I understand why Logan is upset, but we can’t keep fighting like this. But how can we do that when Logan’s still hurting from the past and Ethan’s trying to insert himself into our lives?
I feel like I’m stuck in the middle, trying to mediate between two men who both want to be involved in my son’s life.
I wish Logan could see that Ethan’s not trying to replace him, but I know that’s hard for him to accept right now.
“What is he doing here?” Logan growls, his voice low and menacing.
My mom appears, a nervous look on her face. “Logan, please calm down. This isn’t the time or place.”
But Logan is beyond reason. He’s seeing red, and I know I need to intervene before things escalate further.
Ethan is playing hide and seek with my son, his laughter and smiles are rich compared to the anger he unleashed at the flower shop.
I turn to Logan, his clenched jaw a visible sign of the anger he’s struggling to keep in check. His eyes narrow, his gaze fixed on Ethan with disgust.
Ethan’s eyes lock onto mine, but his calm face hides his true feelings. I should feel fear, but I don’t. I feel nothing – just numb.
Shawn pops out of his hiding spot, his eyes shining with excitement.
He spots me and makes a beeline towards me, “Mummy!” as he flings himself into my arms. I drop to his level, scooping him up in a tight hug.
As I hold him close, Shawn grins up at me, his eyes sparkling. “I knew something was off when I noticed Da wasn’t playing the game,” he says.
I smile, ruffling his hair in admiration. He’s a smart boy, able to sense when something’s off.
I glance at Ethan, wondering why Shawn calls him “Da”. It’s a name that suggests a deep connection, one that I don’t fully understand.
I feel a sense of unease. Ethan’s watching us with an intensity that makes me uncomfortable.
I’m not sure what’s going on here, but I know I need to pay attention. Shawn may be just a child, but he’s picked up on something that I haven’t.
“Welcome back!” Shawn says, taking my hand as he leads me inside. “You just left a few minutes ago. What brings you here again?”
I smile. “Aren’t you happy to see Mum?” I tease.
“Of course, I’m happy to see you,” he replies, his brow furrowed. “But I’m worried that something might have happened. Is everything alright?”
I’m taken aback by his perceptiveness. He’s so young, yet he speaks with a wisdom beyond his years. I glance at Logan, who’s watching us with a knowing smile.
“Everything’s fine, sweetie,” I reassure Shawn.
“Okay, Mum,” he says finally. “But you can tell me if something’s wrong. I can help.”
I kneel, hugging him tightly. “I know I can count on you, kiddo,” I say, with pride and love for my boy. “You’re growing up to be a smart and caring person.”
Ethan wanders into the backyard, leaving the three of us in an awkward silence.
Shawn’s gaze follows mine, his eyes locking onto Logan.
He freezes, his small body tense. I watch, fascinated, as Shawn’s brow furrows, mimicking the same expression his father makes when he’s deep in thought.
Shawn’s finger shoots out, pointing at Logan. “You look familiar,” he says with a firm voice.
Logan’s eyes darted to me, pleading for help, but I shrug, unsure of how to respond. I’m just as curious as Shawn, wondering where this conversation is headed.
Shawn’s eyes remain fixed on Logan, his expression unreadable. And I wonder what will happen next.
“Have we met before?” Logan asks, stretching out his hand.
“Hi, I’m Logan West.” My heart races, thinking he’ll introduce himself as Shawn’s father, but I sigh in relief when he continues, “And you are?”
“I’m Shawn West,” Shawn replies. “Oh, and why are you West and I am West?” Shawn asks.
Logan turns to me again for help, but I can see the awe in his eyes like he’s surprised and grateful at the same time.
He mouths “thank you” to me, and I roll my eyes, thinking, of course, he’s his child – I wouldn’t have him bear another man’s name as his surname.
Shawn and Logan are circling each other, trying to understand the bond between them. I watch, fascinated, with this reunion.
Shawn’s eyes widened, “And wait a minute, why do you look like me?” he asked, pointing to Logan’s face.
I laugh softly, amused by the fact that he thinks Logan looks like him when in reality, it’s the other way around.
Logan’s face is filled with emotion, his voice trembling, “Yes, we look alike because we’re going to be best buddies.” I can sense emotions he’s struggling to contain.
“Can I hug you?” Logan asks, opening his arms. Before I can respond, Shawn rushes into his embrace, wrapping his small arms around Logan’s waist.
I turn my face, hiding the tears that threaten to fall, my heart swelling.
I glance back at Logan, his eyes brimming with tears, but he’s fighting to maintain a brave front, his eyes locked on Shawn with a deep longing.
My mind thinks back to the revelation Logan shared – Syd’s preventing him from seeing me.
I wonder, would things be better if she hadn’t meddled? Logan’s past hurts still linger, but Syd’s betrayal cuts deeper. I’m left questioning what else she might be hiding.
Logan slowly releases Shawn, his eyes brimming with tears. “Oh, don’t cry,” Shawn says, trying to wipe the tears from Logan’s face with his small thumb.
Logan stands up, scooping Shawn into his arms, rubbing his back as his nose presses into the crook of Shawn’s neck.
I’m struck by the vulnerability on Logan’s face as he holds his son. His eyes were red-rimmed from tears.
I wish many things never happened, I wish we never had that big fight. I want what is best for my son, and having both parents in his life, I know, will be the best for him, but I wouldn’t want to rush it.
My mum appeared with a warm smile. “What did I miss?” she asks, her eyes scanning the scene before her.
“Oh, you’re here, Grandma!” Shawn exclaims, excitedly waving at her. “Meet Logan West,” I add, gesturing to Logan, who’s still holding Shawn in his arms.
My mum’s eyes light up with joy as she takes in the sight of Shawn, and then turns to me. I nod, knowing there’s no point denying the obvious – Shawn is a spitting image of his father.
Logan, sensing my mum’s gaze, looks up, his eyes meeting hers. For a moment, they just stare at each other.
She opens her arms, and Logan, still holding Shawn, steps into her embrace.
I step into the backyard, and my eyes land on Ethan, sitting in the grass, his gaze fixed on the ground.
He picks up a stone, his hand closing around it, and throws it into the distance. I can tell he’s troubled.
As I approach, he senses my presence and looks back, his eyes locking onto mine. But then, he asks….