Snow Over Seas

Mother's Love

Emma's heart was racing as she stood on the deck, facing Ryan. She hadn't expected him to want to talk about their past, but now that he mentioned it, Emma realized that they did need to clear the air.

"Okay," Emma said finally, taking a deep breath. "Let's talk."

Ryan nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I've thought about you a lot over the years," he said, his voice low and husky. "I've wondered how you're doing, if you're happy."

Emma felt a pang of emotion as she met Ryan's gaze. She had thought about him too, wondered what could have been if they had stayed together.

"I'm doing okay," Emma said finally, trying to sound casual. "I've been busy with work and raising Jack."

Ryan's eyes lit up with interest. "Jack?" he repeated. "You mean your son?"

Emma nodded, feeling a surge of maternal pride. "Yes, my son. He's three years old now."

Ryan's face softened, and he took a step closer to Emma. "I'd love to meet him," he said, his voice filled with sincerity.

Emma felt a flutter in her chest as she met Ryan's gaze. She hadn't expected him to be so interested in meeting Jack, but now that he mentioned it, Emma realized that it was only fair.

"Okay," Emma said finally, taking a deep breath. "I'll introduce you to Jack later."

Ryan nodded, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'd like that," he said, his voice low and husky.

As they stood there, facing each other, Emma felt a sense of connection that she hadn't felt in years. It was as if no time had passed at all, and they were still the young lovers they once were.

But as the moment stretched out, Emma realized that things were different now. They were both older, wiser, and more cautious. They had both been hurt before, and Emma wasn't sure if she was ready to open herself up to the possibility of getting hurt again.

As she looked into Ryan's eyes, Emma saw the same caution reflected back at her. He was hesitant, unsure of how to proceed.

But as they stood there, frozen in time, Emma knew that she had to make a decision. She could either take a chance on Ryan, on the possibility of rekindling their romance, or she could play it safe and walk away.

The choice was hers, and hers alone.