Page 43 of One Pucking Secret
“Mommy deserves to have some fun. She’s always working or taking care of me,” Jasper says, wisdom far beyond his years lacing his words.
“Yeah, she is.” I nod, pride swelling in my chest. “And it’s important to let her have some time for herself. Everyone needs that once in a while.”
Jasper’s gaze lands on a shelf lined with plush toys, and his eyes light up. “Can I get a stuffed toy?” he asks, pointing at a Yoda doll nestled between a Mickey and a Stitch.
“Sure, kid. What do you want?” I ask, even though his choice is clear.
“That one.” His finger doesn’t waver from the wise Jedi Master.
“Good choice.” I chuckle and stride over to the counter, money already in hand. As I pay, the cashier offers me a smile—she’s had a long day, no doubt.
“Your son is so cute,” she says, slipping the doll into a branded bag.
Jasper’s quick to correct her. “I’m not his son.” His tone holds no malice, just matter-of-fact innocence. I flinch at his words, but do my best to recover. Externally, at least.
“Thanks, though,” I say, ruffling his hair, and hand him the Yoda doll. “Let’s go see if your mom’s ride is over.”
“Okay, Wyatt.” Jasper holds onto his doll tightly as I guide him out of the store. It makesme wonder if now is the right time for Chloe and I to tell him the truth.
We exit into the sunlight, our shadows stretching across the pavement. Hand in hand, we make our way back toward the rocket-shaped structure of Space Mountain, and I can’t help but wish for things to be different. To be able to call him my own without hesitation. If only life were as simple as the fairy tales surrounding us.
Chapter 15
Chloe
My heart is stillracing from the adrenaline rush as I step off Space Mountain, the familiar blend of excitement and nostalgia tingling in my veins. It’s been ages since I’ve let myself just enjoy the ride without a care in the world.
I fish out my phone and shoot Wyatt a quick text, the screen bright under the California sun.
Chloe: Where are you guys?
The reply comes almost instantly, as if he’s been waiting.
Wyatt: Star Wars shop around the corner.
I smile and find myself weaving through the laughing families and cotton candy vendors with renewed energy.
When I push through the doors of the shop, the air is thick with the scent of new plastic and the sound of distant blaster effects. Tucked away in a quieter corner, beneath a life-sized model of the Millennium Falcon, Wyatt and Jasper are huddled together over an openbook. Wyatt’s voice, usually so commanding, now holds a gentle lilt as he narrates tales of galaxies far, far away. His muscular frame dwarfs Jasper’s smaller one, yet they fit together like puzzle pieces—one providing strength, the other innocence.
I lean against a rack of lightsabers and watch, unnoticed. Jasper’s eyes are wide with wonder, hanging on to every word that Wyatt animates with subtle gestures and vocal inflections. A smile finds its way to my lips, unbidden. This—them together—is beautiful. But there’s a tightness in my chest, an ache over things not quite right between us.
Wyatt turns the page, his wavy black hair falling into his eyes, and I’m reminded just how much I’ve craved these little moments for so long.
Jasper’s eyelids flutter shut, his small chest rising and falling in the steady rhythm of an imminent nap. Wyatt closes the book with a soft thud and looks up at me. His blue eyes are soft, almost fond, contrasting with the gruff exterior I’ve come to associate with him.
“Should we head back?” My voice is a whisper, not wanting to disturb Jasper’s slumber.
Wyatt nods and carefully stands up, Jasper cradled against his broad shoulder. “I think it’s time. I’ll carry him out of the park.”
“Thanks,” I reply, my heart swelling as I slide the book back into its place on the shelf.
“Today was fun,” Wyatt says as we make our way through the throngs of people, each step taking us further from the fantasy world of Disneyland and closer to reality.
“I agree. Thank you again for doing this for Jasper.” The gratitude in my voice is genuine, mingling with a tinge of hope that perhaps this day has smoothed over some of the rough edges in our relationship. “I can tell he had the best time.”
He adjusts Jasper’s weight, securing him as we navigate through the crowd. “So did I. Disneyland is an entirely different experience with a kid.”
“Isn’t it?” My agreement comes easily, recalling the memories of laughter and wide-eyed excitement that filled our day.
