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 sleepingwith 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 hemight 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?”
