Chapter 64

It's a sunny Saturday morning. Alice sat on a bench, her eyes scanning the area nervously. Charlie played happily at her feet, babbling to his stuffed elephant. Today was the day Carson would see Charlie again, and Alice's stomach was in knots.

"It's going to be okay," she whispered to herself, as much for her own reassurance as for Charlie's.

She spotted Carson before he saw them. He was walking briskly, his face a mix of excitement and apprehension. When his eyes landed on Charlie, his whole face lit up.

"Alice," he said as he approached, his voice soft. "Thank you for this."

Alice nodded, managing a small smile. "Carson. It's... it's good to see you."

Carson knelt down to Charlie's level, his eyes shining. "Hey, buddy. Remember me?"

To Alice's surprise, Charlie looked up at Carson and grinned. "Da-da!" he exclaimed, reaching out his little arms.

Carson's eyes filled with tears as he carried Charlie up. "That's right, Charlie. I'm your dad. I've missed you so much."

Alice felt her o