Chapter 28
Hope
It’s been six days since Kaden came to my home and helped Zac with his school project. Six days since that hug that almost crossed every line for me, stirring a rush of confusing, unexpected feelings I hadn’t felt in years.
Not since the early days with Adrian. That fluttering, breathless sensation in your stomach, when you realise you’re starting to feel something for someone.
At first, I tried to deny it—telling myself it was just the loneliness making me feel this way. But ever since that afternoon at my place, when he worked alongside my son, patiently helping him build a model house, something changed.
Everything I initially thought about Kaden had begun to shift.
He doesn’t know this, but I heard every word he and Zac shared in the living room, even when they tried to keep their voices low. I heard it all—how Zac felt about his dad, and the tender words of praise and encouragement coming from Kaden.
I was almost in tears just listening to them. I wanted nothing more than to gather them both into my arms and never let go.
My heart ached for Zac, for the pain he’s been quietly carrying.
For everything his father is putting him through, putting us through.
I wanted to cross the room, pull him close, and whisper that things would get better.
That his father is just trying to find his way in this new life, and that no matter what, he would always love him, always care.
But it was as if Kaden lifted the words straight from my mouth. He gave Zac the reassurance he so desperately needed—softly, sincerely, with a gentleness that settled deep in my chest.
He didn’t have to do that. He could have easily offered hollow words, said whatever was easiest just to make Zac feel better about himself. But instead, what he gave him was genuine and deeply heartfelt, spoken as if he truly saw the remarkable person my son is.
As a mother whose whole world revolves around her little boy, I have never felt such a profound, instinctive respect and appreciation for someone I barely know, someone who, in that moment, showed a care for my son that made my heart swell and ache at the same time.
In the short time we’ve known each other, he has done more for Zac and me than Adrian ever did, more than I thought anyone could. I can’t even put into words the way it makes me feel every time I think about it.
Kaden is quickly revealing a side of himself I never expected—the genuinely good, incredible parts that shine even in our brief acquaintance. And I find myself hoping that I’ll get the chance to know even more.
We haven’t arranged to meet again, at least, not anytime soon.
But we’ve kept in touch, mostly through texts.
He shares updates on some of his new builds, and I’ve been keeping him posted on Zac’s model house, and even on my own home renovations, which have finally gained momentum now that I’ve found this new surge of energy and determination.
He’s offered to lend a hand more than once, but he’s already done so much for me that I can’t bring myself to ask for anything more.
As much as I need it, I don’t want him to feel that our friendship exists only for the help he gives.
Accepting help has never come easily to me—from Kaden or anyone else.
So even if he’s offering, I’m just not comfortable enough to take it.
I’ve spent the day slowly working through the kitchen cabinets, one by one, fixing doors that have come off their hinges, replacing missing handles and screws, and repairing cracks in the wood. They’ll need repainting, and not just the damaged ones, but the rest of the cabinets too.
I’m in the middle of screwing a handle onto one drawer when a sharp knock rattles the front door. I pause what I’m doing, setting the screwdriver gently on the bench and make my way towards the front of the house.
Stopping briefly at the hallway mirror, I check my reflection, making sure I look at least somewhat decent, if for some reason it’s Kaden on the other side, before opening the door.
“Hello, sweetheart,” Adrian drawls, wearing that infuriating grin I once found really sexy, back when I still cared, but now it just grates on my nerves.
He still looks like the same man I was married to all those years ago, tall and lean beneath a navy sweater and dark jeans.
The premature greys at his temples have become more pronounced over the past year, only making his ocean-blue eyes stand out more.
He must have had a haircut recently, and his dark beard is neatly trimmed.
If I had to guess, it’s probably for all the women he’s been entertaining, or at least, trying to impress.
I step outside, closing the door quietly behind me, careful not to let Zac hear us, even though he’s safely tucked away in his room.
“What are you doing here, Adrian?”
“I’ve come to spend time with my son.”
“You know it’s my weekend with him. And not only that, you haven’t even bothered to call him at all this week.”
“I was busy.”
“Too busy for a five-minute chat with your son? I’ve heard better excuses from prisoners.”
“Hey, I’m here, aren’t I? I’m trying to make up for it, and you’re always trying to make it so difficult.”
“Adrian, showing up here once in a blue moon, or whenever you feel like it, is not going to make up for the weeks you’ve ghosted him. You’re his father for crying out loud, and you’re treating him like he isn’t a priority.”
“There are things I had to do, alright? It’s not like I live a few minutes away. You went out of your way to put as much distance between us as you could. So forgive me if I can’t just drop everything and come running whenever you feel like demanding it.”
“First of all, there’s nothing more important than spending time with your child.
Zac has been waiting patiently to see or even hear from you, but you always end up disappointing him.
And secondly, I’m not demanding anything.
This is part of the parenting order you agreed to and signed.
