Page 56 of I’m Already Gone

“Mr. Hartley!”

I turn to see Mrs. Robertson rushing toward us, her heels clicking on the pavement. A car seat is clutched awkwardly against her side.

Ollie and I meet her halfway.

“Sam mentioned you might not have one,” she pants, holding out the car seat. “We always keep a spare on hand, just in case.”

Taking the seat from her, I say, “Thank you. You are a lifesaver.”

After exchanging quick goodbyes, Ollie and I make our way back to my car. I open the back door and slide the car seat in, fumbling a little with the latch anchors until it finally clicks securely into place. Straightening up, I look down at Ollie.

“Alright, big guy,” I say, my smile mirroring his own. “Ready for takeoff?”

Ollie nods and launches himself into the back seat, tossing his backpack onto the seat beside him. I watch as he reaches for the seatbelt and, with a few practiced tugs and clicks, straps himself in.

“You’re a big boy, huh?” I say, genuinely impressed.

He beams, clearly proud of himself. I shut the door and climb into my own seat. I shoot a text message to Sam letting her know Ollie has been picked up.

Her response is immediate: a thumbs-up emoji, followed by a string of hearts, and then, “Thank you.”

The ride back to the house is met with a comfortable silence.

I peek in the rearview mirror occasionally to check on Ollie. His face is pressed against the window, his breath fogging the glass.

Our son Jake is one hundred percent me. And Maddy is a perfect blend of Lily and me. But Ollie… Ollie is all Lily. Pure, sweet, and easy to love already. My heart, which had been a heavy, aching weight of anger and regret for so long for my betrayal, feels lighter now. It doesn’t feel like I’m sinking anymore.

I pull into Lily’s driveway and shut off the car. Turning in my seat, I ask Ollie, “Ready to see Momma?”

“Yep!” He fumbles with his seatbelt buckle. With a final click, he unbuckles himself and grabs his backpack.

Without wasting a moment, I hop out of my seat and walk around the car to Ollie’s side. He climbs out, then reaches for my hand. His small fingers wrap around mine, and the gesture sends a warm jolt through me. An undeniable pull, a fatherly instinct to protect and cherish this child. But with that surge of affection comes the bitter sting of my colossal failure that shattered my marriage to Lily. Shaking the thoughts to the side for now and be there for Lily.

I close his door, and we walk side by side up to the front door. Just as we reach it, the door swings open, revealing Maddy, wearing her favorite “Just a girl who loves art” tee.

Ollie’s face lights up when he spots his sister. He lets go of my hand and runs to her. Maddy catches him easily, scooping him into a hug.

“Hey, Ollie. How was daycare?”

“Good,” he says. “Can I have a snack?”

Maddy chuckles softly, a sound so much like Lily’s. “Yes, you can. Go inside and wash your hands. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.” She sets him down and he pauses, looking back at me before heading inside.

“Thank you for picking me up,” he says with a smile. And then, without warning, he wraps his little arms around my leg.

My heart flutters as I look down at Ollie. There’s a lump in my throat, and for a moment, I can’t find the right words. I reach out and gently pat him on the back. “You’re welcome, little man,” I say softly.

He lets go of my leg and disappears inside. Maddy turns to me, her expression softening. “Dad, are you okay?”

I nod, a small, reassuring smile on my face. “Yeah, sweet pea. He’s a good kid.”

“He is. He’s all Mom,” she says, a warm smile touching her lips.

“That he is,” I admit, the words feeling surprisingly easy. “Speaking of your mom, how is she feeling?”

“She’s still asleep,” Maddy says, her smile faltering slightly.

“If you need anything at all, let me know,” I tell her. “I’ll see you and Jake at dinner tomorrow.”