HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 320

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**

**Chapter 320**

That night, SunCity was enveloped in a relentless downpour. The heavens had turned a deep shade of gray, with thunder rumbling ominously in the distance, while flashes of lightning momentarily illuminated the drenched streets below, casting eerie shadows.

In the cozy playroom, Daven lay sprawled on the plush carpet, lost in a deep slumber. Josh was snuggled against his chest, his small form rising and falling with each breath, while Grace was safely cradled in his arms, her cherubic face peaceful in sleep.

Althea stood at the entrance, her heart tightening as she took in the sight before her. There was something inexplicable about the warmth radiating from the scene, a mixture of affection and a hint of sadness that she couldn’t quite articulate.

Quietly, she stepped forward, her voice barely above a whisper, “Daven…”

He stirred, blinking sleepily, his voice gravelly and thick with the remnants of dreams. “Hm? What time is it?” he mumbled, rubbing his eyes.

“Almost eleven,” she replied softly, a hint of amusement in her tone. “You fell asleep again, didn’t you?”

His gaze drifted down to the two children nestled against him, and a faint smile crept onto his lips. “Looks like they won tonight,” he chuckled, the sound low and affectionate.

“You stayed up late working again, didn’t you?” Althea accused gently, her brow arching in mock disapproval.

“Just a little,” he replied nonchalantly, a sheepish grin spreading across his face. “Josh wanted to build a rocket out of cardboard. I guess I just wasn’t quick enough, so… here I am, paying the price.”

Althea let out a soft sigh, her heart swelling with a mix of admiration and concern as she reached for a blanket, carefully draping it over the three of them. “You don’t have to keep doing this, Daven. I can handle them.”

His eyes met hers, calm and warm, a silent reassurance. “I know. But I want to.”

“You’re exhausted,” she pointed out, her voice tinged with worry.

“Yeah,” he admitted, his tone dropping to a tender whisper, “but it’s the kind of tired that feels good. They truly are the best part of my day.”

A comfortable silence enveloped them, broken only by the steady rhythm of raindrops against the window, filling the room with a soothing melody.

“At least move to the couch,” she suggested quietly, concern lacing her words. “The floor is cold.”

“If I move, Grace will wake up,” he stated matter-of-factly.

“I can carry her,” Althea offered, her voice gentle and insistent.

He shook his head, tightening his hold on the tiny girl just a bit. “No, don’t. You’ll tire yourself out. I’m fine here.”

Althea lowered her gaze, a small smile tugging at the corners of her lips. “You’re so stubborn.”

“I thought that was Josh’s trait,” he teased, a playful glint in his eyes.

Her gaze flickered with warmth and emotion. “Maybe he inherited it from his father too.”

***

Morning broke with the rain still pouring relentlessly. The sound was a steady drum against the windows, the gray sky swallowing any trace of light.

Daven rubbed the sleep from his eyes, squinting at his phone with a dazed expression. “The streets are flooded. All the roads to my place are closed,” he reported, a hint of frustration in his voice.

Althea, busy at the stove preparing breakfast, turned to him, concern etched on her features. “You can’t go home?”

“Not for a few more hours,” he replied, letting out a resigned sigh.

Josh, who had been spooning cereal into his mouth, perked up at the news. “That means Papa’s staying over again!” he exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with excitement.

Althea shot him a warning look. “Josh…”

“But that’s okay, right, Mommy?” he pressed, his wide eyes pleading. “Papa can help me build the airplane today!”

Daven chuckled softly, enjoying the boy’s enthusiasm. “Only if Mommy agrees.”

Althea sighed, a reluctant smile breaking through her facade. “Just for now. Until the weather clears.”

He nodded appreciatively. “Thank you.”

Grace let out a soft giggle from her high chair, reaching for Daven with her tiny hands, her eyes shining with affection.

“See?” Althea remarked gently, a hint of pride in her voice. “Even Grace knows who gets spoiled the most around here.”

“She’s a smart girl,” Daven replied, lifting Grace into his lap, her warmth comforting against him. “Smart enough to choose her favorite person.”

Althea shot him a sidelong glance, her expression playful yet sincere. “Or maybe she’s just good at reading hearts.”

He held her gaze for a long moment, the air thick with unspoken words before he murmured, “I hope not. Because I’m still trying to understand mine.”

***

By noon, the rain showed no signs of relenting. Daven sat cross-legged in the living room with Josh, diligently helping him construct a miniature airplane out of colorful paper and glue. Althea was seated by the fireplace, quietly stitching one of Grace’s baby dresses, the rhythmic sound of her needle punctuating the air.

“Papa!” Josh exclaimed proudly, his face beaming with triumph. “Look! I glued the wings on all by myself!”

“That’s not necessary,” she said quickly, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her tone. “I don’t want to trouble you.”

“It’s not trouble, Thea. I just… want to make sure you’re okay,” he reassured her, his sincerity palpable.

She let out a faint breath, a mix of relief and frustration. “You always do that, Daven. You show up right when I’m about to fall apart.”

“Because I lost you once,” he whispered, his voice thick with emotion. “And I won’t let it happen again.”

Their eyes locked, the space between them heavy with unspoken feelings. The rain hammered against the windows, filling the silence with its relentless rhythm.

“Daven…” she began, her voice trembling.

“Yes?” he prompted, his heart racing.

“If all of this is just because you feel guilty about Chase—”

“No.” His voice cut through hers, firm and resolute. “This isn’t about Chase. It’s about you. About Josh. About Grace.”

Althea’s breath caught in her throat as she looked away, her heart racing. “I don’t know whether to thank you or be afraid.”

“Afraid of what?” he asked, his brow furrowing in confusion.

“Of getting used to you being here again,” she admitted, vulnerability creeping into her voice.

He held her gaze, his tone soft yet unwavering. “Maybe that wouldn’t be such a bad thing.”

“It could be very bad, Daven,” she warned, her heart pounding.

A faint, tired smile touched his lips, his eyes glimmering with determination. “Then let me be the one to handle the bad part.”

Silence enveloped them once more until a crack of thunder rolled through the sky. From the bedroom, Grace’s cry pierced the stillness. Althea immediately turned, but Daven was quicker.

“I’ve got her,” he said gently, his voice soothing.

Moments later, he returned, Grace nestled peacefully against his chest, her tiny fingers curled around his shirt, a picture of innocence.

Althea stood in the doorway, her heart swelling as she watched him. “You even know how to make a storm feel calm,” she remarked softly, her voice tinged with admiration.

He looked back at her, his voice low and sincere. “It’s not me. It’s because I’m here… with you.”

And for a fleeting moment, amidst the ceaseless rain and the quiet heartbeat of the night, time stood still, leaving just the two of them in a silence that needed no explanation.