If you acted like a responsible father, this conversation wouldn’t even be necessary. ”
“Look, I’m trying to balance everything as best as I can. It’s not fucking easy, Hope.”
“You think this is easy for me, Adrian? Do you think I wake up every morning thinking my life is so fucking simple? That it’s easy to work long hours at the hospital, make sure our child is safe, healthy, and thriving, and still hold this house together all on my own?
I don’t get to just show up whenever I feel like it, Adrian.
I do what has to be done, without question, without complaints. ”
I steel my spine, refusing to hold back now as the words I’ve kept locked inside for so long burst forth, carrying all my anger and truth.
“I have never asked anything from you that’s beyond what’s outlined in the parenting order.
I don’t even ask my parents for help because they’ve earned the right to rest at their age.
This is my responsibility. I’m the adult.
I’m the parent. I don’t get a choice. But even so, I will always be there for Zac—no matter what.
So if you feel like you can’t do this anymore, if you can’t be the father our son needs or deserves—then tell me now.
We’ll go through the courts, amend the parenting order, and you can step away for good.
Just understand this: I’ll make damn sure he lives a full and happy life, surrounded by all the love and support he needs without you in it. ”
Adrian lowers his gaze to the floor, shame and guilt flashing across his features. It’s the only proof that tells me I’ve struck a chord. I feel no regret for what I said. In fact, I don’t think I’ve ever been more honest or direct in my life.
If he truly believes he can keep treating our son like an obligation instead of a priority—if he thinks he can continue letting him down, again and again, then he’s an even bigger fool than I ever gave him credit for.
And certainly not the man who deserves my little boy.
He can walk away now if he chooses. I won’t stop him, ever. Either way, our lives will
go on without him.
“You’re right. You’re absolutely right,” he finally says, releasing a heavy sigh. “I haven’t been very present lately, and for that, I’m sorry. I promise to do better, you have my word. I’ll spend more time with him. Everything else can wait. I’m sorry, Hope.”
“It’s not me you should be apologising to, or trying to convince.”
“Still, I owe you an apology too. I’ve been stuck in my own self-pity since you left, and I admit I haven’t been the best father to Zac. But I swear to you, Hope—I’ll do better from here on out. Just give me another chance. Please let me spend today with him. I want to make things right.”
Just then, the door opens behind me. Adrian and I both freeze, our conversation halting immediately.
“Mum, who are you talking to?”
He peers around me, his eyes meeting his father’s in an instant. Instead of the excitement that usually lights his face whenever his dad visits, his expression remains neutral, and maybe, a little angry too.
“Hey, son.”
Zac continues to stare at his dad, offering him only a small, forced smile. When he doesn’t say anything, Adrian continues to try his luck.
“I thought we could spend the day together.”
“Why?” Zac asks, his tone empty and detached.
“Because I’ve missed you, and wanted to see you.”
“You could’ve seen me last weekend.”
“I know, buddy, but I was in Brisbane for an important event. I told you that. Anyway, I’m here now, and guess what?
” He reaches into his back pockets and pulls out two small pieces of paper.
“I got us tickets to the circus that’s in town.
I know how much you’ve always wanted to see it. Will you go with me?”
The silence that follows is almost unbearable, and just for a slither of a second, I’m afraid to hear Zac’s response.
“I have a lot of homework to do, maybe next time,” he says, and without saying goodbye, he turns and walks away.
Adrian’s expression crumbles in an instant, and I see it all there on his face: sadness, disappointment, guilt—hurt.
“I deserved that,” he says quietly.
“Yes, you did. He’s upset right now, but he’ll be okay. You can try again next weekend.”
He nods, his eyes downcast once more as his shoulders slump. “I should go then. Thank you for seeing me even if it was unannounced. I’ll call him throughout the week. I promise. Please hug him for me.”
I nod, and without another word, he turns and walks slowly back to his car.
I don’t wait for him to leave; I just head back inside, and the moment I do, I almost collide with Zac, who I hadn’t realised was still there.
“Are you okay, honey?”
“Is he coming back?”
“No. He’s going home back to Sandy Vale,” I reassure him.
“Good.”
“Do you want to talk about it?”
He shakes his head, slowly. “No. I just wanted to make sure he was gone.”
“He is. And he won’t be back until next weekend.”
His nod is slow, heavy with sadness. It’s hard to see him like this. He’s always been such a happy, playful little boy, and now it feels like he’s a different child, and it breaks my heart. I think I’ll have to schedule another session with Dr. Peters for him, just in case.
“Can we order pizza tonight?” Zac asks.
“Of course. Anything you want.”
“Cool. Just pepperoni for me, please.”
“Done. I’ll call you when it’s here.”
He nods once more and starts heading towards his room. Just as he’s about to vanish from the hallway, he pauses and turns to face me.
“I love you, Mum. It’s going to be okay.”
Oh, my heart. My sweet, precious boy.
“I love you, too, baby. And yes, it will be. We’re going to be alright.”