Page 16 of The One that Got Away

"Mom!" Ethan and Abigail chorused, rushing to envelop her in a tangle of limbs and excited chatter.

"Hey, there," she smiled, hugging them tight, the weight in her chest easing further with each passing second. "Did you have fun with Lyle?"

"Yep, we played games, and he even helped me with my homework," Abigail beamed, and Ethan nodded enthusiastically.

"Good," Lisa said, gratitude lacing her words. "He's a good man."

She walked Lyle out to the door. “Thank you for this. It was truly a needed gift.”

“You’re welcome,” he said with a smile. “Anytime. I’m right next door if you need me again. I won’t mind taking care of the little one now and then. She’s fun and reminds me of my niece when she was that age. I never had children myself, but I always babysat her for my sister.”

“I might take you up on that,” Lisa said.

He pulled her into a hug, and as their bodies touched, Lisa felt a spark rush through her. When they pulled apart, Lyle looked into her eyes, his gaze as warm as the embrace. “You’re a remarkable woman,” he said. “You deserve the best.”

“Thank you,” she said, blushing.

She watched as Lyle left and waved from the window, her heart confused and fluttering. What was happening to her? To them?

It didn’t take long before Oliver came home, too. He was alone, and it pleased her to see him, even though it hurt deeply inside.

"Everything okay?" Oliver asked, his gaze meeting hers, searching for any sign of distress.

"Yes,” she forced a smile. “It’s better than okay," she assured him, keeping her voice steady. "Thanks to Lyle, I got the break I didn't know I needed. He took Julia for a while and helped the older kids with their homework. And it looks like you had a pretty good time as well."

"Best time," Oliver corrected with a wink, and she could see the joy and fulfillment in his eyes. It hurt more than anything.

"Then let's keep the good times rolling," Lisa suggested, trying to keep the mood up and not let him know she was devastated.

"Who's up for a game night?" she announced, earning cheers from the children.

"Game on," Oliver agreed, his smile matching hers as they gathered around the table.

Lisa paused at the living room threshold, her eyes taking in the tableau before her. It was late afternoon, and she had just closed the café for the day. Oliver and Daniel were sprawled on the floor, surrounded by wooden blocks and half-constructed towers, their laughter echoing off the walls like a sweet melody. To her joy, Ava wasn’t there. It was just the two of them. It was a heartwarming scene that tugged at the strings of her heart with an intensity she hadn't expected. She leaned against the doorframe, a contented sigh escaping her lips as she watched them play.

"Watch this, Lisa!" Daniel's voice chimed, full of excitement. The boy was clutching a block, his small brow furrowed in concentration. With a swift movement, he placed it atop the teetering tower, his tongue peeking out from the corner of his mouth. The structure wobbled precariously but held firm. "I did it!"

"Nice work, champ," Oliver praised, his eyes sparkling with pride. He ruffled Daniel's hair, a gesture so fatherly it sent a shiver through Lisa.

"Did I miss all the fun?" Lisa asked, her voice warm yet carrying a hint of playful accusation.

"Never," Oliver replied, getting to his feet and brushing off his pants. "We saved the best for last."

"Moments like these," Lisa began, stepping into the room, her gaze flitting between Oliver and Daniel, "they're what life’s all about, aren't they?"

"Absolutely," Oliver said, his smile broadening as he extended his hand to her.

Lisa took it, allowing him to pull her onto the floor beside them. Her heart swelled as she nestled into their circle, the simple joy of the moment wrapping around her like a cozy blanket. It was thrilling how seamlessly they fit together, creating a picture of domestic bliss that seemed almost too good to be true.

"Building memories, one block at a time," she quipped, reaching for a wooden piece to add to the burgeoning metropolis they were constructing.

"Exactly."

Oliver's voice held a note of something deeper and more profound as if every shared laugh and toppled tower cemented the bond he was building with Daniel.

As they continued their architectural endeavors, Lisa couldn't help but marvel at the ease with which Oliver had stepped into this unexpected role. There was an undercurrent of suspense, a silent question hanging in the air—where would this connection lead? Would he want to go back to Ava? To rekindle what had been lost? To become the family he had wanted so desperately and that the boy needed?

For now, she pushed those thoughts aside, focusing on the present, the joyous sounds filling her home, and the love that seemed to grow with every passing second.

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