AllFreeNovel
Share Us
"I'm sorry about that. It was hypocritical of me, wasn't it?" Sarah's cheeks pink slightly, and she looks away.
"I've shared meals with plenty of people around Pine Creek. I shouldn't have been so off-putting towards you, especially when I don't know much about you. Not personally, anyway, aside from... you know, your professional life."
I nod, understanding the unspoken reference to my days spent on the rodeo circuit, riding bulls, and chasing belt buckles. "It's alright," I reassure her. "Come on in. I'll show you around."
The cabin is small but cozy, bathed in the warm light of the setting sun streaming through the windows. I give Sarah a quick tour, pointing out the little details that make this place feel like home. I tell her the reason why I purchased it.
I needed a private escape when I felt myself going crazy and didn't want my son to see me in that state. Throughout, she nods and smiles, a gentle warmth in her demeanor that I hadn't fully appreciated until now.
"What's that amazing smell?" she asks suddenly, her eyes brightening with curiosity.
"Oh, uh, that's dinner," I say, leading her back to the small kitchen. I gesture for her to sit at the kitchen table, and she does, her gaze following me as I scoop a generous portion of chicken and dumplings into a bowl.
I place the bowl in front of her, and her eyes light up with surprise. "Chicken and dumplings?" she echoes, a hint of disbelief in her voice.
I feel my cheeks warm at her reaction. "Yeah, I, uh, I heard it was your favorite," I admit shyly, avoiding her gaze as I take the seat opposite hers after getting her a glass of iced tea. Watching her face, the openness strikes me, the genuine appreciation shining back at me.
"Tyler, I'm touched," she says, her voice soft and filled with an emotion I can't quite place. “No one's... It's been a long time since someone made something special for me."
We settle into a comfortable rhythm, the clink of utensils against our bowls filling the silence as we dive into the meal. The savory aroma envelops the cabin, creating a relaxing atmosphere.
Watching Sarah take the first bite, her eyes briefly closed in appreciation, a wave of accomplishment washed over me. It's oddly satisfying to see her enjoy something I've made. "This is delicious, Tyler," she says, her smile radiating sincerity. "Thank you."
I grin, feeling a warm sense of pride. "I'm glad you like it. It's the least I could do." The conversation slowly shifts as we speak about our lives beyond the surface level. Talking to her feels natural. I'm telling her about Mrs. Carolyn before I know it. "She's been with us since Timmy was born," I explain. "I honestly don't know what I would've done without her. She's like family now."
Sarah listens intently, her fork pausing mid-air. "It sounds like she's been a huge help to you and Timmy."
I nod, stirring my bowl absentmindedly. "Yeah, she's been amazing. Whenever I'm home, I try to take over so she can have a break. It's important to me to be there for Timmy, especially with all the traveling I do for rehab and therapy sessions."
I pause momentarily, realizing how much I'm opening up to her. It feels right, though, like Sarah's someone who genuinely cares to listen.
Ironically, this is the kind of openness Sarah wanted in her office during therapy.
Maybe being in a homier atmosphere is helping me to open up easier.
The conversation takes a more profound turn, and I find myself talking about something I rarely do – my family.
"My family, well, they've never really been there for me, not in the way that matters. From my grandparents to my parents, uncles, and aunts, even my cousins, it's always been about what I can do for them, not the other way around."
I can see Sarah's expression change to one of concern, her eyes softening. "That sounds tough, Tyler."
"It's been a challenge," I admit, feeling a heaviness lift off me as I speak. "Their greed, their constant need for more... it pushed me away. I changed my number years ago, moved to Pine Creek, and never looked back. They don't even know I live here."
"It sounds like you've built a pretty good life for yourself, though," she encourages gently, reaching over to place her hand over mine. Her touch is comforting and reassuring in a way I didn't know I needed.
"Yeah," I say, looking into her eyes, finding an understanding I hadn't expected. "Finding out I would be a dad changed everything for me. It gave me a purpose, you know? Suddenly, I wasn't so alone anymore." My voice is quiet, but in the silence of the cabin, it feels like it echoes around us, carrying the weight of my words.
Sarah nods, squeezing my hand. "I can see that. You're doing an amazing job, Tyler. Anyone who knows about your son can see how much you love Timmy."
Sarah's gentle yet hesitant voice breaks through my train of thought. "Can I ask... what about Timmy's mother?" Her eyes search mine for permission to proceed.
Taking a deep breath, I decide to lay it all bare. "Joyce... she was a one-night stand. And honestly, I think she messed with the protection that night. She was the one who offered me the condom, and later on, I couldn't shake off the suspicion that she might have poked holes in it after learning about the pregnancy."
It feels surreal to discuss this out loud, especially with Sarah.
Her brow furrows in confusion and concern. "Why would she do that?"
"It's complicated, but she thought she'd score a payday by getting pregnant. I guess she figured since I have a bit of a name for myself, it'd be her ticket to something bigger."
