Chapter 427
Chapter 433
Alexander
I drove home on autopilot, my hands gripping the steering wheel hard enough to make my knuckles white. The city blurred past, all lights and noise I barely registered.
My mind was stuck on that hug. The way Madison had frozen in my arms, rigid and uncertain. The way. she’d pressed her hands against my chest, not quite pushing me away but not relaxing either. And Ethan God, Ethan throwing his small arms around my neck like it was the most natural thing in the world.
Five years. I’d missed five years of his life.
The elevator to my penthouse felt too quiet. Too empty. I stepped inside, and the silence pressed against my chest like a physical weight.
The guest room door stood open. I walked over, staring at the rumpled bedding where Ethan had slept. A faint impression remained in the pillow where his head had been.
My son had slept here. In my home. For the first time ever. 1
I looked at the photos from the amusement park. That last one in the photo booth. Madison’s soff expression, Ethan’s enormous grin, and me looking at her instead of the camera like some lovesick idiot.
We looked like a family.
I should have been there from the beginning. Should have seen Madison pregnant, watched her belly grow, and held Ethan minutes after he was born. Should have been there for first steps and first words and every milestone I’d never get back.
I couldn’t change what had happened. Couldn’t rewrite the past or reclaim those lost years. But I could focus on the future. On being present now, on building something real with Ethan.
And maybe with Madison too, if she’d let me.
I set down the photo and pulled out my laptop instead. Work usually provided a distraction, but tonight the numbers swam together, making no sense.
The next morning, I woke with purpose. No more half measures. No more waiting for the perfect moment.
I showered, dressed in casual clothes instead of a suit, and grabbed my keys. The drive to Fifth Avenue took twenty minutes in light traffic. FAO Schwarz dominated the corner, its massive windows displaying enough toys to bankrupt a small country.
Inside, the store buzzed with early shoppers and excited kids. I navigated past stuffed animals and board games, heading straight for the dinosaur section.
A sales associate materialized beside me. “Can I help you find something p>
174
alt
+25 Bonus
“Dinosaur set. The best one you have p>
She brightened immediately. “How old is the recipient p>
“Four. Almost five p>
“Perfect age for the Prehistoric Collection.” She led me to a massive display featuring detailed dinosaur figures, excavation kits, and elaborate playsets. “This is our premium line. Scientifically accurate, hand- painted, comes with educational materials p>
I examined the largest set. A T-Rex easily two feet tall, surrounded by smaller dinosaurs and accessories. The price tag made most people blink. I barely noticed it.
“I’ll take this one.” 1
“Excellent choice. Would you like it gift wrapped p>
“Yes p>
Ten minutes later, I walked out carrying a bag that could barely contain the massive box inside.
The drive to Hazel’s apartment felt longer than it should have. I parked the car and headed inside with the dinosaur set.
The elevator ride up felt endless. I shifted the bag, suddenly uncertain. What if Ethan didn’t like it? What if Madison thought I was trying to buy his affection?
Too late now.
I knocked on Hazel’s door.
It swung open almost immediately. Hazel stood there in pajamas and a robe, coffee mug in hand. Her eyebrows shot up at the sight of the massive bag.
“Well. Someone’s been shopping p>
“Is Madison here p>
“In the kitchen with Ethan. Come on in.” She stepped back, letting me pass. “Fair warning, he’s already had pancakes and is currently vibrating at sugar speed p>
I followed her down the hallway. Voices drifted from the kitchen, Ethan’s excited chatter mixing with Madison’s quieter responses.
They looked up as I entered. Ethan sat at the breakfast bar, syrup coating his face, his legs swinging. Madison stood by the stove, spatula in hand, wearing sweatpants and an oversized t-shirt that made her look young and approachable.
“King Alexander!” Ethan launched himself off the stool, racing across the kitchen. “You came back p>
I caught him automatically, steadying his small body. “I promised I’d see you soon p>
2/4
“You brought something!” His eyes locked onto the bag like a hawk spotting prey. “What is it? Can I see? Please, please, please p>
“Ethan Madison set down the spatula, her expression guarded. “Let Alexander breathe first
“But Mom, he’s got a present! I can tell p>
I crouched down, bringing the bag to Ethan’s level. “I saw this and thought of you”
His hands trembled as he reached for the bag. I helped him pull out the massive box, watching his face
transform when he saw the dinosaur set.
“WHOA!” His scream probably violated several noise ordinances. “It’s a T-REX! A GIANT T-REX!
*Complete with a whole prehistoric collection.” I pointed at the smaller dinosaurs visible through the clear packaging. “Velociraptors, triceratops, and all the materials to build a habitat p>
Ethan’s hands pressed against the box, his eyes enormous. “This is the COOLEST thing EVER p>
“What do you say, Ethan?” Madison prompted gently.
“Thank you!” He threw his arms around my neck without hesitation, nearly knocking me backward.” Thank you. Thank you. THANK YOU p>
I held him carefully, acutely aware of Madison watching us. When Ethan pulled back, his smile could have powered the entire building.
“Can we open it now? Please p>
“After you finish breakfast and wash your hands,” Madison said. “And thank Alexander properly p>
“I already said thank you p>
“I heard you. The whole building heard you.” Her lips twitched slightly.
Ethan bounced on his toes. “I’m gonna show Aunt Hazel! She’ll be SO jealous!” He grabbed the box, dragging it toward the living room with surprising determination for someone so small.
Madison and I stood alone in the kitchen. She crossed her arms, her expression unreadable.
“That was generous p>
“He likes dinosaurs p>
“He loves dinosaurs. There’s a difference.” She moved closer, lowering her voice. “Alexander, you don’t have to buy him things to make him like you p>
“I know that. But I saw it and wanted to get it for him p>
“A two-hundred-dollar dinosaur set p>
“Three-fifty, actually p>
3/4
Her eyes widened. “Three hundred and fifty dollars for toys p>
“It’s educational. Comes with a whole curriculum guide p>
“It’s excessive p>
“Maybe. But his face when he saw it?” I held her gaze. “Worth every penny p>
Madison’s expression softened slightly. “You’re going to spoil him p>
“Is that so bad p>
“When he starts expecting a pony next week? Yes p>
“I’ll buy him the pony too if that’s what he wants p>
“Alexander p>
“Madison.” I moved closer. “Let me do this. Let me make up for lost time in whatever small ways I can p>
Comments
Support
Share
admind