Page 106 of The Edge Of Us

Corinne

Kyle’s 5th Birthday

I couldn’t believe my baby boy was turning five today. It felt like just yesterday I was holding him in my arms as a newborn, and now here he was, growing up so fast, his little feet racing across the grass in Jasper’s backyard with a smile that could light up the entire world. The sun was shining, and the backyard was decorated with blue and green balloons, streamers, and a big "Happy Birthday, Kyle!" banner hung proudly across the fence.

“Mommy! Look at me!” Kyle shouted, his excitement contagious as he ran by. His face was flushed with joy, his blond curls bouncing as he sped past, oblivious to everything except the pure thrill of being the center of attention on his special day.

“Slow down, buddy, you’re going to trip!” I called after him, though my words were lost in the wind.

I sighed, feeling a pang in my chest as I watched him. Five years old. I was so proud of him, and yet, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was missing—something he would never haveagain, and that was his father. Allen had been gone for so long now, and I knew Kyle missed him. I missed him too.

As I stood there watching my son, I heard the soft laughter of little Astrid, who was not quite two and a half. Her chubby hands were clutching a toy car, and she was trying to push it across the grass. Despite the lack of coordination, she was full of determination, trying so hard to keep up with her older brother.

“Mommy! Mommy!” Astrid squealed, her round eyes looking up at me as she made a beeline for me, wanting to show off her latest achievement.

“You’re doing great, sweetie,” I smiled, bending down to give her a quick kiss on the cheek. She grinned up at me with all the pride in the world.

“She’s a little bossy, huh?” I murmured to Jasper, who stood next to me, handing out party hats to the guests as they arrived.

Jasper’s smile was warm, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “She’s got a lot of spunk in her. Just like her mom.”

I rolled my eyes playfully, but I could see the affection in his expression. He had been such a constant presence in our lives, even though he wasn’t Kyle’s father. He’d stepped in where Allen had failed, helping where he could. It wasn’t a role he had ever asked for, but he was a natural with the kids. Kyle adored him, and Astrid had wrapped him around her tiny finger from the moment she could smile.

“Mommy, Mommy!” Astrid yelled again, and before I could respond, she ran off toward Jasper, pushing him playfully. “Jasper, I want you to play with me!”

Jasper laughed, his deep voice resonating through the air. “You’re a bossy little one, aren’t you?”

Astrid gave him a grin that could only be described as mischievous, before she grabbed his hand, pulling him toward the backyard as though he had no choice in the matter.

“You spoil her,” I said to him, crossing my arms, though my tone was light.

“I spoil both of you,” he said, his grin widening as he winked. “What can I say? I’m a sucker for you two.”

I couldn’t help but smile, my heart swelling with something I couldn’t quite explain. Jasper was so good with them, with me. But there was always the nagging reminder that he wasn’t Kyle’s father. He had no obligation to be here, yet he was. And for that, I would always be grateful.

As the party continued, Kyle played with his friends, running around and enjoying himself, while I helped with the food and drinks. But as the time passed, I noticed him becoming quieter, his small, sensitive eyes scanning the crowd, almost searching for someone. I knew what he was looking for, and my heart hurt for him.

“Do you want to cut the cake now, sweetie?” I asked, trying to bring him back into the fun. I could tell something was bothering him, but I wasn’t sure how to fix it.

Kyle nodded, a half-hearted smile crossing his face as he joined me by the cake table. The candles flickered in the soft breeze, their flames dancing in the sunlight. He stood there for a moment, looking at the cake before he took a deep breath.

“Make a wish, buddy,” I said, brushing his blonde curls from his forehead.

Kyle’s lips pressed together, and for a moment, he looked unsure. His hand reached for the candles, and I could see the weight of his small body, as if he was carrying more than heshould. It was a look I had seen far too often in the last year—something heavy that didn’t belong on a five-year-old’s face.

I bent down to his level. “What did you wish for, sweetheart?” I asked gently, my heart aching.

Kyle hesitated, his hands shaking slightly. He looked at the cake, his eyes distant. Finally, he spoke in a quiet, almost broken voice. “I wished for my daddy to come back. I miss him.”

The words hit me like a slap in the face. He didn’t have to say it; I knew. I had known he missed Allen, but hearing it out loud from his small lips, the sadness in his eyes—it shattered me. I wanted to be strong for him, but it was so hard.

I knelt beside him, pulling him close. “I know, baby. I know you miss him,” I whispered, my voice thick with emotion.

Before I could say more, I felt a hand on my shoulder. Jasper. He had been standing silently behind me, watching the exchange. His eyes were full of understanding, and for the first time in a long while, I felt that familiar comfort wash over me. I wasn’t alone in this.

“Kyle,” Jasper said, his voice gentle but strong. “You know, your dad left you in charge. He said you’re the big brother now. He’s really proud of you, and he knows you’re taking care of Astrid. You’ve been so brave, buddy.”

Kyle looked up at Jasper, his face still full of sadness but a spark of hope in his eyes. “He’s coming back, right? Daddy’s coming back soon?”

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