The morning sun cast a soft golden hue over the city as Evander buttoned up his shirt, glancing in the mirror before turning to look at his son. Ashton sat on the edge of the bed, his small hands gripping the fabric of his pants in barely contained excitement.
"Are you ready, bud?" Evander asked, kneeling in front of him to fix the slightly crooked collar of his shirt.
Ashton beamed up at him, his dark eyes shining with anticipation. "I can't wait to meet my mom! Do you think she'll be happy to see me?"
Evander forced a smile, his heart heavy with uncertainty. He had kept Lydia at a distance for years, protecting Ashton from the past, but when she suddenly requested to see him, Evander thought—just maybe—she had changed. That hope, no matter how foolish, had led them here today.
"I'm sure she will," Evander said, ruffling his son's hair. "Come on, let's go."