Page 23 of Redemption

CALEB

"You wantme to help you with your homework?" I question Molly as she huffs out a frustrated breath. It's been a while since I offered to help her, but I used to do it often.

"Yeah, it's this stupid math problem," she admits, sliding her notebook across the kitchen table towards me. The numbers and fractions jumble on the page, but I catch the gist quickly.

"Okay, let's see here," I say, pulling a chair beside her. "It's like a puzzle, right? We just need to figure out where everything fits."

Molly leans in, and I can see the tension in her shoulders easing just a bit. "It’s hard," she mutters.

I nod. "I know it feels like that sometimes, but you’re smart. We'll work through it together."

As we dive into the problem, I guide her step by step. We talk about multiplying fractions and finding common denominators. Her eyes light up a little as she starts to get it, that spark of understanding flickering to life.

Ruby stands by the doorway, watching us. I catch her eye for a moment, and she smiles warmly. I know she’s proud of this—proud of us. Her presence feels like a comforting backdrop, and it gives me strength.

Molly finally manages a smile of her own when she solves the equation correctly, her initial frustration turning to triumph. "I did it!"

I ruffle her hair playfully. "I knew you could."

Ruby steps forward, wrapping her arms around us both. There's a softness in her gaze, a silent appreciation that echoes louder than words. It's in these moments, surrounded by the quiet assurances of family, that I feel the depth of our unity.

"You're an amazing dad," Ruby whispers, and I feel the fullness in her words, in her heart. I pull them both closer, grateful for this family we've built together.

We linger in the moment a little longer, the warmth of Ruby's embrace grounding us. Molly quickly extricates herself, youthful energy bouncing back as her task is complete.

"Thanks, Dad!" she chirps, snatching her notebook from the table. "Can I go text my friends now?"

I chuckle, nodding. "Yeah, go on. You've earned it."

"See y'all." Molly darts out of the kitchen, leaving behind a trail of youthful exuberance. Her retreating footsteps echo lightly, followed by the soft thud of her bedroom door closing. I can almost picture her eager fingers flying over her phone, sharing gossip with her friends. It’s a part of her world I don’t fully understand, but it brings her joy, and that’s enough for me.

Ruby steps closer, her eyes tracing the path Molly left before returning her gaze to mine. There’s a mix of admiration and affection in those deep, beautiful eyes of hers. "You’re so good with her, Caleb. It’s really something to see."

I shrug, trying to play it cool, but her words hit home. "I just try to be there when she needs me. You know how it is." I playfully breathe on my nails and then buff them on my shirt.

She tilts her head slightly, a teasing smile tugging at her lips. "You make it sound easy, but it’s a special gift. Not everyone hasthat, and don't be a smartass. You're a great dad, You're pretty damn good at everything you do, to be honest."

I grin, pulling her nearer. "Well, I learned from the best," I whisper, brushing a few strands of hair away from her face.

Ruby laughs softly, the sound as warm and inviting as a crackling fire on a cold night. "Are you trying to charm me, Caleb? Or are you talking about your dad?"

"Charm you. Is it working?"

She pretends to think about it, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "Maybe a little."

We move in sync, like dancers who have practiced this routine countless times. I wrap my arms around her, and she nestles against me. The world outside fades, leaving just the two of us and the gentle rhythm of our hearts beating in unison.

"You know," Ruby murmurs, "I love seeing you with Molly. It's one of the things that made me fall for you."

I kiss her forehead, breathing in the subtle lavender scent of her hair. "And what about you? You're the one who holds everything together. I couldn’t do any of this without you."

She pulls back slightly, just enough to meet my gaze. "We make a pretty good team, don’t we?"

"The best," I agree, leaning in.

Our lips meet in a kiss that feels like coming home. It's deep, passionate, and reassuring all at once. In that moment, the universe narrows down to this, to us, bound by something as unbreakable as love itself.

When we finally part, the room feels lighter, charged with a quiet energy that only true connection brings. We stay close, foreheads resting together, breathing each other in.

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