The sun was high, casting golden light over the city park as Alex held Liam's hand, walking slowly toward the pond. Liam's excitement bubbled over with every step.
"Can we feed the ducks, Daddy? Can we? Can we?" he chanted, practically skipping.
Alex laughed, feeling warmth spread through him. "Yes, we can. But remember, no chasing them."
Liam's eyes widened, and he nodded earnestly. "I promise!"
Maya followed, carrying a small bag with breadcrumbs and a blanket. She smiled softly at the scene before her—Alex, cautious but engaged, laughing at his son's antics. Her heart thumped in a way she hadn't expected. Watching him with Liam was like seeing pieces of the past and present merge seamlessly.
They reached the pond, and Liam ran ahead, scattering breadcrumbs into the water while ducks swam eagerly toward him. Alex knelt beside Liam, showing him how to toss crumbs carefully. "See? You have to be gentle, or they'll get scared," he explained.
Liam listened intently, nodding, and occasionally looking up at Alex with admiration. Maya caught the way Alex's eyes softened as he watched Liam laugh. She realized how deeply he already cared—how naturally he fit into this role of fatherhood.
After feeding the ducks, they spread a blanket under a tree for a picnic. Liam eagerly opened his lunchbox, while Alex and Maya exchanged glances, smiling quietly.
"You know," Alex said, leaning back on his elbows, "I didn't think I'd ever… feel this. Being with him, seeing you both… it's… it feels right."
Maya's chest tightened. "I've wanted this to feel right for a long time," she admitted. "I was just scared to let you in."
Alex reached across the blanket, taking her hand gently. "I get that. I was scared too… scared of messing up, scared of losing you again."
Their hands lingered, fingers brushing, and for a moment, words weren't necessary. Liam, oblivious to the adult tension, squealed as he chased a squirrel across the grass. Alex laughed, scooping him up mid-chase, and Maya joined in, her laughter light and carefree.
The afternoon was filled with simple joys—playing on swings, running through the sprinklers, sharing ice cream cones, and laughing at Liam's jokes. Each moment strengthened the invisible thread connecting the three of them.
As the sun began to set, painting the sky with soft oranges and pinks, they sat together on a bench, catching their breath. Liam leaned against Alex, tired but content, and Maya rested her hand on Alex's arm, hesitant but hopeful.
"I can't believe how much he's grown," Alex whispered, looking at Liam's sleepy face. "And how much I've missed… everything."
Maya nodded, squeezing his hand. "We have a chance to make up for lost time," she said softly. "We just have to take it… one day at a time."
Alex glanced down at Liam, then back at Maya, and felt a surge of determination. No more walls, no more running. He would embrace this life—messy, unpredictable, full of love—and he wouldn't let the past keep him from the family he now held in his hands.
And as the evening breeze rustled through the trees, laughter and quiet conversation blending into the sound of the city, Alex realized that life could be beautiful again. Not perfect, not easy—but real, and entirely worth it.