Emma's POV

It had been a few days since Jeff and I had dinner together. The memory lingered in the back of my mind like the warmth of a fading sunset.

We had shared something real that night, a moment where the walls between us had started to come down but reality had a way of creeping back in, and now I was back to my usual routine; juggling work, motherhood, and the complex feelings Jeff’s presence stirred in me.

The front door opened, and the sound of small feet pattering on the hardwood floors brought me back to the present. Jason and Anna burst into the house, their laughter filling the air like music. I turned from the kitchen counter, my heart swelling as they raced toward me, their backpacks bouncing with every step.

“Mama,” Anna exclaimed, flinging her tiny arms around my waist. Jason wasn’t far behind, squeezing in for a group hug.

“Hey, my loves,” I said, kissing the tops of their heads, “How was daycare today?”

“It was so fun,” Jason said, his eyes wide with excitement, “Miss Linda said we’re going to have a party soon.”

“A party?” I asked, crouching to their level, “What kind of party?”

“Father’s Day.” Anna chirped, her curls bouncing as she nodded enthusiastically.

“We’re making cards and everything and Miss Linda said we can invite our dads.”

My smile faltered, but I quickly masked it, “Oh, that sounds like a lot of fun.”

Jason tugged on my sleeve, a serious expression, “Mom can we invite Daddy? Please?”

I froze.

The word “Daddy” still felt strange when they used it for Jeff. He’d been absent for so much of their lives that I wasn’t sure how to bridge the gap between who he was now and who he had been then.

“Jason sweetheart,” I began carefully, “Daddy’s very busy with work. I don’t think he’ll have time to come.”

“But you don’t know that.” Anna protested, crossing her arms, “You didn’t even ask him.”

I sighed, placing a hand on her shoulder, “Anna

I know you’re excited, but sometimes adults have a lot on their plates. Let’s not get our hopes up, okay?”

Jason pouted, his little brows furrowing, “It won’t be the same without him.”

The guilt that pricked at me was sharp and immediate, but I didn’t let it show, “Why don’t you two wash up and get ready for dinner? We’ll talk more about the party later.”

Reluctantly, they nodded and headed upstairs. I watched them go, my chest heavy with the weight of unspoken truths.

Dinner that night was a quiet affair at first. The twins were chattering away about their day while Jeff and I exchanged polite conversation. It was moments like these that almost felt normal, like we were a real family.

Halfway through the meal, Anna set her fork down and turned to Jeff.

“Daddy?” She began, her tone sweet but determined.

Jeff raised an eyebrow, smiling at her. “Yes, sweetheart?”

“Can you come to our Father’s Day party at daycare? Please?”

My heart stopped.

“Anna,” I said quickly, shooting her a look, “We talked about this.”

“But he’s right here,” She argued, her wide eyes brimming with hope, “We have to ask him.”

Jason joined in, nodding vigorously, “Yeah Daddy. Miss Linda said it’s important for dads to come.”

Jeff looked between them, his expression softening, then his gaze shifted to me, and I could see the question in his eyes.

“Jeff,” I interjected, trying to steer the conversation, “The twins don’t understand how busy you are, it’s really okay if you can’t make it.” I told him pointedly, hoping he'd get the hint I was dropping. 

“I’ll make time.” Jeff said firmly, setting his knife and fork down.

“You don’t have to… ” I tried again to dissuade him from saying yes but he was a stubborn man, I knew that about him already. 

“I want to.” He interrupted, his tone leaving no room for argument.

He turned back to the twins, his smile warm, “I’ll be there.”

The kids erupted into cheers, their excitement lighting up the room, “Yayyy, daddy's coming to our school party.” Anna exclaimed. 

I, on the other hand, felt my stomach twist into knots.

“I can't wait to show you to everyone.” Jason said, looking up at Jeff with puppy eyes. Jeff smiled in return and ruffled his hair a little bit before looking at me. 

“Can I talk to you for a second?” I asked Jeff once the twins were occupied with their dessert.

“Of course.” He stood, following me into the living room.

I folded my arms, pacing as I tried to gather my thoughts, “You don’t have to do this.” I said finally.

“Emma,” he said patiently, leaning against the arm of the couch, “I know I don’t have to, but I want to.”

“You don’t understand,” I pressed, my voice rising slightly, “This isn’t just about showing up for a party. It’s about setting expectations. What if you can’t follow through in the future? What if they get used to having you around, and then you disappear again?”

Jeff’s jaw tightened, his expression unreadable, “I’m not going anywhere.” He said quietly.

“You say that now,” I shot back, frustration bubbling to the surface, “But what happens when work gets crazy? Or when life gets in the way? They’re just kids, Jeff. They don’t deserve to be disappointed.”

He stepped closer, his voice calm but firm, “I made mistakes before Emma. I know that, but I’m trying to make things right. I want to be there for them, for you. Can’t you at least let me try?”

I looked away, my throat tightening. Part of me wanted to believe him, to trust that he meant every word but another part of me, the part that had been burned before, couldn’t shake the fear that history would repeat itself.

“You don’t get how hard this is for me.” I admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.

“I’ve spent years trying to protect them from the fallout of us. And now you’re back, and they’re so happy, and I’m terrified it’s all going to fall apart again.”

Jeff reached out, his hand brushing against mine, “Emma, I know I can’t change the past, but I can control what I do now. Let me be there for them, let me be the father they deserve.”

I looked up at him, my heart aching with the weight of my emotions. He looked so sincere, so determined, and I realized I couldn’t deny the twins this chance, no matter how scared I was.

“Okay,” I said softly, my voice trembling, “But Jeff, don’t let them down please.”

He nodded, his grip on my hand tightening slightly, “I won’t.”

