Page 32 of Mercy Lake

Owen hesitated, his expression turning awkward as hell. But I didn’t want to linger on that. Austin had found a new friend, and I wasn’t about to ruin their new bond because of our grown-up issues. I wasn’t going to let my fucked up past affect my son.

“We’d love to come… If that’s okay with you?” I asked, pitching the question to Owen.

His eyes widened with surprise before he accepted.

Chapter 19

OWEN

Alexis followed behind my car as I led us to Mercy Lake. My mind was working overtime in the alternate reality I had found myself in.

“You okay, uncle?” Cooper piped from the back seat, noting my unusual silence.

“Yeah, buddy.”More than okay.“Just thinking if we brought enough food.”

Every week after soccer, I took my nephew for a picnic to my favourite spot, which had soon become his as well.

What I hadn’t envisioned was Alexis going to that place with meever again.

Old memories stirred as we pulled into the new playground built next to the lake. The boys ran off while Alexis helped me unload from the boot.

“I didn’t mean to intrude,” she said. “Austin’s been through a lot of change recently, and I didn’t want to disappoint him.”

“Of course you’re welcome. You both are.”

As I set up the picnic beneath an overhanging tree, Alexis chased the boys, who squealed in glee. I also eavesdropped on their conversation.

“So, you’re Liam’s kid, huh?” she asked Cooper.

“You know my daddy?”

“We grew up together.”

“I’ve never seen you before.”

“Mm. I haven’t been around for a while.”

“Why?”

I paused, waiting for her answer. “Mmm.” She deflected. “Austin and I lived in the city.”

Cooper enthusiastically beamed. “And now you brought him back. Please don’t leave. Austin is my best friend.”

“Yeah, Mum! We won’t leave, will we?”

Alexis hesitated before ruffling their heads. “No. We’re going to stay.”

I could have sworn my heart was going to give out by how fast it was pumping.Be still my heart.

I had avoided direct eye contact with Alexis since arriving at ourlake. Countless emotions simmered, and I didn’t want to slip and give her a glimpse into my chaotic mind.

As we finished lunch, the boys returned to the playground, and I took the opportunity to wander along the lakeside to steal amoment for myself. Over time, I hadn’t shaken the habit of going there. To think, to reminisce, to sort through my thoughts.

All afternoon, when Alexis wasn’t looking or had her back turned, I openly appraised her. It was a special form of torture.

In so many ways, she was still my Alexis. Yet, a whole other woman altogether.

She was a mother, and a great one, at that. Just from a glance, I could tell how much she and Austin adored each other.

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