One Pucking Secret (One Pucking #1)

Chapter 14

Wyatt

Today’s not just any day—it’s Disneyland day. I plan out the logistics. Water bottles—check. Snacks that won’t melt or crumble—check. A mental list forms, and it’s as if I can already hear the laughter, see the bright colors of the park, and smell the sugary scent of churros in the air.

Something else is on my mind, though: forgiving Chloe. Witnessing how great of a mother she is to Jasper, the way she smooths his hair, laughs with him like they share a secret world. But the ache lingers, a jagged edge of betrayal that cuts deeper with each passing thought.

I missed out on moments I’ll never get back—his first steps, his first words. The weight of that loss lingers, a constant reminder of the trust she shattered. Every glance she gives me makes my chest tighten. I’m trying. But I’m still not sure if I can trust her again. Not yet .

Getting dressed, I opt for comfort with a soft tee that fits just right and cargo shorts with enough pockets to stash away the day’s necessities. Jasper’s wide-eyed excitement flashes through my mind, and I can’t help but smile. The kid’s not only the spitting image of me, but he’s also inherited my athletic genes, as I’ve learned after countless park outings. Even though this is completely new territory for me, it feels right, like finding something I never knew was missing.

But there’s a thorn in the rose bush. Chloe. Her image, all fiery hair and sharp green eyes, dances behind my lids every time I close my eyes. Attraction pulls at me, but it’s tangled up with the barbed wire of betrayal. She should’ve told me about Jasper from the get-go. Instead, she let me discover fatherhood like a blindside check on the ice.

I shake my head, trying to dislodge the frustration. It’s a day for making memories, not rehashing past betrayals.

I grab my wallet, phone, and keys, giving my apartment a once-over. It’s neat, orderly—a much needed reprieve from the chaos that’s sure to ensue today. I’m ready for it, though. Ready to dive into the pandemonium of theme parks and fatherhood .

The lock clicks behind me, and I take the stairs two at a time, energy buzzing under my skin. I’ll meet Chloe and Jasper soon, and we’ll make today one for the highlight reel. With one last glance at the rising sun, I start the engine, and my heart thrums in tune with the purr of the car.

“Let’s do this,” I mutter to myself, a promise hanging in the air as I pull onto the road, heading toward new memories—and maybe, just maybe, a new beginning.

The morning sun glints off the hood of my SUV as I pull up to Chloe’s place, a familiar knot tightening in my gut. But when I see them—Chloe with her arm around Jasper, both wearing Mickey Mouse T-shirts and wide grins—that tension loosens just a bit.

“Hey, buddy!” I call out, my voice bouncing with forced cheerfulness. Jasper bounds over, his excitement palpable in the bounce of his curls. He clambers into the booster seat, a recent purchase that I’m still getting used to.

“Got everything, champ?” I ask, clicking the seatbelt into place once he’s situated in his booster.

“Yep! Even my Buzz Lightyear toy,” Jasper chirps, holding up the action figure like a prized trophy .

“Good man.” I chuckle, closing the door with a satisfying thud before sliding into the driver’s seat.

The engine purrs to life, and we’re off, weaving through the streets as Disneyland themed anthems fill the car. The playlist is Jasper’s, but I know every word. Together, we belt out a rendition of “Let It Go,” and I steal a glance in the rearview mirror. Chloe’s hesitant at first, her lips pressed in a thin line, but Jasper’s delight is infectious.

“Come on, Mom!” He claps his hands together, egging her on until she caves, her voice joining ours in a melody that stitches together the three of us in a patchwork of harmony.

Laughter bubbles up between verses, floating on the air like soap suds catching the light. For a moment, the car becomes a capsule of joy, untouched by the weight of our past. In this fleeting symphony, I envision a parallel universe—one where deceit doesn’t lurk in the shadows of our history, where Jasper’s laughter has been the soundtrack of my life for all his seven years.

I could have been a great dad from the start. I know it now with a conviction that stings. Not like my old man, who treated fatherhood like a game he could walk away from—a game where everyone else lost.

“Disney songs are the best, right?” Jasper’s innocent words yank me back to the present, to the reality of this traffic-laden road leading us to a day of make believe and maybe— just maybe —forgiving Chloe.

“Yeah, they sure are, kid,” I say, the music swelling as we near our destination, the castle’s spires beckoning us closer to a world where dreams come true, and second chances might just be waiting around the corner.

The scent of cinnamon sugar wafts through the air when we step foot into the park, a siren call guiding us to a stand adorned with spirals of churros. I can’t help but grin as Jasper’s eyes light up like fireworks over Sleeping Beauty’s castle. “I love these things,” I declare, biting into the warm, sweet dough.

“Me too!” Jasper’s voice is muffled by his own mouthful. Crumbs dust his shirt, and he laughs, brushing them off with quick swipes of his hand.

“Where to first, buddy?” I ask, licking sugar from my fingers.

“Pirates of the Caribbean!” he shouts without hesitation, eyes gleaming with anticipation .

Chloe nods, her smile soft and familiar. “We always start with Pirates,” she says. “It’s our rule.”

