Threads Of Fate

Renewed Promises

Their eyes locked, the world fading away as their connection deepened. Rebecca's heart pounded in her ears, her breathing grew heavier, and her gaze fell to his lips. She was unable to look away. He could hear her heart racing and see her gaze fixed on his lips. It sent a shiver down his spine, igniting a burning need within him. His breathing grew heavier, matching her rhythm, as he was wholly captivated by her presence. He leaned in slightly, his hand gently tracing a path from her arm to her hand, intertwining their fingers together. Rebecca felt their hands lock, and her breath caught in her throat; it felt like home. His hand was big and warm and encased hers. She wondered what it'd feel like if he held her like he used to, and she was scared that she might never want to leave if that happened. As their fingers intertwined, he felt a familiar comfort and safety wash over him. Her hand felt like a perfect fit in his, and the warmth of her touch sent another shiver down his spine. He wanted nothing more than to pull her closer, to wrap his arms around her and hold her against him. The desire to feel her body against his was almost overwhelming. He took another step closer, his body just inches away from hers. His free hand touched Rebecca's cheek gently, his fingers tracing a soft path along her skin. His heart raced with anticipation.

"Evan.." She whispered, staring up at him. He heard his name on her lips in a whisper, and the sound sent a wave of intense emotions crashing through him. His hand on her cheek gently cupped her face, his thumb caressing her skin. His eyes stayed fixed on hers, his gaze filled with desire and longing. He leaned in even closer, his body almost flush against hers.

"God, I missed you," he whispered back, his voice gruff and filled with an aching longing. His hand traced a path from your cheek to her neck, his fingertips grazing against the sensitive skin. He could feel her body heat radiating into him.

"You thought about me?" she whispered, staying completely still, scared he would stop if she moved. His touches left fires in their wake, and her whole body felt alive. He nodded slightly, his fingers tracing a gentle path along her neck. His intense eyes never left hers, filled with a burning desire.

"All the time," he admitted, his voice rough with emotion. "It's like you were etched into my soul. Even with other women, I always thought of you."

"I wasn't ever with anyone else... after you." She admitted softly, her voice barely above a whisper. He froze momentarily, her words striking a deep chord within him. The realization that she had never been with another man since him hit him like a ton of bricks. He stood there, momentarily speechless, trying to process the information. A mix of shock, surprise, and a strange sense of pride washed over him. His hand still cupped her face, and he leaned his forehead against hers, their eyes locked in a vulnerable gaze.

"Really?" he asked, his voice low and filled with surprise. He searched Rebecca's eyes, looking for any signs of deception, but he could see nothing but honesty in her gaze. The fact that she had waited all these years made him feel mixed emotions. Guilty for missing so much of her life, grateful that she held onto love for him, and humbled by the depth of her emotional loyalty. He let out a shaky breath, his hand moving to the small of her back.

"I had your son, Evan." Her hands moved to his chest, and she grabbed fistfuls of his shirt. "How could I even look at someone else when I saw you every time I looked at him?"

His heart squeezed at her words. The realization that she saw him in Joseph daily hit him hard, making him feel even more guilty for missing so much. But her words also filled him with a strange sense of satisfaction, knowing that the child he created with her was a constant reminder of their love. He raised his other hand to gently cup her head, his fingers tangling in her hair. His voice was low and choked with emotion. "I'm sorry... sorry I missed so much." She felt her tears escape as he tangled his hands in her hair and apologized. Rebecca didn't even know she needed an apology, but she felt a thousand times lighter as soon as he did.

"Evan..." She croaked again. She didn't even know what else to say. He saw the tears escape her eyes, and the sight tugged at his heartstrings. He had wanted to apologize the moment he saw Joseph, and now, finally speaking the words out loud, lifted a weight off his shoulders. He leaned down and pressed his forehead against hers, his fingers gently combing through her hair.

"I'm sorry... I'm so, so sorry," he repeated, his voice thick with emotion. "I should have been there for both of you... for every milestone, every laugh, every tear..."

"I'm sorry I didn't let you." Rebecca cried harder. Her body shook as she sobbed. Rebecca cried for her younger self raising a baby alone, feeling entirely unwanted, when she could have had Evan by her side the entire time. He felt Rebecca's body shake as she sobbed, and his heart broke for all the years she spent alone when he could have been there for her. Evan pulled her closer, wrapping his arms tightly around her, holding her against him. He buried his face in her hair, tears threatening to spill over.

"Don't apologize for that," he whispered, his voice filled with pain and regret. "I should have fought for you. I should have come back for you." She sobbed into his embrace, and they stood there for a few minutes as he held her, letting her cry for the five years she'd struggled. He was letting Rebecca feel everything she had never allowed herself to. When she was done, she pulled away. Her eyes were swollen, and her throat was raw, but she looked at him and finally answered his question from earlier.

"I would still give you a chance..." She whispered. He held her tightly, his arms encircling Rebecca protectively, feeling every shudder and sob that racked her body. He didn't speak, letting her release the emotions she had bottled up for so long. As her tears slowed, and she pulled back slightly, he looked into her face, seeing the raw emotion in her eyes. His heart skipped a beat when she spoke, her voice barely above a whisper.

"You... you would?" he asked, his voice quivering with disbelief and hope. She nodded and brought her gaze back to his eyes to try and see what he was thinking. He felt a surge of hope and happiness blossom as she nodded, confirming that she would still give him a chance. His heart hammered in his chest as he held her gaze, searching her eyes for any hint of doubt or hesitation. His hands continued to rest on her waist, his fingers gently tracing patterns against her skin.

"Even after all this time?" he asked, his voice soft and slightly quivering. Rebecca nodded slowly, still somewhat hesitant. So many things could go wrong, but for some reason, her gut told her Evan was worth the risk. As she nodded, he could see the hint of hesitation in her eyes, and he couldn't blame her. After all, it had been years, and trust was hard to build, let alone rebuild.

He gently pulled her closer, his hands still resting on her hips, his thumbs tracing small circles on her skin. His body was close to hers, the heat between them electric.

"I promise," he said softly, his voice firm and honest, "that I will do everything in my power to make it worth the risk." She quickly wiped her tears from her face.

"We should take this inside." She whispered, giggling slightly, tucking into him to shield herself from her nosy neighbors. He chuckled softly as she wiped away her tears, her giggle melting his heart. He instinctively pulled her closer, protecting her from the curious gazes of her neighbors.

"Yeah, that might be a good idea," he agreed, his voice low and filled with a hint of amusement. "Let's go inside before the whole neighborhood starts gossiping about us." Rebecca smiled, opened the back door of her van, and reached in. She groaned when she picked Joseph up.

"You are almost too heavy for this mister." Rebecca teased Joseph as he nuzzled into her neck. She reached back in and grabbed her bag before bouncing Joseph higher onto her hip and kicking the door shut. "Ready?" She asked Evan. He chuckled at the sight of Joseph in her arms, his small limbs flailing slightly as she hoisted him higher into her embrace. His heart warmed at the sight of the love and affection between her and her son, his son. Their son. As she asked if he was ready, he smiled and nodded. "Ready as I'll ever be," he replied, his voice filled with anticipation and a hint of nervousness.