Page 24 of Redeeming Melodies

"Tommy, stop." I had to cut him off before he worked himself up more. "Listen to me, okay? Nothing about this is your fault. Nothing. I just... needed to clear my head."

"Like when we go karting?"

A surprised laugh escaped me. "Yeah, kind of like that. Remember what I always say about needing a clear head before a race?"

"Can't drive fast if your brain's going slow," he recited, and I could hear his smile returning.

"Exactly. So I found this quiet little town, and I'm just... taking a pit stop."

"Where are you? Can I come visit? Mom says-"

"One thing at a time, champ." The words hurt to say. "Let me get my head straight first, okay? But hey, tell me about school. How's that science project coming?"

"Oh!" His enthusiasm burst through. "We're building a model solar system! And guess what? I made the race tracks between the planets like you showed me, so the planets can race each other!"

Sarah appeared with more coffee, saw my expression, and quietly backed away. I mouthed 'thank you' as Tommy continued.

"Mrs. Mitchell said it was really creative! And Timmy helped me paint Saturn's rings like flames, just like your old car had-"

“Timmy's been helping you?" That was new. Vanessa must be desperate if she was letting my old crew chief near Tommy.

"Yeah! He comes over sometimes. Says he's keeping an eye on his investment, whatever that means. Dad, when can I work on our go-kart again?"

The question hit like a sucker punch. "Soon as I get back, buddy. Promise. We'll finish it together."

"Pinky promise?"

"Even better." I lowered my voice to our special whisper. "Knock knock."

His giggle was immediate. "Who's there?"

"Love."

"Love who?"

"Love you more than racing."

"Love you more than winning," he finished, our private joke carrying more weight than ever.

A woman's voice in the background - Vanessa, calling him for school. My jaw clenched.

"Gotta go, Dad. You'll answer next time I call, right?"

"Every time, champ. No matter what."

"Okay. Love you! And Dad?"

"Yeah?"

"Mom's wrong about you leaving racing. I know you did it for me."

The line went dead before I could respond, leaving me sitting in a stranger's diner, holding a phone that suddenly felt too heavy.

Through the window, I watched Oakwood Grove continue its morning routine, unaware of the way my world kept shifting on its axis. Caleb's invitation echoed in my head - simple kindness offered without agenda. Tommy's voice lingered in my ears - pure love unmarred by courts and custody battles.

Maybe this quiet little town was exactly where I needed to be right now. At least until I could figure out how to be the father my son believed in.

SECOND CHANCES

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