Chapter 6 - A FATHER'S FIRST GOODBYE
Alexander flew to Oregon two days later.
He came alone.
No bodyguards at my door.
No black SUVs.
No demands.
Just a man wearing a dark coat and carrying a small paper bag.
I opened the door.
He looked at me.
“Claire.”
I stepped aside.
“Come in.”
Oliver was building a tower on the living-room rug.
Emma sat beside him holding a stuffed rabbit.
Alexander stopped.
His face softened.
“Hello.”
Oliver looked up.
“It's the man from the wedding.”
Alexander smiled faintly.
“Yes.”
Emma studied him.
“Why are you here?”
He crouched.
“Because I'd like to get to know you.”
Oliver frowned.
“Are you Mommy's friend?”
Alexander looked at me.
I took a breath.
Then knelt beside the children.
“Oliver. Emma. This is Alexander.”
They waited.
I swallowed.
“He's your father.”
Oliver stared.
Emma looked confused.
Alexander's eyes filled.
For a moment, nobody spoke.
Then Oliver asked, “Where were you?”
Alexander closed his eyes.
The question broke something inside him.
He looked at his son.
“I didn't know about you.”
Oliver frowned.
“Why?”
Alexander swallowed.
“Because grown-ups made some very bad mistakes.”
Emma reached for my hand.
“Are you staying?”
Alexander looked at me.
Then at her.
“Not today.”
Her face fell.
He continued.
“But if your mommy agrees, I'd like to visit again.”
Oliver considered that.
Then nodded.
“Okay.”
May you like
Alexander smiled through tears.
“Okay.”
