HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 327

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

**Chapter 327**

“Daddy, hurry! Grace wants to walk by herself!”

Josh’s voice resonated through the living room, a delightful melody accompanied by the tinkling laughter of his two-year-old sister. Grace, her tiny body swaying, was determinedly pulling herself up using the sofa as her anchor. Her small fingers gripped the fabric tightly as she steadied herself, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

Daven, bustling in from the kitchen, paused mid-step. “Whoa, are these her first steps?” he asked, his heart swelling with pride as he took in the scene before him.

Josh nodded vigorously, his face lighting up like a firework. “Yes! Look, Daddy, she’s doing it!”

Daven crouched down to Grace’s level, arms extended like a welcoming embrace. “Come on, Princess. Try to come here. Daddy’s waiting for you.”

With a gleeful giggle, Grace released her grip on the sofa and took a tentative step forward. One step, then another, her legs wobbling beneath her. Suddenly, she lost her balance and tumbled straight into Daven’s waiting arms, her laughter echoing like music in the air.

Althea, leaning against the doorway, couldn’t help but smile as she watched the tender moment unfold. “You even managed to make her walk before I could record it,” she teased, her voice light and playful.

Daven turned to her, a warm glimmer in his eyes. “I can always replay the scene if you want.”

Josh erupted into laughter, his joy infectious. “Daddy can make Grace walk twice!”

Althea approached, affectionately ruffling her son’s hair. “You spoil them too much, Daven,” she chided, but her tone was filled with warmth.

“If I don’t, who will?” he replied with a playful grin. “You’ve been busy since morning, and Grace has been waiting for your voice. But when you’re not around, they look for me.”

Althea paused, her gaze lingering on Daven for a moment longer than usual. “They really are close to you,” she acknowledged softly, a hint of admiration in her voice.

Daven smiled, a touch of humility in his expression. “I’m the lucky one—they let me be close.”

“Not just them,” Althea murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. “Me too…”

Her words hung in the air, fragile and unspoken. She quickly diverted her attention, reaching for Grace’s milk bottle on the table, a slight blush coloring her cheeks.

Daven didn’t press her. Instead, he watched her with an understanding that transcended words, his eyes conveying a depth of emotion that words often failed to express.

As the afternoon sun dipped lower in the sky, the house filled with the comforting aroma of chicken soup simmering gently on the stove. Daven had just returned from the branch office, his tie loosened and his face displaying the weariness of a long day, yet there was an undeniable spark of life in him.

“You’re just in time,” Althea said, her voice bright as she arranged the plates on the table. “Josh almost ate everything by himself.”

Josh raised his hand in triumph, a proud grin plastered across his face. “Daddy has to be fast! If not, I’ll eat your share too!”

Daven chuckled, pulling out a chair and settling down. “You’re definitely the future champion of fast eating, my boy.”

Grace, perched in her high chair, clapped her hands and giggled, the sound bubbling up like a joyful fountain.

“Don’t say that,” Althea interjected softly, her concern evident. “You know how much I hate losing someone.”

A heavy silence enveloped them, the only sound the gentle hum of the living room light casting a warm glow over their faces, mere inches apart.

“I promise,” Daven finally said, his voice steady. “As long as you still want to see me, I’ll always come back.”

Althea smiled faintly, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “You know… Chase once said the same thing to me.”

Daven’s heart sank slightly. “I’m not trying to replace him, Thea.”

“I know,” she whispered, her voice barely above a sigh. “But maybe… he’s the one who led you here.”

Another silence fell, the ticking clock punctuating the stillness, and the rhythmic sound of Josh’s breathing creating a soothing backdrop.

Daven reached out, his fingers lightly brushing against the back of her hand, a gesture filled with unspoken promises. “Thank you… for letting me stay.”

Althea didn’t pull away. Instead, she held his gaze, her eyes searching his for a long moment before murmuring, almost inaudibly, “Maybe… I don’t want you to leave.”

Outside, the rain began to fall softly, a gentle drizzle tapping against the window, creating a serene ambiance. Daven met her gaze one last time, his voice a whisper filled with hope, “Then let me stay.”

And that night, without the need for further words, they both understood—the love that had once been buried beneath layers of sorrow was quietly beginning to bloom anew, a fragile yet beautiful flower reaching for the light.