Chapter 35: A Father’s Determination and a Family’s Support

The sun rose gently over the vast estate, casting golden hues across the private island resort where the family had planned their special outing. The air was warm, carrying the soft scent of the ocean breeze as waves lapped at the shore. Today was a significant day—one designed to bring a father closer to his son.

A Morning of Silent Efforts

The protagonist stirred in his bed, his small body nestled between Mama (Emma) and one of his elder sisters. As his sleepy eyes opened, the first person he saw was his father, kneeling beside the bed with a gentle smile. The father's heart clenched—his son always woke up in his wife's arms, never his. But today, he was determined to change that.

"Good morning, sweetheart," Mama (Emma) cooed, pressing a soft kiss to her son's forehead. The little boy blinked sleepily and yawned, wrapping his tiny arms around her neck.

The father smiled but felt the usual pang of jealousy. When was the last time my son hugged me first?

Before he could overthink, Mama (Emma) gave him an encouraging glance. "Why don't you help him get ready today?" she suggested gently.

The little boy hesitated for a moment. He was used to Mama (Emma) or his sisters dressing him, brushing his hair, and preparing him for the day. But his father's expectant gaze and hopeful smile made something inside him soften. He gave a small nod.

The father's breath hitched. It was a small gesture, but to him, it meant everything.

A Day at the Private Resort: A Special Family Outing

After breakfast, the family set out for the day's adventure. The private island resort, an extravagant retreat, was reserved just for them. The clear waters shimmered under the sun, and soft white sand stretched along the coast. Luxury villas, pools, and entertainment areas ensured that the family could enjoy a day of pure fun and relaxation.

The father, eager to seize the moment, reached for his son's hand as they walked towards the beach. The little boy glanced up at him, his small fingers twitching. Normally, he would hold Mama (Emma)'s hand or one of his sisters'. But today, after a brief hesitation, he placed his tiny hand in his father's larger one.

The father's heart swelled. It was the first time in so long that his son had willingly reached for him.

Seeing this, Mama (Emma) and the sisters exchanged knowing smiles but let the moment be. They had planned this outing so that their beloved little one would grow closer to his father, and it was already working.

Competing to Pamper Him

The sisters, of course, didn't make it easy for their father. As soon as they reached the beach, Isabella, the military leader, lifted the little boy into her arms.

"I'm taking my baby brother for a swim!" she declared.

"No, I want to build sandcastles with him!" Charlotte, the fashion designer, pouted.

The father cleared his throat, stepping forward. "Actually, I was hoping to spend some time with him today."

The sisters smirked. "Oh? And what makes you think you'll get the chance?" Olivia, the actress, teased playfully.

Before the father could respond, Mama (Emma) chuckled, giving him a knowing look. "You have to earn his attention, my love. Let's see how you do."

The father sighed dramatically. So, it's a competition now? Fine. He would win his son's heart, no matter what.

Building Trust, One Moment at a Time

Throughout the day, the father went out of his way to care for his son in small but meaningful ways. He held his hand as they walked, lifted him onto his shoulders when he got tired, and even personally fed him his favorite fruits. The little boy was hesitant at first but started relaxing in his father's presence.

At one point, the father gently dried his son's hair after a swim, his hands moving with careful affection. The boy looked up at him, confusion flickering in his big eyes.

"Why are you doing all this?" the little one finally asked, his small voice uncertain.

The father paused, his chest tightening. He crouched to meet his son's gaze. "Because I love you. And because I wasn't there for you when you needed me most." His voice cracked slightly. "I don't ever want you to feel alone again."

The little boy's lips parted slightly, but he said nothing. He merely looked at his father with wide, thoughtful eyes before leaning forward slightly into his father's touch. It was subtle, but it was there.

Mama (Emma) and the sisters, watching from the side, smiled softly. It was a step forward.

Nighttime Confession and a Father's Tears

As night fell and the sky filled with stars, the family gathered around a bonfire by the shore. The little boy sat in Mama (Emma)'s lap, but he kept glancing at his father, as if considering something.

His father, noticing, gave him a small smile but didn't push him. Instead, he whispered, "Goodnight, my son."

The little boy hesitated. He turned slightly in Mama (Emma)'s arms and, in the softest whisper, mumbled, "Goodnight… Daddy."

The father froze.

Tears immediately welled in his eyes. He blinked rapidly, trying to keep his emotions in check. His wife and daughters gasped softly, their expressions filled with warmth and joy.

His son had called him "Daddy."

For the first time in what felt like forever.

Overwhelmed, the father gently wiped his eyes and whispered, "Thank you, my baby."

The little boy, still hesitant, shifted slightly toward his father. Mama (Emma) noticed and, smiling, handed their son over to him.

That night, for the first time in years, the father held his son in his arms, and for the first time, the little boy let him.

And that was enough.

A Step Closer

As the waves crashed softly against the shore and the stars twinkled above, the father held his son, realizing that this was only the beginning. He had lost years of precious time, but now, he had been given another chance.

And this time, he would never let go.