Chapter 2The Man Who Died Twice

Back in the bedroom, the noise woke my son. He sat up, rubbing his sleepy eyes.

I looked at his face—a miniature copy of Caleb’s—and my heart shattered.

How could a father be so cruel? How could he let his own child grow up thinking his dad was dead?

seeing the devastation on my face, my son’s expression turned to pure worry.

"Mommy? Is Daddy pretending he doesn't know you again?"

My heart stopped.

I suddenly remembered all the times "Connor" (Caleb in disguise) came over. Leo would run to him, calling him "Daddy."

Every time, I would hush him. I’d tell him, "No, honey, that’s Uncle Connor. Daddy is in heaven."

I thought he was just a grieving child who couldn't tell the identical twins apart. I was so wrong.

Children see everything. He knew. He always knew that was his dad. He just didn't understand why his dad stopped loving him overnight.

It all made sense now.

Why "Uncle Connor" was so good to us. The groceries, the secret cash envelopes, the toys.

But whenever Leo called him "Daddy," he would get strict. He would shut it down immediately.

Neighbors whispered that he was the best brother-in-law on earth. Better than most real fathers.

I had been so grateful. I kept a tally of his kindness in my heart, planning to repay him one day.

Now, the gratitude tasted like bile.

He was the father. Being good to his son was the bare minimum. Did he feel no shame?

I swallowed the bitterness. The Caleb I loved was dead.

He buried himself.

My three-year vigil was over.

I took a deep breath and looked at my son. "Leo, if Mommy wanted to get married again... if I found you a new daddy... would you be okay with that?"

"Mommy, I don't know why Daddy won't talk to me. But if you don't want him anymore, I don't want him either. I go where you go. If he won't protect you, I will!"

He wrapped his small arms around my neck, patting my back with his little hand.

The tears I was holding back finally fell.

"Okay," I whispered. "It's a deal."

I hugged him tight, then dialed my parents.

The moment they picked up, my mom started her usual lecture.

"Elara, honey, Mason has asked us about you a dozen times. You grew up together. He’s a Colonel in the Air Force now, a good man. Why are you so stubborn?"

I cut her off. "Mom, Dad. I’ve thought it through. I’ll marry him."

Silence for five seconds. Then, eruption.

"Really? Oh, thank God! We’ll call him right now. We’ll start planning the wedding! Mason promised he’d treat Leo like his own flesh and blood. You just come home and be happy."

I could hear the relief in their voices. I had worried them sick for three years.

Not anymore.