Snow Over Seas

A Son's Eyes

Emma took a deep breath and made her decision. She would introduce Ryan to Jack, and see how things went from there.

As they walked to Emma's cabin, Ryan asked her questions about Jack. What was he like? What were his interests? Emma smiled, happy to talk about her son.

When they arrived at the cabin, Emma opened the door and called out to Jack. "Hey, baby! Mommy's here, and I've brought someone to meet you."

Jack's face lit up as he saw Emma, and he ran to her, throwing his arms around her legs. Emma laughed and hugged him back, feeling a surge of love and pride.

As she pulled back, Emma saw Ryan standing in the doorway, a look of wonder on his face. He was staring at Jack, his eyes fixed on the little boy's face.

"Wow," Ryan breathed. "He looks just like you, Emma."

Emma smiled, feeling a sense of pride. "Yes, he does," she said. "But he's got your eyes, Ryan."

Ryan's gaze snapped back to Emma's face, and he looked at her in surprise. "My eyes?" he repeated.

Emma nodded. "Yes, Jack's got your bright blue eyes. They're beautiful."

Ryan's face softened, and he looked at Jack again. This time, Emma saw a look of recognition in his eyes, a sense of connection.

"Hi, Jack," Ryan said, his voice low and gentle. "I'm Ryan. It's nice to meet you."

Jack looked up at Ryan, his eyes wide with curiosity. "Hi," he said, his voice shy.

Emma watched as Ryan knelt down beside Jack, talking to him in a soft, gentle voice. She saw the way Jack looked at Ryan, the way he smiled at him, and she felt a sense of hope.

Maybe, just maybe, this was the start of something special.

As they spent more time together, Emma saw the way Ryan interacted with Jack, the way he laughed with him and played with him. She saw the way Jack looked at Ryan, the way he adored him, and she felt a sense of wonder.

This was what she had been missing, what she had been searching for. This was what she had hoped for, but never thought she'd find.

As the day drew to a close, Emma knew that she had to make a decision. She could either let Ryan into their lives, or she could keep him at arm's length.

The choice was hers, and hers alone.