Page 29 of The One Who Changed Everything

CHAPTER 14

Samantha

The ring of the doorbell sent a flutter through my chest, like a flock of nervous butterflies had taken up residence. I wiped my hands on the kitchen towel before making my way to the front door. Opening it, I found Evan standing there, his presence dwarfing the doorway of our quaint Minden home.

"Hey, Sam," he greeted me with a nod, cool politeness lining his words as if we were mere acquaintances rather than fragments of each other's past.

"Hi, Evan. Come in," I said, stepping aside. My voice was even, betraying none of the turmoil beneath. I led him into the living room where Sophia was curled up on the couch, her eyes brightening at the sight of our guest. I’d tried my best to prepare her for this moment. But how did you really prepare your thirteen-year-old daughter to meet their father for the first time?

"Sophia, this is Evan–your dad. Evan, this is Sophia," I introduced them, careful to watch their exchange.

"It’s really nice to meet you, Sophia," Evan said, extending a hand that seemed too large against her petite frame.

"Hi." Her smile was genuine, if a little shy. “I remember you. You’re the firefighter.”

“That’s me,” he said. “I’m really glad to hear you’re doing okay after that trip to the hospital.” No trace of fear or regret shadowed Evan's face, just an open warmth that felt painfully absent when he looked at me.

“Yeah. All good. Especially if I can get that–”

I stepped forward, interrupting her before she shared too much. “Can I get you something to drink, Evan?” When Sophia looked at me, I shook my head in a silent instruction. I didn’t want her telling Evan about our money troubles.

He shook his head, his eyes still on Sophia. “No thanks. What were you saying, Sophia?”

“Oh… nothing.”

“She just wants to get back to horseback riding again soon,” I interjected, hoping my face didn’t flush with the lie. Well, it was technically true. Just not what she was going to say. We’d been talking a lot about the ICD and how we could get one.

“I know this is a little sudden, Sophia. But I want you to know that I’m going to be here for you from here on out.”

My heart stuttered at the promise, remembering the ones he’d made to me. Made and broken.You’re my dream girl. We’ll make this work when we get home. This is more than just a fling. I’ve never felt like this before. We’ll be together forever.

I quickly excused myself to the kitchen to pull myself together.

"So, Sophia, what do you like to do for fun–besides horseback riding?" Evan asked, drawing her into conversation while they sat at the dining table, within my line of sight but worlds away from where I stood chopping vegetables for the salad.

"I love reading. Oh, and making things. I’m really into friendship bracelets right now," Sophia said, her voice carrying a note of enthusiasm.

"Really? That's cool. Could you show me how to make one?" His tone was warm and curious, an invitation to a world I felt barred from.

"Sure!" Sophia perked up, dashing off to her room for supplies before returning with her plastic box. “You can choose to do a braided bracelet or a beaded bracelet. What do you think?” Soon they were sorting through colorful beads, tying knots and exchanging stories.

"Have you ever saved anyone from a fire?" Sophia's voice, tinged with awe and curiosity, cut through the hum of the kitchen.

I glanced over my shoulder, watching as Evan leaned back in his chair, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Well, there was this one time," he began, his deep voice filling the room. I could see Sophia leaning forward, her hands stilled from their bracelet-making, utterly captivated.

"Tell me everything!" she urged, her eyes wide with anticipation.

Evan chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. He described how he and his team had responded to a call from an old apartment building engulfed in flames. As he spoke, his hands animatedly painted the scene: the smoke billowing into the dark sky, the heat radiating off the walls, and the sound of sirens echoing in the night.

"Everyone was out, except for an old man on the third floor," Evan continued, his voice dropping to a hush as if sharing a secret. "He was scared, and he didn't want to leave without his cat."

"Did you find it?" Sophia's eyes were glued to him, her lips parted slightly in suspense.

"Yep, hiding under the bed. Scared half to death." Evan's smile was gentle, but there was a glint of pride in his eyes. "We got them both out safe and sound."

"Wow..." Sophia breathed out, the simple word filled with admiration. "Mom, can you pass me the scissors?" she asked, and I delivered them with a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes.

"Thanks!" She returned her focus to Evan, who was fumbling with the strings, a gentle humor lighting up his features. “You’re pretty brave, you know,” she said.

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