Page 19 of Redemption

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CALEB

Molly is cryingagainst my shoulder, and all I want to do is kick my own ass. I've caused this. It was me who did this to my family, all because I couldn't deal with the shit that happened.

"It's okay," Ruby says as she comes up behind me, rubbing my back. "We're good, and we'll be even better."

For the first time, I believe her. That we're going to be able to overcome anything and everything. That all my fears have been for nothing, and if I'd been strong enough to admit to her that I was struggling, I could've prevented all of this. "She's right, we will be even better. I promise to never do this to you again, you're not going to have to worry if you're dad's going to be here when you get home. I will be."

Levi sets down his pizza, nodding solemnly. "I tried to keep everything together while you weren't here."

Those barely whispered words tug at my heart. They cause my stomach to cramp, and I wish I could take the last few months back, but I can't. All I can do is move forward and learn from my mistakes. It's what I've been doing my entire life, and I should've known there was no reason to stop now.

Ruby squeezes my shoulder, offering silent support, her eyes warm and steady. "You know, Caleb, while you were gone, Levi stepped up in small ways. He really helped hold things together."

I look at Levi, sitting there with a courage beyond his years, and my chest tightens with pride. "Did he now?" I ask, trying to lighten the moment a bit.

Ruby nods, a soft smile on her lips. "He did, Caleb. He made sure he got to his practices on time. Sometimes he asked Mason to take him so I wouldn't have to work around it, when you couldn't. He even handled a couple of dinners on his own. He’s been amazing."

Levi squirms a little, looking embarrassed but pleased. "I just did what I thought you'd do."

Those words strike me deeper than I expect. I lean forward, reaching for Levi's hand. "I'm proud of you, Levi. More than you know." I mean it with everything I have, wishing I could rewind time to watch him grow into this incredible young person right before my eyes.

Molly wipes her face, shifting closer to me. "And you, my girl, you’re tough too. Just like your mom."

Molly smiles a bit, and it lights up her tear-streaked face. It's a small moment of healing, like sunshine breaking through clouds, a sign that things will get better. We’re on the road to becoming a stronger family, one built on the lessons we've painfully learned.

The room settles into a comfortable silence, nourished by shared pizza and new resolve. I gaze around at my family, a fresh determination swelling within me. "I'm going to make it up to you all, I mean it. Thanks for holding it together while I was figuring stuff out."

Molly nudges me, playing her fingers through a lock of my hair. "We're just glad you're back, Daddy."

Her words are like a balm, soothing the open wound of my absence. It's time to focus on making these promises a reality.

As we finish dinner, I get up to clear the plates, and Levi joins me, mirroring my actions like he often used to. It’s a comforting routine, loaded with the simplicity of companionship and shared responsibility.

"Dad," Levi starts as we stand at the sink, washing dishes side by side, "Mom said you were dealing with some really adult stuff. I'm just glad you're okay."

I pause, the plate in my hand suspended in soapy water. "Thanks, Levi. It means a lot that you understand, but you shouldn't have had to. But I'm back now, and I'm here if you need to talk about anything, anytime."

His nod is resolute, a silent pact between us.

In the living room, Molly and Ruby are cozied up, flipping through TV channels. Levi and I join them, the evening wrapping around us with a comforting intimacy. It's like we’re slowly stitching back the tapestry that was ripped apart by my absence.

As the night unfolds, laughter begins to ripple through our conversations, the kind brought out by silly shows and shared popcorn. Molly's giggles are infectious, yanking smiles from all of us.

Later, I steal a moment alone with Ruby. "Thank you," I say, my voice earnest. "You took care of everything, kept us from falling apart."

She eyes me with affection and a hint of mischief. "I had a pretty amazing team, you know."

"Yeah," I agree, pulling her close. "I see that now. And I'm going to prove I deserve every bit of this."

We linger there, the world outside fading away, until Molly's voice interrupts us from the couch. "Are you guys going to kiss or just stare at each other all night?"

Laughter bubbles up, genuine and effervescent, lifting the weight from the room. This is what I missed—these moments, these people. My family, forgiving and resilient.

The evening winds down with us gathered on the couch, tangled up together in a heap of warmth and shared contentment. I watch my children, feeling Ruby’s head resting on my shoulder, and for the first time in what feels like forever, peace settles over me.

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

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