Page 64 of When Forever Stays

“Of course,” she says with sincerity.

“I couldn’t ask for a better woman. I love you so much.”

After saying our goodbyes we hang up. Despite knowing she meant what she said, I have the intense need to be with her again. All while knowing I need to make sure Oscar knows I want a relationship with him before I go home.

The next day, Oscar, Ashley, and I go out to lunch and meet with my brother Caleb at a local diner.

There is some awkward small talk, but it doesn’t take too long for Oscar to open up to Caleb. Even though Caleb was afraid this unusual lunch would be uncomfortable, we are all able to fall into an enjoyable conversation.

“We should start hanging out some,” Caleb suggests. “I’d like to get to know my nephew. Besides, I’m way cooler than your dad.”

I roll my eyes, and Oscar laughs.

“It’d be cool to hang out with my dad and uncle,” Oscar says.

My heart sinks and Ashley sends me a wary glance. “Maybe that’s something that can happen a few times a year, but Rhett lives on Amber Island now. That’s why he’s selling his apartment.”

Oscar’s nostrils flare and he’s silent for several tense moments as things appear to click into place. “I thought you were just moving to a town nearby not across an ocean.” He narrows his eyes. “So you say you want to be a part of my life, and yet you want to live thousands of miles away from me. How am I supposed to believe you want a relationship with me?"

I raise my hands in a placating gesture. “This will be far from normal, but?—”

“But he has a life on Amber Island,” Ashley finishes.

Oscar points at his chest. “But he has a son who lives here.”

From out of the corner of my eye, I see Caleb’s attention bounce between me and my unconventional family.

I look at Oscar with all the sincerity I can muster and tell him, “I’ll have a place for you to stay, and you’d be welcome to visit anytime you want.”

“Really? You’d let me come stay with you?” I hear reserved excitement in Oscar’s voice.

Shrugging, I say, “I’m getting a new house built as we speak. I was hoping you’d want to come visit me regularly, so I made sure my house plan has a room specifically for you. You’ll even have your own bathroom. When you come over we can surf.” I rub the back of my head where it tingles, reminding me of the near-deadly situation I put myself in while surfing alone. “Or go golfing. I could teach you tennis too if you’d want.”

He raises an eyebrow. “Can you teach me how to play guitar?”

I crack a smile. “I figured that’d be a given.”

It’s clear by his expression he doesn’t completely believe me—and I can’t blame him—but I make it my mission to prove to him that I mean it. That I want my son in my life, no matter what.

The last three days with Oscar have been exactly what we needed. He’s stayed with me at my apartment and helped me pack up my things that I then sent to Amber Island. He’s become increasingly more open with me, something I’ve thanked God for countless times.

The buyer will move into my apartment less than three months from now which means I’ll need to crash with my brother whenever I come up to visit. Thankfully he’s on board with that and excited to connect with his nephew.

Our trip to the airport is full of jokes, laughter, and goodbyes. Oscar and I have started a relationship—something I’ve been praying for since I found out he existed. We’re in a good place right now, and I know that God will continue to bless us.

Ashley pulls up to the sidewalk at the airport. Other traffic bustles around us, but I can tell it’s more than driving nerves that have her clutching the steering wheel with white knuckles.

“I wish things could have been like this from the beginning.”

“Me too.” I shake my head and check the rearview mirror. Once I confirm Oscar’s wearing his headphones, I add, “As hard as this has been, it was meant to be like this. It all came together in God’s timing. I want to be the dad he deserves, there for him in every way possible.” I run my hands through my hair. “I’m so proud of how well you stepped into your role as his mom. Despite the random act of delinquency, Oscar is a good kid.” I turn to face Oscar, who’s taking his earphones out. “I’ve really enjoyed getting to know you better and I look forward to learning more about you.”

“Me too,” Oscar says.

I smile back at him and open my door. “This has been great. We’re going to do this again soon. Next time on Amber Island.”

“Sounds good.” He scratches the back of his neck.

Ashley and Oscar also get out of the car. Oscar grabs my suitcase from the trunk and plops it down next to me.

---