Threads Of Fate

Rebecca let Joseph play for a few hours until he started to look sluggish and grumpy. She let Evan carry him back to her car; it was about 3 p.m. when he safely tucked a sleeping Joseph into his car seat. A wave of tenderness washed over Evan as he saw Joseph's half-lidded eyes and heard his soft sighs signaling that he was falling asleep. The little boy was too young to know what was happening, but Evan felt grateful that he had the opportunity to be a part of Joseph's life now. Once Evan safely buckled Joseph in the car seat, he glanced over at Rebecca, a mix of tiredness and anticipation written all over his face. Rebecca quietly closed the car door to let him continue sleeping. She turned to look at Evan.

"Do you still want to come over? You can stay for dinner. I live in Watertown; it's not far." She forgot to explain the apartment she and Joseph were in last night, which made Evan wonder.

"Yeah, definitely," Evan said, his voice low and gentle. "I'd like to see where you both live." He glanced over at her, curiosity in his eyes.

"Watertown, huh?" he asked. "I'm assuming that means you found somewhere to stay?" She looked at him, confused.

"What do you mean?" She'd lived in Watertown for a few years and only stayed at her sister's apartment when she was in Boston late. He tilted his head slightly, realization dawning on him.

"Oh, I thought you meant you were staying someplace in Watertown," he said, a hint of embarrassment in his voice. "I guess I misread the situation." He chuckled slightly at his confusion and glanced at the sleeping child in the back seat. "Sorry, I'm a little tired. My brain's not working at total capacity right now."

"I told you," she giggled. Evan had spent the afternoon playing tag with Joseph until he just about collapsed. "We can reschedule if you need to. I don't plan on moving soon." Rebecca smiled at him. She could see that he was tired, but also how happy he was, especially when Evan looked at Joseph. He chuckled, realizing she was right; he was exhausted after playing with Joseph. But his happiness and satisfaction from bonding with the little boy outweighed his tiredness. He shook his head at her suggestion to reschedule.

"No," he said firmly, his tone unwavering. "I still want to come over." Looking at her, he felt a wave of affection for her and her son. He didn't want to miss a single moment with either of them.

"Okay," she quickly pulled out her phone. "I'll text you my address if you want to stop for coffee or something. Joseph'll probably only nap for an hour or so." He smiled at her response, grateful she wanted him to come over despite his exhaustion. He pulled out his phone, and she texted him her address, saving it in his contacts.

"Sounds good," he said. "I'll probably stop. I'm still pretty tired." He gave a slight chuckle, leaning against the car. She smiled and looked through the window at her sleeping boy.

"It's so worth it, though, isn't it?" she said softly, her voice full of love as she smiled at him. "I'd have him over and over again; I wouldn't change a thing." She froze, realizing what she said, and looked up at Evan with wide eyes. "I- I didn't mean it like that," she said quickly. "I- just mean- I wouldn't-" Evan smiled warmly at her love-filled voice as she spoke about Joseph. He could feel the genuine affection in her words, and his heart ached a little for all the time he had missed. But his heart skipped a beat when she froze, and her eyes widened, realizing what she had said. He knew exactly what she had meant. And as she quickly tried to correct herself, he gently touched her arm, silencing her.

"I know," he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. He looked into Rebecca's eyes, his fingers gently touching her arm, creating an electrifying connection between them. His heart pounded in his chest as his mind filled with a thousand silent thoughts. But the words that came out of his mouth were simple and truthful. "It was an accident, but... it was the truth. And I wouldn't change a thing either." She smiled at Evan, grateful for his understanding, and stared into his eyes.