Chapter Two Hundred And Eight
Chapter Two Hundred And Eight
Chapter Two Hundred And Eight
“Get ready, I want to go somewhere with Andy,” Adam said, kissing her neck from behind.
Tia turned around, surprised, holding the towel she’d been using to dry her hands. “Somewhere? Where?”
He smiled a little, his eyes soft but teasing. “You’ll see when we get there. Just wear something comfortable. Andy’s coming with us.”
She raised a brow. “Adam, what are you planning?”
“Nothing crazy,” he said, walking away with that boyish grin she hadn’t seen in years. “Just… us.”
Tia’s heart melted. It had been weeks since they found their way back to each other. Everything between them now felt lighter and calmer—like they were rediscovering the pieces they once lost.
About thirty minutes later, they were ready. Andy ran out of his room, wearing his little sneakers and cap. “Mommy, are we going now?”
“Yes, sweetheart.” Tia laughed softly, fixing the collar of his shirt.
Adam came out of the room in a plain white shirt and jeans, looking effortlessly handsome. He took one look at them and smiled. “My family looks perfect.”
Tia felt her cheeks warm. “Stop it,” she said, trying not to blush.
He walked over and took her hand. “Never again,” he murmured. “Never again will I take you both for granted.”
They drove out a few minutes later. Adam didn’t say where they were going, and Tia didn’t ask. She simply leaned back, watching Andy hum quietly in the back seat. Adam occasionally glanced at her, smiling whenever their eyes met.
After a short drive, the car stopped in front of a quiet, beautiful spot by the lake. The air was calm, the water reflected the clear sky, and a soft breeze played with Tia’s hair. There were a few families around, but the place felt peaceful, almost private.
“Adam… this place is beautiful,” she said softly, stepping out of the car.
He walked to her side and wrapped his arm around her. “I used to come here when things got too heavy. It reminded me of what peace felt like.”
She looked at him for a moment. “And you brought me here?”
He smiled. “Because you are my peace now.”
Tia didn’t say anything—she just leaned into him. Andy ran ahead toward the grassy field, laughing as he chased a butterfly.
“Mommy! Daddy! Look!” Andy shouted, running back with a small flower in his hand.
Tia knelt, smiling. “That’s beautiful, honey.”
“Give it to Mommy,” Adam said, chuckling.
Andy nodded and handed it to her. “For you, Mommy.”
Tia’s eyes softened. “Thank you, baby.”
Adam watched the two of them, his heart full. For years, he’d imagined moments like this but never believed they’d happen again. Seeing Tia smile without pain, hearing Andy laugh freely—it was everything he’d ever wanted.
They spread out a small blanket Adam had brought and sat down together. Tia unpacked the little basket he’d prepared—sandwiches, juice, fruits, and cookies.
“You did all this?” she asked.
Adam shrugged, smiling. “I had help from the chef. But the idea was mine.”
“You’re getting better at surprises,” she teased.
“Maybe because I have something worth surprising,” he replied gently.
Tia looked down, smiling shyly.
After they ate, Andy ran off again to play with a paper plane Adam had bought him. Adam and Tia sat close, quietly watching him.
“Do you ever think about how far we’ve come?” she asked.
“All the time,” Adam said softly. “I think about how close I was to losing everything. And how lucky I am that you forgave me.”
She turned her head slightly to look at him. “You’ve changed, Adam. The way you love now… it feels different.”
He smiled faintly. “Because I learned what losing you felt like. I don’t ever want to feel that again.”
There was a quiet pause before Tia said, “You know, I used to dream of days like this. Just us. No fights, no tears.”
“And now it’s real,” he said, brushing her cheek gently. “We have it now, Tia.”
She leaned in closer, resting her head against his shoulder. “I’m happy, Adam.”
He kissed her forehead. “Then I’m happy too.”
Andy came running back again, laughing. “Daddy, Mommy, come see the ducks!”
They both stood up, holding hands as they followed him toward the small pond. Andy giggled as he threw tiny crumbs of bread into the water, watching the ducks swim close.
Tia laughed softly beside Adam. He turned to look at her—her eyes glowing, her smile real. He reached for her hand again, squeezing it gently.
When Andy ran off to chase another bird, Adam leaned close and whispered, “I love you.”
Tia blinked up at him. “You’ve been saying that a lot lately,” she teased.
He smiled. “And I’ll keep saying it until you’re tired of hearing it.”
“I don’t think I ever will,” she replied quietly.
He brushed his lips against her forehead, then her cheek. “I mean it, Tia. This time, I’m never letting go.”
“Then don’t,” she whispered back, her voice soft.
They stood there for a moment, just holding each other while Andy laughed nearby. The world around them seemed distant—just laughter, love, and peace.
As they walked back to the car later, Andy holding both their hands, Tia looked up at Adam and smiled.
“Thank you for today,” she said.
He squeezed her hand. “Thank you for staying.”
She leaned closer and kissed his cheek. “We’re not just staying, Adam. We’re starting again.”
Adam smiled, his heart full. “Then let’s make it count this time.”
As the car drove away, An
dy fell asleep in the back seat, holding his toy plane. Tia rested her head against Adam’s shoulder, her hand on his chest. He covered her hand with his, a peaceful smile on his face.