He straightened and glanced at Chloe. “Thanks for letting me be here.”

She nodded politely. “You’re welcome. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

“Sounds good.” Paul gave a brief nod to Liam before leaving.

As he walked away, Chloe held Oscar’s hand. “Come on, sweetheart. You have to change out of your costume before we go home.”

As they headed toward the room set aside for the students, Liam knew Chloe was upset. “How are you holding up?” he asked quietly as Oscar skipped ahead.

She sighed softly. “It’s been... a lot. Thanks for being here. It made it easier to spend time with Paul.”

He offered a gentle smile. “I’m glad it helped.”

Another parent stopped to talk to Chloe, and Liam waited beside her. It was interesting listening to her talk about what was happening in the school and hearing what Oscar’s friends would be doing over the holidays.

Oscar eventually returned wearing his jeans and a warm jacket. “Can we get hot chocolate on the way home?” he asked hopefully.

“That sounds like a fantastic idea,” Chloe told him.

Oscar grinned at Liam. “My friends are having hot chocolate, too.”

As they stepped into the chilly night air, Liam took a deep breath. Tonight had been different from what he’d expected. It was hard to reconcile the man who’d had multiple affairs and gambled away his family’s savings with the person he’d met. Paul seemed like a nice person who was genuinely interested in spending more time with his son. Whatever happened with the custody arrangements, it wouldn’t be easy for anyone.

“Did you have fun tonight?” he asked Oscar.

“It was awesome,” Oscar declared. “Mrs. Thompson said it was the best Christmas play ever.”

Chloe slipped her hand into Liam’s, and he gave her hand a reassuring squeeze.

“What café were you thinking of going to?” he asked her.

“The Lakeview Café is closed, but Andrea’s keeping The Starlight Café open for everyone.”

“It’s by our house,” Oscar told Liam. “It has the best hot chocolate in the whole world.”

Chloe smiled at Liam. “Andrea adds a chocolate coated marshmallow and a small gingerbread cookie to each saucer. Oscar loves going there.”

Liam lifted Chloe’s hand to his mouth and kissed the back of her hand. “In that case, we’d better hurry before everyone in the auditorium arrives. I’ll meet you there.”

Chloe gave him a quick hug before getting her keys out of her pocket. “I’ll see you soon.”

With a cheerful wave from Oscar, they walked to each of their vehicles. Liam just hoped the rest of Paul’s visit was as positive as tonight had been.

The next day, Chloe took a bag of mushrooms out of the refrigerator. Scattered across the kitchen countertop were flour, grated cheese, and lots of pizza toppings. The aroma of fresh dough mingled with the scent of basil and tomatoes almost made up for having Paul there.

Oscar stood on his tiptoes, carefully arranging pepperoni slices into a smiley face on his pizza. “Look, Mom! It’s a happy pizza!”

She smiled, pleased that he was having fun. “It’s wonderful. Would you like some mushrooms?”

“No, thanks. I don’t like mushrooms.”

Chloe’s eyebrows rose. That was news to her.

Paul chuckled from the other side of the counter. “I don’t like mushrooms, either. Can you teach me how to make a pizza like yours, Oscar?”

He grinned at his father. “Sure! It’s easy. You just have to make the eyes and mouth like this.” He placed more pepperoni on Paul’s pizza, taking extra care to make it perfect.

Chloe watched them work together. Seeing Oscar so happy made her feel as though Paul’s visit at least proved that Oscar enjoyed spending time with his dad. But Paul’s sudden reappearance and eagerness to be involved felt abrupt, and she still questioned his motives.

“Why don’t you wash up for lunch, Oscar, while we put the pizzas in the oven?” she suggested.

“Okay!” Oscar wiped his flour-covered hands on his apron before dashing off to the bathroom.

As the sound of running water echoed down the hall, silence settled between Chloe and Paul. She busied herself with sliding the pizzas into the oven, setting the timer, and tidying up the workspace.

“Chloe,” Paul began hesitantly.

She glanced up, meeting his gaze briefly before looking away. “Yes?”

“I wanted to give you something.” He reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out an envelope, extending it toward her.

She eyed it warily. “What’s this?”

“Please, just open it.”

Cautiously, she took the envelope and opened it. Inside was a check. Her eyes widened as she read the amount—ten thousand dollars. “What’s this for?”

“It’s for you.” Paul looked uncertainly at her. “I know it’s not everything, but it’s a start. I’m trying to repay what I took from our account.”

She felt a lump form in her throat. Memories of the past—the betrayal, the arguments, the financial strain—rushed back. “You don’t have to?—”

“Yes, I do,” he interrupted softly. “I hurt you, Chloe. My actions put you and Oscar in a difficult position. I can’t change the past, but I can try to make amends.”

