Page 63 of A Second Chance

"You look pretty."

From the moment I held Shaun's tiny body in my arms on the day he was born, I knew he would steal my heart. As he continues to grow, he has taught me the true meaning of motherhood and has shown me that I am worthy of his love. This has been a profound realization for me, as I once believed that I was incapable of giving love.

When the colors in my life began to fade, my son restored what was lost and brought me back to life. His little hugs removed the grease that varnished my soul. His laugh filled the missing sections in my heart and replaced it with a thick layer of love. Over the past few years, he became my purpose in life—one of the most beautiful canvases.

I give him a bright smile. "Thank you, baby. You warm my heart."

He jumps onto his feet, bends, and throws himself into my arms. I stagger back a few steps when I catch him with a chuckle.

He buries his head in my neck. "You warm my heart too, Mom." he whispers. I hold back the emotions crawling into my throat and the tears threatening to fall.

* * *

Maverick

What the hell am I doing?

I'm staring at the pink box with a white ribbon in my hands as if it will explode fairy dust. Since I've been home, it dawned on me that I missed five of Scar's birthdays. To try and make up for it, I brought a gift for each year I missed.

First, it was the shoes.

Second, it was the cookie.

Third is what's in my hand.

And the fifth is a gift that is unwrappable.

Fuck it, I'm doing this.

I cross the lawn, walk up her house's front steps, and ring the bell.

"I'll get it!" I hear Shaun from behind the closed door.

My heart speeds up when I hear the tiny patter of feet getting closer. When the door slowly opens, Shaun’s little head peeks through the crack in the screen.

I smile and crouch until we’re at eye level. “Hey, buddy. Do you remember me?”

He nods.

“Is your mother home?”

He nods again but doesn't make any attempts to move.

I grin.

This kid is cute as hell.

"Monster, what did I tell you about opening the door without me?" Scar's sweet voice makes my heart beat faster than a rollercoaster.

"Who's at the—"

Scar's words freeze when we lock eyes. I stand and give her a genuine smile without moving my gaze.

God, she's even more beautiful without makeup.

"Hey." My voice comes out scratchy.

"Hey, what are you doing here?" She looks confused but not annoyed.

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