“Uh-huh.” Jenna’s tone suggested she wasn’t buying it. “And does this have anything to do with why Luke hasn’t posted any pictures from your vacation? Meg usually floods social media with family photos.”
Noah’s throat felt tight. “How did you?—”
“Noah.” Jenna’s voice gentled. “Talk to me. What happened?”
“Eli fell in the lake.” The words tumbled out before he could stop them. “I’d gone to get groceries with Luke. Right when we got back to the house, he fell, and I just…I froze. Drew had to jump in after him. And Luke darted down there to comfort Eli as soon as he was out. I was useless. I promised I’d take care of him while you were out of state, and I left him so I could spend time with my boyfriend.”
Silence stretched between them. Noah could practically hear Jenna processing, choosing her words carefully.
“Is he okay?”
“Yeah.” Noah ran a hand through his hair, watching Eli organize his colored pencils for art time. “Scared us all, but he’s fine. Though he thinks it’s his fault Luke isn’t around anymore.”
“What do you mean, isn’t around anymore?” Jenna’s voice sharpened. “Noah, tell me you didn’t do something stupid.”
“I have to keep my priorities straight.” Even to his own ears, the words sounded hollow. “I can’t let my personal life affect his safety. I promised you I’d always put him first.”
“And you think pushing away someone who loves both of you is putting Eli first?” Jenna’s frustration was clear. “Noah, you’re one of the best fathers I know. But sometimes, you get so caught up in trying to be perfect that you forget kids need more than just protection. They need to see us living, loving, making mistakes, and learning from them.”
Noah’s chest felt tight. “But what if?—”
“No.” Jenna cut him off firmly. “No what-ifs. Accidents happen, Noah. To all parents, whether they’re single or married or dating or whatever. The fact that Eli fell and you panicked doesn’t make you a bad father. It makes you human.”
“I should have been there.” Noah’s voice cracked. “Instead, I was selfish, stealing time with Luke while his family watched Eli.”
“Oh, honey.” Jenna’s tone softened. “Taking time for yourself isn’t selfish. And from everything you’ve told me, Luke adores Eli. Having more people who love him isn’t a bad thing.”
“But—”
“Dad!” Eli bounded back into the kitchen. “I’m ready! Can we go? I don’t want to be late for superhero day!”
Noah checked the time, realizing they needed to leave soon. “Hey, Jenna, I should?—”
“Go,” she said gently. “But this conversation isn’t over. And, Noah? Don’t think your way into losing something precious. Both of you deserve to be happy.”
The call ended, leaving Noah standing in his kitchen with Eli bouncing impatiently beside him. His son’s excitement about superhero day contrasted sharply with the quiet sadness that had lingered since the weekend.
“Ready, buddy?” Noah forced brightness into his voice, gathering Eli’s lunch and backpack.
“Uh-huh.” Eli hesitated by the door. “Dad? Is Uncle Luke coming over tonight?”
Noah’s heart clenched. “Not tonight, buddy. He’s got a big project he’s working on.”
“Oh.” Eli’s shoulders drooped slightly. “Maybe tomorrow?”
“We’ll see.” The words felt like ash in his mouth. Because how could he explain to his six-year-old that he’d pushed away someone they both loved? That he’d let one moment of panic override his happiness?
As they headed to the car, Noah couldn’t shake Jenna’s words.Don’t think your way into losing something precious.What if the risk of getting hurt—of Eli getting hurt—was too high?
The questions swirled in his mind as he drove Eli to camp, each one adding weight to the doubt already pressing against his chest. And underneath it all, a quiet voice that sounded suspiciously like Luke’s:Sometimes the things worth having are the ones that scare us the most.
Noah staredat the sandwich he’d made himself for lunch, his appetite nonexistent. The quiet house pressed in around him, memories of shared meals and laughter making the silence feel heavier. He’d tried working on lesson plans for the upcoming school year, but his mind kept wandering to Luke—to warm hazel eyes and gentle hands, to how he always seemed to know exactly what Noah or Eli needed.
He wrapped the sandwich and stashed it in the fridge. He needed to get out of the house before he drove himself crazy by replaying every moment from the lake house weekend.
Normally, he’d head to Sweet & Simple for lunch, but the thought of facing Megan’s knowing looks and gentle questions was too much. Instead, he found himself pulling into Brew & Barrel’s parking lot, drawn by the promise of anonymity among the summer tourist crowd.
His steps faltered when he spotted Jules behind the bar instead of the usual daytime server. They looked up as Noah entered, their characteristic eyeliner perfect despite the early hour.