She studied his face, searching for signs of insincerity but found none. “How did you manage this?”

“Not long after you left, I changed jobs. The engineering company I’m working for pays well and I get all kinds of bonuses. It’s been steady work, and I’ve been saving any extra income I earn. I want to make things right, for both of you.”

She hesitated, her fingers gripping the edges of the check. The money would make an enormous difference, especially with all the after-school activities Oscar wanted to join. “I don’t know what to say.”

“Just say you’ll accept it,” Paul said. “I plan to pay back as much as I can. It’s the least I can do.”

Chloe didn’t know what to say. While the money would help, she was wary of relying on Paul again. “I appreciate the gesture, but this doesn’t change what happened.”

“I understand that,” he acknowledged. “I’m not expecting forgiveness overnight. I just want you to know that I’m serious about making positive changes.”

She nodded slowly. “For Oscar’s sake, I hope you are.”

He glanced toward the hallway. “I know I let you down and destroyed what trust you had in me. Gambling and sleeping with random women consumed me. But I’ve been going to counselling to understand why I did all of that. I’m committed to leaving that life behind.”

She looked at him, her expression softening just a fraction. “I’m glad you’re getting help. It’s important if you want to have a relationship with Oscar.”

“Nothing will ever change how much I love him,” Paul said, emotion flickering in his eyes. “I want to be a better father. I’d like to tell you something else, too. Last year, I met someone special. She’s a good person.”

Chloe waited for the rush of betrayal she’d felt when Paul told her about the women he’d slept with, but it didn’t happen. If she was being completely honest, she almost felt sorry for the woman he’d met. “Does she know about your past?”

Paul nodded. “I don’t want to destroy another relationship. I just wanted you to know I’m sorry, and I’d never do anything to hurt Oscar or you again.”

Before she could reply, Oscar ran into the kitchen.

“All clean!” he announced, waving his damp hands in the air.

Chloe quickly tucked the check into her pocket. “Great timing. The pizzas should be ready soon.”

“Can I set the table?” Oscar offered.

Paul opened the cutlery drawer. “I’ll help you.”

They moved around the kitchen, gathering plates and napkins. When the timer beeped, she took the piping hot pizzas out of the oven and placed them on the counter to cool.

She looked at Oscar’s pizza and then at his smiling face. “Your pizza is as happy as you are.”

Oscar giggled. “I’m happy because Dad’s here.”

Chloe’s smile disappeared. Did Oscar think Paul was staying in Sapphire Bay? “Your dad’s going back to Washington, D.C. this afternoon, Oscar.” She didn’t have the heart to tell him he might not see him again for a while. She glanced at Paul, hoping he’d say something to make his departure less disappointing.

“I know,” Oscar said matter-of-factly before Paul could say anything. “But Dad said he’d call me. I could use your computer like you do when you talk to Polly.”

She often called her friend at the Smithsonian, especially since they’d been looking for information about Eleanor. “As long as that’s okay with your dad, it’s fine with me.”

Paul lifted Oscar into his arms. “I’d like that very much. Now, how about we eat our delicious pizzas before they get cold?”

They settled at the table with their pizzas taking pride of place in front of them. The first bites were met with appreciative sounds from everyone.

“The base is yummy,” Paul said to Chloe. “You’re a great cook.”

“Thanks,” she replied quietly.

They ate for a few moments in silence as they enjoyed the pizzas they’d baked.

“Mom, after lunch, can we take Dad to the park?” Oscar asked eagerly.

Chloe shook her head. “Your dad has to drive to the airport. He won’t have enough time.”

Paul checked his watch. “If we’re finished lunch in the next half hour, we could go for a few minutes. Maybe we could build a snowman.”

“Yes! A big one!” Oscar exclaimed, his eyes shining.

Chloe watched their excitement. Part of her was grateful that Oscar could experience moments like this with his father. The other part had nagging doubts about everything to do with Paul.

“Would that be all right with you, Chloe?”

She blinked when she realized Paul was asking for her permission. It was completely different from when he’d often acted without considering her feelings. “If you’re sure you can still make your flight, that’d be fine.”

He gave a slight nod. “Thank you.”

They continued their meal with the conversation flowing more easily. As Oscar told Paul stories about school, his enthusiasm was infectious. Chloe relaxed, allowing the pleasant atmosphere to wash over her.

After lunch, Paul helped her clear the table. As Chloe loaded the dishwasher, he joined her at the sink.

“Can I help with anything?” he asked.

She glanced at him, momentarily surprised by the offer. “Sure, you can rinse the plates we used.”

He picked up the first plate and held it under the faucet. “I miss this,” he said quietly.

