Page 57 of One Pucking Secret
“Really?” Jasper’s excitement sends ripples through our linked hands. “Can we play hockey in the hallway again?”
“Maybe later,” I chuckle, squeezing his hand gently. “But first, we have something we want to tell you, Jasper.”
His pace slows, blue eyes searching mine. “You do?”
I nod, the weight of the coming conversation pressing down on me like the thickeningevening air. “But it has to wait until we get inside.”
He nods, trust written all over his young face. Inside, the walls of my apartment promise shelter, not just from the whispers of curious neighbors but also from the sea of questions sure to follow. For now, with Jasper’s warm hand in mine, I focus on the safety of the present step, then the next, leading us home.
The door clicks shut behind us, sealing off the clamor of the world. I lead Jasper by the hand into our living room where Wyatt waits, his muscular frame occupying the space with a quiet tension. He looks up from his perch on the armrest, blue eyes hopeful, the lines of worry etched around them softening as he spots Jasper.
“Hey, buddy,” Wyatt’s voice is a low rumble, warm like a hearth fire in winter.
Anxious and eager, we settle onto the couch. The moment stretches, like a rubber band pulled to its limit, and I break the silence.
“Jasper, there’s something important we need to talk about.” My words hang between us, a fine mist of uncertainty.
Jasper’s small brow furrows, his gaze flitting between Wyatt and me. “Is everything okay?”The question is brimming with innocence and concern.
I exchange a glance with Wyatt, finding an unspoken agreement in his steady gaze. “Everything’s going to be okay,” I assure him, my voice a gentle anchor.
“Jasper, Wyatt has been a part of your life for a while now,” I start, the truth trembling on my lips. “We have some news we’ve been wanting to tell you.”
“What is it?”
“Well, you see, Wyatt isn’t just a friend of ours. He’s actually family.”
“Family?” Jasper’s blue eyes widen, mirroring Wyatt’s, as if seeing a reflection of himself for the first time.
“Wyatt is your dad.”
“My dad?” The word is tentative, testing. “But if Wyatt is my dad, why hasn’t he been here since I was a baby?”
Wyatt leans forward, elbows on knees, the distance between them shrinking. “I didn’t know about you until recently,” he admits, the weight of those words heavy and sincere. “But I’m here now, and that’s what matters.”
Jasper’s small brow furrows in confusion, his young mind grappling with the newinformation. “But why didn’t you know about me?” he asks, his voice tinged with hurt.
Wyatt sighs, his expression pained. “It’s complicated, Jasper. Your mom and I… We weren’t together when you were born. Your mom tried to contact me. It was a miscommunication.”
“Why?” Jasper persists. “Didn’t you want to know about me?”
“I did,” Wyatt says softly, reaching out to place a comforting hand on Jasper’s shoulder. “But sometimes things don’t work out the way we want them to. And your mom made the decision she thought was best for you.”
Jasper’s eyes well up with tears. “So you didn’t want me?” he asks, his voice cracking.
“No, Jasper, that’s not true,” Wyatt says quickly. “I want you. I’m here now because I want to be a part of your life. I want to get to know you and be here for you.”
Jasper’s shoulders slump. “But why didn’t you try to find me sooner?”
My heart aches, knowing neither of us can erase the years of absence.
“I wish I had, Jasper,” he admits, his voice thick with regret. “But I’m here now, and I promise I’ll do everything I can to make it right.”
“Honey, this is all my fault.” I place my hand on Jasper’s shoulder. “I should have continued to try to reach Wyatt. And I should have told him as soon as I found him again. Mommy should have been honest from the beginning. I made a mistake, and I hope that you can forgive me the same way Wyatt has.”
Jasper nods slowly, his tears still glistening on his cheeks. “I forgive you, Mommy.”
I pull him in for a hug. “Jasper, I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have kept this a secret for so long.”
