Chapter Nine

Tasha POV

(FIVE YEARS LATER)

As I opened the door, the familiar sound of small footsteps echoed through the hallway.

“Mum... Mummy!” he called, his little voice filled with excitement.

I smiled as my son, Ethan, ran toward me. He was my joy, the reason I do everything. His energy, his laughter, it all made every challenge worth it.

"I’ve missed you so much!" Ethan exclaimed, wrapping his tiny arms around my legs.

“Oh really? I’ve missed you more, sweetheart,” I said, scooping him up into my arms and pressing a kiss to his forehead. "I’ve only been gone two days for a job in Paris, or should I say... a fashion contest?" I winked at him, and his eyes lit up.

Just then, Aunt Linda stepped out from the corner of the kitchen, wiping her hands on a dish towel. "Look who’s just right on time for dinner," she said warmly, pulling me into a hug. "How was Paris, darling?"

"Aunt Linda," I smiled, squeezing her back. Robbin's aunt had become like family to me. She had taken Ethan and me in when we first arrived in London and helped me build a new life. "Paris was wonderful, as always. But I’m glad to be home."

"You’ve been busy, Tasha, but it’s good to see you doing so well," she said, beaming. "Ethan’s been talking about you nonstop while you were gone."

I glanced down at Ethan, still nestled in my arms, and my heart swelled. "I missed him every second," I said, brushing his hair out of his face.

Aunt Linda gave me a knowing look. "Well, I’m sure he missed you too. Now, how about you sit down and enjoy some dinner? I made your favorite."

I smiled, feeling the warmth and comfort of this little home we had built. I had come a long way from the woman I was five years ago.

As I set Ethan down and walked toward the table, the past felt like a distant memory one I had finally left behind.

I set my eyes on Ethan, his dark hair and those deep, familiar eyes just like his father’s. A wave of emotion hit me as I remembered the day I went into labor. How close I came to losing him. He was my miracle child, my reason for staying strong through everything.

As I gazed at him, I felt a surge of love and protectiveness. "He’s my miracle," I whispered to myself, smiling softly.

"Mommy, you okay?" Ethan asked, noticing my quiet moment.

I blinked back the tears that had welled up, shaking my head as I sat down beside him. "I’m perfect, sweetheart," I replied, stroking his cheek. "Now, let’s enjoy dinner."

Aunt Linda brought over the steaming plates, and we began our meal, the warmth of the food and the company making everything feel just right. As we laughed and talked, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for this little world we’d built together, far away from the pain of the past. Ethan had given me a second chance at life, and I intended to make the most of it.

The food was, as always, perfect. Aunt Linda had a way of turning simple ingredients into something comforting and delicious. "Linda, you’ve outdone yourself again," I said, savoring the last bite.

She smiled warmly. "I’m just glad you enjoyed it. You’ve been working too hard, Tasha, you need to eat well."

"I don’t know what I’d do without you," I replied, leaning back in my chair, feeling content.

After dinner, we moved into the living room, where Ethan sprawled out on the floor with his toys. Aunt Linda and I sat on the couch, talking quietly, when suddenly, the sound of the front door opening echoed through the hallway. Heavy footsteps followed, and I smiled to myself, knowing exactly who it was.

It could only be Robbin.

Before I could even call out, Ethan had already leapt to his feet. "Uncle Robbin!" he shouted excitedly, sprinting towards him.

Robbin, with his ever-calm demeanor, grinned widely as Ethan reached him. They immediately launched into their signature crazy handshake, a routine they’d perfected over the years. It always made me laugh how serious they were about it.

"Look at you, little man! Did you miss me?" Robbin said, his voice warm as he lifted Ethan effortlessly into his arms.

Ethan giggled and wrapped his arms around Robbin’s neck. "I missed you so much, Uncle Robbin! Mom was in Paris, so it was just me and Granny."

"Ah, I see. Well, I’m back too," Robbin said, carrying Ethan into the living room, his gaze briefly meeting mine with a smile.

For a moment, I just watched them, the comfort of their bond and the ease with which Robbin fit into our lives making me realize just how lucky I was to have him by my side. This little family we had created, though unconventional, was everything I could have hoped for.

"Here you go, little man. I got you something," Robbin said with a grin, pulling a small box from behind his back.

Ethan's eyes lit up with excitement as he tore it open. "Woah! Mom, look!" he exclaimed, holding up a shiny new iPod. "Thanks, Dad!" he shouted over his shoulder as he sprinted towards his room, eager to try it out.

I smiled as I watched him disappear down the hallway. Ethan called him "Uncle Robbin" most of the time, but every now and then, like tonight, he slipped and called him "Dad." It always filled my heart with a strange mix of gratitude and sadness. Robbin had been by our side for as long as Ethan could remember. He’d stepped in seamlessly, becoming a father figure in every sense of the word from attending school activities to being there for every important moment in Ethan’s life including birthdays.

I turned to Robbin, who had settled into the couch, a soft smile on his face as he watched Ethan’s excitement. "You’re spoiling him, you know," I teased lightly.

Robbin shrugged with a grin. "He deserves it. Besides, it’s a small thing. I just want to make sure he knows he’s got someone looking out for him, I plan on getting him more gadget, he's a brilliant kid."

My heart swelled at his words. I couldn’t have asked for a better person to be in Ethan’s life, or mine. Robbin had given us stability, love, and a sense of belonging, even though our circumstances were far from conventional. He was more than just a father figure to Ethan, he was our rock.

Just then, Aunt Linda cut in with a playful smirk, "Always late for dinner, Robbin."

Robbin chuckled, running a hand through his hair as he leaned back on the couch. "You know me, Aunt Linda. Fashionably late is my thing."

She shook her head, waving a finger at him. "One of these days, you'll miss out on my cooking entirely, and then you'll regret it."

"I wouldn’t dare," Robbin replied, winking at her. "Your cooking is the reason I keep coming back."

Aunt Linda laughed, throwing a dish towel over her shoulder as she moved toward the kitchen. "Keep that up, and I might save you some dessert."

I smiled, enjoying the warm banter between them. Robbin and Aunt Linda had such a natural way of keeping things light, making even the smallest moments feel like home.