ching the leaves dance in the wind. Liam, Ava, and Noah were playing in t

rie. Emma opened it to find Lucas standi

eets warmly.

, who were now playing with their dog, Max. S

door behind him. He glanced around the familiar surroundings, hi

. "And I realize now how much I hurt you. Being young and foolish, I allowed my father's in

t of their shared history. "You chose to believe him o

. "And I've regretted it every day since. Emma, please... give

r. "I don't know if I can trust you again,"

id earnestly. "And I'll do whatever it takes to earn your forgiveness.

n and her longing for them to know their father. "I need time,

"Take all the time you need," he said since

a standing alone in the living room. She watched

had always imagined raising her children with a partner by her side, someone who loved her and supported her un

king to meet her at the local diner. She hesitated, unsure if she was ready to face hi

of what Lucas might say. As she walked into the diner, she spo

ful smile on his face. "Emma," he

om him. "What did you want to talk

said," he began, his voice sincere. "And I understand why you're hesitant to trust me agai

I can ever trust you again, Lucas," she admitted quietly.

id softly. "But please, Emma, give me a chance to prove my

reflected in his gaze. Despite everything, a part of he

ice barely above a whisper. "Time to th

rs. "Take all the time you need," he said sin

mma sitting alone at the table. She watched hi

decisions settling on her shoulders. She knew that whatever happened next, she would face it with courage and determinat

the air. For Emma Matthews and Lucas Blackwood, this was just the beginning of their

hed into months. Lucas Blackwood had rekindled memories of their past and optimism for their