Closing the door, Chloe let out a breath. The conversation had left her with more questions than answers. Paul didn’t seem to have any ulterior motives in coming here. But she couldn’t shake the feeling that his sudden interest in Oscar was more complicated than he’d told her.
“Mom,” Oscar called from the living room. “Can you help me pack my bag for the play?”
“Of course I can.” Chloe pushed aside her thoughts about Paul and focused on Oscar. He deserved to have a wonderful evening without the weight of adult worries.
After they’d packed everything they’d both need, she smiled at her son. “Ready to go?”
“Ready!” Oscar was clutching his elf hat in one hand and his dinosaur backpack in the other.
After Chloe zipped up his jacket, they stepped out into the softly falling snow. The world around them was quiet, and so much of why she’d traveled halfway across the country to Montana.
Oscar looked up at her. “Do you think Dad will like the play?”
“I think he’ll love it,” she assured him.
After Oscar climbed into the truck, Chloe clicked his seatbelt into place. She was determined to face whatever challenges lay ahead with strength and grace. She owed it to herself and, most importantly, to Oscar.
She glanced down at her son. His cheeks were rosy from the cold and his eyes were bright with anticipation. No matter what happened, she’d protect this happiness.
Oscar smiled. “I’m glad Dad came today.”
She swallowed her uncertainty and kissed his cheek. “Me too, honey. Let’s get you to the school play.”
CHAPTER 16
Liam pulledinto 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.”
