Page 56 of Tempted By Eden

My throat tightens, and I turn away, guilt settling over me like a thick cloak. I can’t undo last night, but I can make sure today is better. I’ll make today perfect—for him. I’ll be the mother he deserves, not one who ends up in a police station in the middle of the night.

The kitchen is cold in the early morning light. I fill the kettle with water, the familiar sound grounding me, giving me something to focus on. Anything to keep my mind from spiraling back to the mess I’ve made.

I pull down Leo’s favorite cereal and set out his bowl and spoon, placing everything neatly on the table. He’ll wake up soon, and I want to be ready. I want everything to be just right.

No matter how hard I try to focus on the little details, my mind keeps circling back to James—his fear, his hands gripping my arms.You could’ve been killed, Cora. His voice echoes in my mind, sending a shiver through me.

Stop. Focus on what you can control.

I grab Leo’s lunchbox from the counter and start packing it, slicing an apple into neat, even wedges. If I can just keep moving, maybe I can distract myself long enough to give my mind a reprieve.

As I finish packing the lunch, soft footsteps sound behind me. I turn to see Leo standing in the doorway, his hair a messy halo around his sleepy face.

“Morning, pumpkin.” I say softly.

Leo rubs his eyes and wanders over to me, his small hands reaching for me. “Morning, Momma,” he mumbles, glancing at the lunchbox. “Where are we going?”

I crouch down, pulling him into a hug, sneaking a kiss on the back of his neck. “I thought we could have a picnic at the Botanic Gardens today. Maybe get some ice cream after. What do you think?”

He nods, a sleepy smile spreading across his face at the mention of ice cream. “Yeah!” He shuffles over to the table and climbs into his chair, grabbing his spoon.

As he eats, I make myself a coffee and busy myself wiping down the counters, straightening things that don’t need straightening. I can’t sit still. My mind is racing, full of everything that could’ve gone wrong last night. How close I came to losing it all.

The sound of the back door creaking open wrenches me from my tireless thoughts. I glance up to see Dad shuffling into the kitchen. He looks more tired than I’ve ever seen him, making him seem much older than he is. He moves slowly, as if every step takes effort.

“Morning,” he says on a yawn, rubbing a hand across his unshaven face.

“Morning, Dad,” I reply. “What are you doing up so early? You okay?”

He waves me off, his hand trembling slightly. “Didn’t sleep well. Thought I’d go for a walk.” He reaches for the kettle, but I step in before he can grab it.

“I’ll get that,” I say, taking the kettle and pouring him a cup of tea. “We’re going to the Gardens today for a picnic. Do you want to come with us?”

He shakes his head. “No, no. You two go ahead.”

I frown, watching him closely as he sits down at the table, his movements slow and cautious.

“What time did you get home last night?” he asks suddenly, his eyes flicking up to meet mine.

I swallow. “Uh… late,” I admit, avoiding his gaze. “Around three.”

He nods, taking a slow sip of his tea. “That’s late even for you.”

“I know,” I say quickly. “It was a rough night at work.”

I turn away, not wanting him to see the shame creeping across my face.

Dad doesn’t say anything else. He just finishes his tea and slowly gets up from the table, giving Leo’s head a gentle pat as he shuffles out of the room. I watch him go, an ache blooming inside me.

“Let’s finish getting ready, okay?” I say, forcing a smile for Leo.

I help him get organized, focusing on the simple things—tying his shoes, gathering the picnic basket—small tasks to distract me.

We step outside, the crisp morning air brushing against my skin. I grip Leo’s hand a little tighter than usual as we make our way to the car, the quiet stillness of the morning peaceful around us.

But even as I buckle him into his car seat and start the engine, last night’s mistakes refuse to let go. I came so close to losing it all. I glance at Leo in the rearview mirror; he’s humming a song, oblivious to the chaos inside me.

I’ll make today better. But secretly, I wonder if it’s just a matter of time before I let him down again.

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