Page 189 of Five Summers

Stepping forward, I join Xander by the doorway. We stand together, watching our son’s face light up with joy as he explores his brand-new bed.

“I think he likes it,” Xander says, turning his head to glance at me.

“Yeah, he certainly does. When did you set all this up?” I ask, scanning the room. That’s when I spot the large kangaroo and koala over in the corner.

“I arranged the bed before we left Australia, so that way it was all set for Alex when we got here.”

“I wondered where the kangaroo and koala got to.”

“Yeah, Kit sent them back for me. Come on, there’s something I’d like to show you,” he says, eagerly grabbing my hand and guiding me down the hall to a room two doors down.

The spacious room immediately grabs my attention, with its large king bed adorned with black silk sheets. On the right side of the room, there is an enormous walk-in closet, while right beside it, there is a stunning bathroom boasting a generously sized egg-shaped bath. The large panoramic windows offer impressive views of the extensive gardens, while the sight of the mountains just adds to the beauty. I can already imagine myself sinking into the warm, scented bubbles of the tub while lookingat the breathtaking scenery. Once again, I find myself at a loss for words, completely captivated by the scene before me.

“This is where the magic happens. Where you’re gonna scream my name every night,” he whispers in his gravelly voice, as he pulls me towards him. “So, Princess, what do you think? Do you like it?”

Looking out at the majestic, mountainous landscape, a surge of admiration fills me, reflecting on his incredible feats. Despite coming from a life of poverty, he has reinvented himself and become a man to truly admire.

As I turn my head, our eyes meet. “I’m incredibly proud of you. Just look at everything you have achieved.”

“Thank you, Princess,” he says, his voice slightly strained.

I know that my words have left a lasting impression on him, shaping his thoughts and emotions. He tightens his arms around me, drawing me nearer to his chest, while his face stays nestled in the curve of my neck. We stay that way for a while, as he breathes in the familiar scent of my perfume, his eyes slowly closing.

“Mommy!“ Alex yells from somewhere out in the hall.

Xander lifts his head and releases his grip on my waist. He pokes his head out through the doorway.

“Mom’s in here, buddy,” he says.

Whenever Xander speaks to Alex, his tender tone melts my heart. It’s as if his walls have crumbled, leaving him exposed and receptive, not only with Alex, but also with me. Xander has shed his tough exterior, the one he always wears to shield himself, and the person he reveals is truly remarkable, with a caring, loving, and kind nature. The boy he used to be, who had a guarded and cold demeanor, always prioritizing his desires without thinking about the aftermath, has transformed into something entirely different. Standing in his place is a man whose kindness and love radiate from him, but only towards us. Only for Alex and me.

Xander steps aside, creating a clear path for Alex to enter the room.

As Alex rushes into the room, my gaze catches sight of the book in his hands.

Overflowing with infectious enthusiasm, he eagerly yells, “Dad got me a whole heap of animal books!” With delight, his face beams, radiating joy and excitement, as he proudly presents the book for me to examine.

When I look up at Xander, I am met with a heartwarming sight - his smile says it all, overflowing with happiness and satisfaction as he watches Alex with sheer delight.

With a gentle tug, Alex pulls me towards the king-size bed. I lower myself onto the bed beside him as he opens the book. After showing me a few pages of the picture book, he looks over at Xander, who is casually leaning against the door, watching our interaction.

“Dad, can you read me one of the stories tonight?” he asks.

“Of course, buddy.”

Alex gets up and races out into the hallway. “This place is awesome!” he yells, his voice echoing through the house.

Xander looks at me and smiles. “Just wait until he sees the pool,” he says.

It hasn’t escaped my attention that these last few days Xander's smile has become a permanent fixture on his face.

Xander takes care of ordering pizza for dinner, and we get comfortable catching up on the latest drama of The Real Housewives, while Alex continues to explore our new home.

As bedtime draws near, Alex bids me goodnight, and Xander heads upstairs to read him a bedtime story. However, it has been over an hour since then. I hope Alex didn’t convince Xander to read more. Alex always has a tendency to request another book or two before going to sleep.

With the empty pizza box in one hand and a wineglass in the other, I make my way back to the kitchen. I toss the box into the recycling bin and give my glass a quick rinse before heading upstairs to see what’s going on.

Climbing up the wooden staircase, I strain my ears for Xander’s voice as he reads to Alex, but all I hear is silence. As I step into Alex’s room, I notice Xander sleeping with a book gently resting on his chest. It’s a heartwarming sight, with both of them peacefully sleeping in Alex’s brand-new bed, their faces relaxed and content. I wish I could freeze this moment in a photograph, but I left my phone on the kitchen counter.

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