Chapter 54

Carson woke up the next day after the meeting in the park and felt like he could fly. Charlie had met him. He had his son in his arms. Carson felt a joy he had never felt before when he thought of Charlie's little hands touching his face and his bright blue eyes looking up at him.

But as he got ready for the day, he began to have doubts. Did he say the right things? Have you done enough? Would Alice let him live with them?

Carson picked up the phone and wasn't sure if he should text Alice. He didn't want to be too pushy, but he also didn't want her to think he wasn't interested. He finally typed a message:

"Thanks again for yesterday." Charlie is great. I hope to see you soon."

Before he could change his mind, he hit "send."

Alice thought about the park meeting while she was across town. Carson had brought Charlie a new book, which she saw him play with. She felt mixed feelings when she saw it. It was nice that Carson had thought to bring a gift, on the one hand. But it was a stark re