Evelyn and Claire sat comfortably in the living room, watching Samantha play with her toys. Claire reminded Evelyn of some childhood antics, causing Evelyn to laugh. The memories brought Evelyn joy, a welcome respite from thoughts of Sandra, as Claire focused on recalling times involving only Evelyn, Maya, and Samantha. Samantha’s questions about Evelyn’s childhood added to their laughter.
As their laughter subsided, Evelyn’s phone rang on the dining table. Excusing herself, she went to answer it. A wide smile spread across her face as she saw the caller ID: Liam.
“I need to take this, Mom,” Evelyn said, still smiling as she went into her bedroom.
“Hello, Doe!” she greeted cheerfully.
“Hello, Editor-in-Chief,” Liam greeted, and Evelyn giggled.
“Not yet. It’s still unofficial,” Evelyn said, happy to hear from him.
“Well, I trust you. I’m sure you’ll get it. How are you doing?” he asked cheerfully.
“I’m fine. How are you? How have you been!” Evelyn asked, feeling guilty for not calling since moving to Ludus.
“I’m alright. How’s my little plum doing?” he asked, and Evelyn grinned.
“She’s fine. She misses you.”
“What about you? Do you miss me too!” Liam interrupted.
“Of course, I do,” Evelyn said with a small laugh.
“Does that mean you won’t mind letting me see your face?” he asked, and Evelyn grinned.
“You mean a video call or a picture?” Evelyn asked thoughtfully.
“A video call. And please get my little plum on the phone too,” Liam said. Evelyn glanced toward the living room, where she could hear Samantha peppering Claire with questions. “Alright. Give me a moment.”
Returning to the living room, Evelyn switched the call to video. Liam’s face lit up the screen. She waved and smiled before turning the phone to Samantha.
“Sammy, guess who wants to say hello?” Evelyn said. Samantha shrieked excitedly upon seeing Liam.
“Liam!” she cried, rushing to her mother’s side.
“Sammy, girl! How’s my favorite little girl in the world doing?” Liam asked with a wide smile. Claire watched them with interest, wondering who Liam was. She might have thought he was Samantha’s father, but his name suggested otherwise.
“When are you coming to see us, Liam?” Samantha asked curiously.
“Soon,” Liam promised. “And when I do, I’m bringing that doll I promised you, remember?”
“The one with the princess dress?” she asked. He nodded.
“That’s the one,” Liam confirmed, smiling.
“Yay! I can’t wait!” Samantha exclaimed.
“It won’t be long, pumpkin. But you have to be extra good until then, okay?” Samantha grinned and promised to be good.
Evelyn watched, her heart warming at their connection. Liam had always been a part of Samantha’s life.
“Cool girl. Now give the phone back to Mommy,” Liam said, and Samantha complied.
When Evelyn took the phone, she playfully chided him, “You shouldn’t spoil her so much, Liam. Now she’ll expect you every day!”
Liam smiled. “That’s exactly what I want. Keeps me on your mind, doesn’t it?” Evelyn laughed.
“As if I could ever forget about you or what you’ve done for me,” she said.
They chatted further before saying goodbye. Turning to Claire, Evelyn found her watching with a wide smile.
“He makes you smile a lot, doesn’t he? Seems like a good guy to me, whoever he is,” Claire said knowingly.
“Yeah,” Evelyn said, still smiling, unaware of Claire’s implication. “He was my obstetrician when I was pregnant with Sammy, and we’ve been friends ever since. He’s been such a good friend to me.”
“He seems to care about Sam a lot,” Claire noted thoughtfully. “You could hear it in the way he talked to her.” Evelyn nodded.
“He does. People used to think he was her dad, but that’s just Liam,” Evelyn said, dismissing the idea.
“If that’s what you think,” Claire said, her tone suggesting otherwise.
“Sammy, I want to speak with Mommy alone. Can you please excuse us?” Claire asked. Samantha and Maya left.
“Mommy, can I go to the park?” Samantha asked hopefully.
“Sure,” Evelyn said readily. The park was nearby, and she wanted Samantha to make friends before school started next week.
Claire waited until the girls left before turning to Evelyn with a serious expression. Evelyn braced herself. She hoped it wasn’t about Sandra.
“From what you said, I guess Sammy’s father has never been in the picture,” Claire said. Evelyn nodded, her smile fading.
“He doesn’t know of her existence,” Evelyn said. Claire wanted to ask why, but refrained.
“And you don’t plan on bringing him into the picture?”
“It’s complicated,” Evelyn said, remembering Rayna’s warning about using that excuse.
“Well, I think it’s time to introduce a father figure to Sam. Don’t you think so?”
“I know that. But I’m not ready for that right now.”
“It’s not about what you’re ready for. Parenthood is all about sacrifice, especially motherhood. Sam is getting older, Evie. Every child needs a father figure. If you’re not ready to meet someone new, then maybe you should consider letting her father be a part of her life. He’s alive, isn’t he?” Evelyn nodded.
“So?”
“It’s not the time, yes,” Evelyn said quietly.
“Not time? When is the right time, Evie? And what exactly are you waiting for?” Concern was evident in Claire’s voice.
Evelyn sighed. “I don’t know, Mom. I just know I need more time.” Claire nodded slowly.
“Alright, Evie. Just remember, Sam looks up to you. She’ll follow your lead. So, you have to put her best interests first.” Evelyn nodded, grateful for Claire’s restraint.
Deep down, Evelyn knew Claire was right, but the time wasn’t right. She would tell Derek about Samantha after everything was resolved.