Chapter 4 Whispers of Forgiveness

Lucas fixedly looked into her eyes and took a long breath. Sincerely adding, "I want to be a part of their lives," he said. Though I know I hurt you and I can't alter the past, I want to make things right. I want to be their father.

Emma's heart ceased at his words. Now, after years of insulating her children from the pain of their father's absence, Lucas was begging to be a part of their lives.

Still, she replied, "I'm not sure if I can trust you again. You ripped up my heart, Lucas.

Lucas nodded, his agonizing nod. "I know," he said, quite gently. For that as well, I apologize sincerely. Emma, but do let me introduce myself. I want to make things right, and I love you.

Grumbling, Emma ran a hand over her hair. At last, she remarked, "I need more time." My first consideration must be for their best interests.

Lucas nodded again, his gaze never leaving hers. I did say, "Take all the time you need." Emma, you have my attention. I love you, thus I'll stop at nothing to earn your forgiveness."

Then he turned to leave Emma alone, standing in the living room. Emotions were turbulent; she watched him go.

The next morning, when Emma got up, she found a note on the kitchen table. Lucas had emailed her to ask to meet at the local park. Uncertain of her desire to see him again, she stopped. Something inside her said, though, that she needed to hear what he had to say.

She quickly showered and dressed, her thoughts racing with possibilities of what Lucas would say. As she approached, he was sitting on a seat next to the playground, staring at her.

Calling her "Emma," Lucas rang up to greet her.

She said a little shakily, "Lucas."

Heart hammering in her chest, Emma nodded. You wanted to say what?

Breathing deeply, Lucas turned to face her. "I've been thinking a lot," he added slowly. I can also now see how gravely I injured you. When I enabled my father's influence to distort my thoughts, I was young and innocent. Even so, that is not enough justification. For you and us, I should have fought."

Emma gave a passionate, unvarnished listening. You choose to believe him over me, she said softly. "You broke my heart, Luis. Though I loved you, you chose to destroy us."

Lucas nodded painfully as well. He said, very quietly, "I know." And I have regretted it every day since. Emma, if you will let me apologize to you. As should be done.

Emma hesitated, caught as she was between wanting to keep her children secure and wanting them to know their father. Eventually, she said, her voice barely audible above a whisper, "I need time." My first consideration must be for their best interests.

Once again nodding, Lucas's eyes held regret. I understand, he said, very gently. Emma, please enjoy your time. Here, when you're ready.

Then he stood up and left Emma alone on the bench. Emotions were turbulent; she watched him go.

That evening, Emma was by herself as she put Liam, Ava, and Noah to bed. She had always imagined raising her children with an unrestrictedly loving and supportive partner. Once Lucas had destroyed those aspirations, she was not sure if she could ever trust him again.

The next morning, Emma found a note on the kitchen table. Lucas had emailed her, asking to get together at the local coffee shop. Uncertain of her desire to see him again, she stopped. Something inside her said, though, that she needed to hear what he had to say.

She quickly showered and dressed, her thoughts racing with possibilities of what Lucas would say. He was glaring at her from a table in the corner when she walked into the coffee shop.

He got up and, as she approached, smiled hopefully. "Emma," he murmured very gently. "I value your visit."

She sat down opposite him and nodded. Quietly, she asked, "What did you want to talk about?"

Breathing deeply, Lucas turned to face her. "I've been thinking a lot about what you said," he began, his voice sincere. "And I can see why you're not sure you can trust me once more. However, I want you to understand that I will do everything in my power to earn your forgiveness.

Emma paused, not sure how to respond. "I don't know if I can ever trust you again, Lucas," remarked dejectedly. "You hurt me; therefore, it will take me time to heal."

Lucas blinked and nodded. "I understand," he said quite gently. Emma, nevertheless, please let me introduce myself. I want to write things with you, and I love you."

He had honesty and regret in his eyes, she saw. She wanted to believe him, to think that he was changeable somehow, despite all.

At last, she said, "I need time," her voice barely audible above a whisper. "Time to think about what will be best for my kids."

Lucas nodded again, never taking his eyes off of hers. He said, quite sincerely, "Take all the time you need." I'm here when you're ready.

And then he stood up and left Emma at the table by herself. Emotions were turbulent; she watched him go.

The warm glow of the setting sun was filling Silverwood. Emma drew deeply, the weight of her decisions bearing down on her. Whatever happened next, she knew she would bravely and head-on confront it. She was a mother first and would do all in her power to protect her children.

And as she went back to her childhood house, potential and excitement filled the air. Emma Matthews and Lucas Blackwood were only getting started on a journey filled with second chances, secrets, and the unbreakable power of love.

The days turned into weeks in Silverwood, and Emma Matthews found herself caught in a whirlwind of emotions. Lucas Blackwood's persistent presence in her life had stirred up memories of their past and ignited a spark of hope for their future. But Emma remained cautious; her heart still guarded against further pain.