The days leading up to the Father’s Day party passed in a blur. The twins were practically buzzing with excitement, their chatter filled with plans and stories about what they would show Jeff at daycare.

Watching them, I felt a bittersweet mix of emotions.

Seeing them so happy was a gift, but it also reminded me of how much they had missed out on during Jeff’s absence.

On the morning of the party, Jeff arrived at the house looking sharp but casual in a crisp button-down shirt and jeans. The twins were ecstatic, running to him with hugs and excited squeals.

“You ready for this?” I asked him as we stood by the door, watching the kids bounce around.

He glanced at me, his smile tinged with nervousness, “As ready as I’ll ever be.”

I nodded, my chest tightening as I handed him a small bag with the twins’ artwork inside, “Good luck.”

As they left, I stood in the doorway, watching them go. For the first time in a long time, I allowed myself a sliver of hope, maybe, just maybe, things would be different this time.

The daycare was alive with laughter and cheer when we arrived. Tables were set up with crafts, and a small field had been turned into a makeshift soccer area. The other dads were scattered around, chatting with their kids or awkwardly attempting some of the games.

When Jeff stepped into the yard, it was as though the world had stopped. Every head turned in his direction, and I could practically hear the collective intake of breath.

“That’s Jeff Anderson.” One mom whispered loudly to another, “The billionaire CEO.”

A group of dads glanced at him, their postures immediately straightening as if they were trying to appear taller and more confident. Meanwhile, several moms couldn’t seem to look away, their gazes lingering far longer than polite.

Jeff, completely unfazed, smiled down at the twins and let them drag him to the craft station, “Let’s get started, shall we?” He said, his voice warm and encouraging.

Anna held up her hand, already smeared with paint, “Look Jeff. We’re making handprint flowers.”

Jeff rolled up his sleeves and got to work alongside them, dipping his hand into the paint and pressing it onto the paper. The sight of him laughing with the kids made my heart ache in a way I didn’t want to examine too closely.

Throughout the day, Jeff played soccer with Jason, joined Anna for a tea party, and even participated in a dance-off with the other dads, much to the delight of the kids and adults alike. The moms were practically falling over themselves to talk to him, asking him questions about his life, his work, and even his relationship status.

One overly enthusiastic mom, dressed in a floral sundress that was perhaps a little too short for a family event, placed her hand on Jeff’s arm, laughing a little too loudly at something he said. My jaw clenched, but I forced myself to stay calm.

It had been a wonderful day and I'm glad I allowed Jeff to come for the twins. 

By the time we got back to Jeff’s house, the twins were still buzzing with excitement. Jason was clutching the small soccer trophy he had won, and Anna was holding a bouquet of paper flowers she had made.

“Can we show Jeff our favorite game now?” Jason asked, his eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“Please Mommy?” Anna added, tugging at my arm.

Jeff grinned, ruffling Jason’s hair, “Of course we can, lead the way champ.”

The twins led him to the living room, where they introduced him to their favorite board game. I sat on the couch, watching as they explained the rules to him in their own clumsy way. Jeff listened intently, his focus entirely on them.

As I sat there, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of loneliness, the twins were completely engrossed in Jeff, their laughter filling the room. I was just there, like a bystander in my own family.

“Your turn Jeff.” Anna said, handing him the dice.

Jeff rolled and landed on a spot that made him lose points. He feigned a dramatic groan, making the twins laugh so hard they nearly fell over.

I stood up quietly and went to the kitchen, unable to shake the feeling of being left out. I busied myself with washing dishes, the sound of their laughter echoing in my ears.

I didn’t realize how much time had passed until I heard footsteps behind me, I turned to see Jeff standing in the doorway, his brow furrowed.

“Why did you leave?” He asked, his voice soft but firm.

“I didn’t want to interrupt your fun.” I replied, my tone sharper than I intended.

Jeff crossed his arms, leaning against the doorframe, “Emma what’s going on? You’ve been off all day.”

I sighed, turning back to the sink, “It’s nothing, daon’t worry about it.”

“Don’t do that,” he said, stepping closer, “Talk to me.”

I spun around, unable to hold it in any longer, “You don’t get it, Jeff. You walk in, and suddenly you’re the star of the show, everyone loves you. The kids adore you and I’m just here, watching from the sidelines.”

Jeff’s expression softened, but I could see the tension in his jaw, “Emma that’s not fair, I’m just trying to be there for them.”

“They’re not even your kids.” The words slipped out before I could stop them.

Jeff froze, his eyes narrowing, “What did you just say?”

I took a step back, suddenly realizing the weight of what I had said. “I didn’t mean to say… ”

“They’re not my kids?” He interrupted, his voice low and dangerous, “Do you think I don’t know that? Do you think I haven’t reminded myself of that every single day since you came back into my life?”

“Jeff, I…”

“No, Emma.” He shook his head, his voice rising, “I’ve done everything I can to be there for them, for you, and this is what I get? A reminder that I don’t belong?”

“That’s not what I meant.” I said desperately, tears stinging my eyes.

“Then what did you mean?” He demanded, his tone cutting.

I couldn’t answer. The words were stuck in my throat, my emotions swirling too fast for me to untangle them.

Jeff ran a hand through his hair, letting out a bitter laugh, “You know what? Forget it. Clearly, I’ve overstepped.”

“Jeff, wait…. ”

But he was already walking out of the kitchen. I heard the door to his office slam shut a moment later, and the sound echoed in the silence.

I sank to the floor, my head in my hands. The weight of my words and the look on Jeff’s face crushed me. I had wanted to keep my distance, to protect myself and the twins from getting too attached. But now, I wasn’t sure if I had just pushed away the one person who had been trying to hold us together.