She shook her head, her voice barely above a whisper. “Thank you.” Her gaze shifted to Scarlette. “She’s my greatest joy. Thank you for helping raise her. Every penny that Ledger sent me, I used for her. I promise. You may not have been there physically, but thank you.”
I nodded, swallowing hard as I cleared my throat, the lump of emotion too thick to speak around. Without another word, we walked back to the table and sat down.
Nova’s voice was soft and careful as she leaned toward Scarlette. “You know how I’ve told you about how you had a dad, but he lived somewhere else for a long time?”
Scarlette froze mid-bite, her cookie slipping from her hand onto the table. She nodded slowly, her wide eyes flicking between us.
Nova opened her mouth to continue, but Scarlette cut her off. “Mom, I know he’s my dad.”
I glanced at Nova, and we both stared at each other, our mouths slightly open in shock.
Scarlette’s gaze shifted to her mom. “You told me my daddy was a hockey player, but he was sick and getting better.” Her voice was steady, but there was a hint of curiosity—and maybe hope—as she turned to me. “Are you better now?”
Her words hit me like a punch to the chest. My throat tightened, and I couldn’t breathe.
Are you better now?
The words echoed in my head, sharp and unrelenting.
Being better wasn’t just about staying sober, though that was where it started. It meant no more drugs, no more nights lost in darkness I couldn’t claw my way out of. It meant showing up, every single day, even when it felt impossible. It meant building a life I could be proud of, one that wasn’t defined by my mistakes.
I thought about Charlie—my wife. We weren’t perfect, and we had plenty to figure out, but she made me want to keep fighting. To be happy. To be someone worthy of this second chance at life. I leaned forward, swallowing hard as I tried to find the right thing to say.
“Yeah,” I managed, my voice thick. “I’m better now.”
Scarlette studied me for a long moment, then nodded like it was the answer she needed.
Nova looked down at Scarlette, her expression soft but curious. “How did you know?”
She glanced at me and pointed to my eyes. “We have the same eyes,” she said matter-of-factly. Then, turning to Nova, she added, “We don’t. I may be a little kid, but I’m not stupid.” Shetsked, grabbed her cookie, and took another bite, as if solving the mystery of her dad was no big deal.
Nova and I exchanged a look, stunned into silence for a moment. The sharp intelligence in her small face took me off guard.
“I don’t have to stop loving Ollie, do I?” Scarlette asked, her voice small but sure.
Without hesitation, I reached out and grabbed her tiny hand. “Never. Never,” I said firmly. “Ollie is so important in your life, and I can’t wait to meet him either.”
Scarlette studied me for a moment, then tilted her head. “So... you guys aren’t going to get married?”
I hesitated, glancing at Nova, who gave me a quick nod of reassurance. “No,” I said gently. “I’m already married.”
Scarlette’s face lit up with curiosity. “Can I meet her? Will she live with us?”
Nova chimed in gently. “We haven’t really talked about it yet, but now that we’re all in the same place, you might end up with two houses to live in.”
I nodded, looking at Scarlette and then Nova. “I’d love for you both to visit my house someday.” My chest tightened as I added, “And to meet Charlie—my wife. She’s the one who helped you with the winter song.”
Scarlette’s eyes widened as she turned to Nova, practically bouncing in her seat. “Can we, Mum? Can we please go?”
Nova smiled at her daughter, brushing a stray curl from her face. “When Ollie gets here, we’ll make a plan.”
Scarlette squealed with excitement, her joy filling the small space, but my thoughts drifted elsewhere.
I just hope Charlie will be back by then.
The ache of her absence felt heavier now, sharper. I wanted her to meet my daughter. I needed her beside me, as my partner in this new chapter of life.
Nova glanced at the clock, swallowing hard. “We need to get going.”
