Threads Of Fate

Crossroads of Connection

"I think I can handle a little bit of energy," he assured her, trying to sound confident. But secretly, he was slightly worried about being able to keep up with a curious toddler.

"But a park sounds good," he added. "I know a nice one not too far from here."

"Okay," she said softly, smiling at the phone. "Could you text me the details, and we'll meet you after Joseph has had breakfast?" She offered. He smiled back, even though he knew she couldn't see him.

"That sounds good," he agreed. "I'll send you the address. See you then." After a quick goodbye, he ended the call and texted her the park's location. The smile on her face and the flutter in her chest reminded her of when they had first started dating. She slowly crept back into the bedroom and lay beside Joseph, waiting for him to wake up.

The call with Rebecca had lifted Evan's spirits. His mind was no longer plagued with doubt; instead, it was filled with anticipation of seeing her and Joseph again. He sipped his coffee, replaying her voice, her laughter, and how she said his name. It felt familiar and comfortable, like coming home. The feeling both excited and scared him.

Joseph woke a few hours later with the biggest smile on his face. Rebecca's quickly grew to match his. "Good morning, baby." She said as he squeezed her cheeks with his hands, giggling. She carried him to the living room, playfully dropping him on the couch and blowing a raspberry into his little tummy. She made him breakfast and dressed him. She saw her sister had left and turned to head out; she'd need to return to her house tonight. She pulled her phone out.

> On the way.

She shot a quick text and walked to her car with Joseph. Evan spent the morning cleaning himself up and ensuring he looked presentable. It felt weird to get ready to see an ex. But she wasn't just an ex; she was the mother of his son. When he received her text, he glanced at the time on his phone. It looked like she'd be there soon, and his nerves began to kick in. He took a deep breath, grabbed his keys, and headed out the door.

Once Joseph was buckled into his car seat, Rebecca drove to the nearby park. Joseph was buzzing and excited the entire way there. She parked her car and exited to grab Joseph, who nearly sprinted away from her as he bolted toward the park.

"Nope!" She yelled, quickly throwing him over her shoulder. Evan chuckled as he saw her exit the car and watched Joseph try to run for it. He watched as she swiftly picked him up and hoisted him over her shoulder like a sack of potatoes, his heart fluttering again at this glimpse of motherhood. She saw Evan across the parking lot and waved. Joseph was squirming and lifting her shirt; Joseph exposed her entire abdomen as he kicked his feet and pulled.

"Joseph!" she scolded. Evan chuckled and waved back, his eyes flicking over her as he approached. His eyes were drawn to the exposed skin of her abdomen, catching a glimpse of her stomach before quickly looking away. A mixture of emotions stirred within him: nostalgia, attraction, and a hint of guilt. She saw his quick look away and embarrassingly covered herself, thinking he thought her stretch marks from Joseph were ugly. She set Joseph down and pulled her shirt down quickly.

"You don't pull on Mommy's shirt!" she scolded again. Evan noticed her quick movement to cover herself and the embarrassment on her face. It broke his heart that she thought he might find her unattractive. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she was, but the words stuck in his throat.

He crouched down to eye level with Joseph and smiled. "You're a little cheeky one, aren't you?" he chuckled. Joseph quickly ran behind Rebecca.

"He's shy." She said as he clung to her bare leg with his thumb in his mouth. She stroked his hair calmly, letting him know he was okay. Joseph stared up at Evan with big eyes. Evan smiled warmly at her as Joseph shyly hid behind her leg, his thumb in his mouth. It was a sight that tugged at his heartstrings. Then he watched as Joseph stared back at him, their eyes meeting - Evan's eyes, he noted silently. The resemblance was there; it would be hard to deny that. He spoke to Joseph directly, his voice soft and friendly.