She paused, not meeting his gaze. “Miss what?”

“Sharing something simple like having a meal together,” he replied. “I regret a lot of things, but mostly how I treated you.”

She took a deep breath. “I’ve moved on with my life, and so have you.”

“I know we have,” he acknowledged. “And I have no right to ask for anything. But I’m hoping that, in time, you can forgive me and we can find a way to co-parent—for Oscar’s sake.”

She finally looked at him. “Oscar will always be my top priority. He deserves that.”

“I agree,” he said sincerely. “And I’ll do whatever it takes to make any future relationship with him work.”

Chloe took the check he’d given her out of her pocket. “While we’re talking about making things work, I can’t take this, not now. If we can work out a way for you to spend time with Oscar, you can give it back to me then.”

“You still don’t believe why I’m here, do you?”

“This might be hard to hear but, at the moment, I’m having a hard time believing anything you say.”

Paul ran his hand around the back of his neck. “I don’t blame you for not trusting me, but I didn’t give you the check to buy time with Oscar.”

Oscar ran into the kitchen, already bundled in his winter coat and hat. “I’m ready!”

Chloe forced a smile. “That was quick.”

“Can we do the dishes later? We have to build a snowman with Dad.”

Paul sighed as he took the check Chloe handed to him. “Well, we can’t keep the snow waiting, can we?”

Chloe closed the dishwasher and they pulled on their coats and boots. As they stepped outside, she let the crisp air fill her lungs and push away any misgivings she had. For the next half hour, she’d pretend Paul hadn’t broken her heart and left her penniless. That he hadn’t made it almost impossible to trust another man or believe she was worthy of being loved.

She’d try to believe he was here for the right reasons, and not the ones the check represented to her.

Paul laughed at something Oscar said and held his small hand in his. A heavy, familiar weight settled in her chest. Without his lies and the terrible choices he’d made, their lives could have been so much different—so much more than the last few horrible years of their marriage.

“Come on, Mom,” Oscar said excitedly. “We have to show Dad the park.”

Oscar led the way along the sidewalk. In the frosty air, they rolled snowballs, built a lopsided but cute snowman, and had a playful snowball fight.

After the last snowball was thrown, Paul reluctantly looked at his watch. “It’s later than I thought. I should get going.”

Oscar’s bottom lip trembled. “Can’t you stay for longer?”

Paul lifted him into his arms. “I’m sorry, buddy. If I don’t leave soon, I’ll miss my flight. But if it’s okay with your mom, I’ll call you tomorrow morning.”

Chloe nodded and Paul gave a relieved sigh. “See. Your mom said it’s okay.”

Oscar rested his head against Paul’s. “I’ll miss you.”

“I’ll miss you, too. Let’s get a quick photo before I leave. That way, I can have a picture of you with me all the time.”

Oscar wiped his eyes with the back of his hands. “Mommy, too?”

Paul looked across at Chloe. The thought of having a happy family photo made her heart break all over again. “How about I take a photo of you and your dad?”

Oscar didn’t realize what she’d done but Paul did. He didn’t have to say what was clearly written on his face. He understood, and he was sorry.

She held up the phone and took a few photos, hoping they’d remind Oscar of the happy time they’d had together. “If you email them to me, I’ll make sure Oscar gets a copy.”

Paul nodded. “I will.”

This time, no one said much as they returned to Chloe’s cottage. Oscar gripped Paul’s hand tightly and had tears in his eyes.

When they reached Anchor Lane, Paul stood beside his rental and sighed. “I have to go now, Oscar. It’s been wonderful spending time with you and your mom.”

“Will you come back soon?” Oscar asked in a quiet voice.

Paul glanced at Chloe. “I hope so, but even if it’s a little while away, we can still talk on the phone.”

“Like Mom and Polly?”

Paul nodded. “Exactly like them.” He turned to Chloe and hesitated before speaking. “Thank you for the last couple of days. It meant a lot to me.”

“You’re welcome.”

He gave a slight smile. “Goodbye, Chloe.”

“Have a safe trip.” She placed her arm around Oscar’s shoulders as he cuddled close to her. After Paul had driven away, she looked down at their son. “Did you have a good time today?”

Oscar nodded. “I want to see Dad again.”

“I know you do, sweetheart. Dad lives a long way away, but we’ll see what we can do to make that happen.” The part of Chloe’s heart that Paul had damaged whispered the words she didn’t want to admit.

Maybe Paul had achieved what he’d set out to do. He could manipulate people as easily as the wind blowing through the trees. For Oscar’s sake, she hoped this visit was motivated by a genuine need to see his son—and not pull them into something that would hurt them all over again.