“Tradition, I like it,” I reply, chuckling at their shared ritual. It’s a new piece of their world they’re letting me in on, and it feels like being handed a treasure map where X marks the spot of something precious.

Jasper breaks into song, his small voice belting out, “Yo-ho-ho, a pirate’s life for me!”

I join in, my deeper tone harmonizing with his, and even Chloe hums along as we navigate through the crowd, drawn toward the promise of adventure.

The line snakes around, but the buzz of excitement is palpable, infectious. We board the boat, the water’s musty smell mingling with the tang of sea salt as artificial fog curls around us. The boat lurches forward, and I feel Jasper’s grip tighten on my hand.

“Ready to set sail, matey?” I whisper.

He nods, his wide-eyed gaze fixed on the animatronic buccaneers coming to life around us.

Cannon fire booms, echoing through the cavernous space, and we duck instinctively, sharing a laugh at our own reflexes. As the boat dips and weaves through scenes of pirate revelry and hidden treasures, I watch Jasper’s face—the wonder, the unbridled joy—and I think that maybe this is what redemption feels like.

“Best time ever!” Jasper exclaims as we disembark, his voice carrying over the din of the exiting crowd.

“Absolutely,” I agree, feeling a warmth that has nothing to do with the sun beating down on us. It’s the glow of a moment shared, a memory made, and a connection that could weather any storm—perhaps even the one we’ve been navigating all along.

The scent of buttery popcorn and the distant sound of joyful screams fill the air as we make our way to Big Thunder Mountain Railroad. I glance down at Jasper, his small hand gripping mine, while Chloe strides quietly beside us.

“Are you sure you want to go on Big Thunder Mountain?” Chloe asks, her voice tinged with motherly concern. “You were afraid of that ride last time.”

He shakes his head resolutely, black hair tousling with the movement. “I won’t be afraid now that I have you and Wyatt to come with me. ”

“Okay, Jasp.” Chloe squeezes his hand gently. “But let me know if you change your mind, okay?”

I bend down to Jasper’s level, meeting his blue-eyed gaze. “You’re being very brave,” I tell him, the timbre of my voice both encouraging and soothing. “And bravery always pays off. You’ll see that fear is often just excitement in disguise.”

Jasper’s nervousness is evident as we get closer to the ride. It’s written in the slight tremor of his lips and the furrow of his brow.

I nudge him gently. “It’s just excitement.”

He nods, repeating like a mantra, “Just excitement, okay.”

Finally, we board the train car, the rumble of the tracks vibrating beneath us as we settle into our seats. The ride begins with a jolt, taking us through the rugged, red rock canyon landscape. As we race past tunnels and canyons, Jasper’s grip on the metal bar in front of him tightens, but my presence seems to anchor him. When we speed up, twisting and turning around the rocky curves, his shriek is one of thrill rather than terror.

By the time we pull back into the station, slightly windblown but grinning from ear to ear, laughter bubbles over from all three of us. It’s a laughter that feels like it’s washing away more than just the adrenaline; it’s a release, a moment of joy shared together.

“Great job, buddy,” Chloe says once we step off. “You were so brave.”

“Thanks, Mommy. That was fun!” Jasper exclaims, cheeks flush with excitement.

“Where to next?” I ask.

“Lunch,” Jasper decides, the word punctuating the moment with simple finality.

The scent of tomato sauce and melted cheese permeates the air as we settle at a table with our slices of pizza. Jasper kicks his feet under the table, a telltale sign he’s still riding the high from Splash Mountain. I watch Chloe across from me, how she effortlessly balances attention on her son with plucking napkins from the dispenser—preparing for the inevitable mess seven-year-olds make.

“Here you go, buddy,” she says, handing Jasper a napkin with a warm smile that lights up her green eyes.

I take a bite of my pizza, the flavors tangy and rich, but it’s the scene unfolding before me that feeds something deeper. Chloe’s every move is a silent testament to her years of solo parenting—a dance of love and duty that doesn’t go unnoticed.

“Chloe,” I say, and she glances up, a piece of pepperoni dangling unceremoniously from her slice. “What rides do you like?”

She pauses, caught off guard by the question. “I like Indiana Jones a lot,” she admits, tucking a stray auburn lock behind her ear. “And Space Mountain, but that one’s too intense for Jasper, so I never get to ride it.”

“Space Mountain, huh?” I lean back in my chair, considering. “If you want, you can hit that ride on your own. Jasper and I can do something else. Only if you want, though.”

“Really?” Her brows arch in surprise, a flicker of excitement lighting her eyes.

“Really.” I nod, serious. “You can get in line while Jasper and I explore. We’ll stay nearby.”

“Thanks, Wyatt. I appreciate it.” Her voice is soft, genuine, and I know this small offer means more than just a ride on a roller coaster.

We finish our lunch, cleaning up the table with practiced ease. The crumbs swept away, the empty plates stacked, it’s not just about tidying up after a meal—it’s about setting things right, finding balance .

We step out of the restaurant and head straight for Space Mountain. When we arrive, Chloe’s eyes lock with Jasper’s, her hand brushing his hair back in a tender gesture that tugs at something deep inside me.

“Have fun, Mommy,” Jasper says, his grip on her hand both fierce and reassuring.

“Thank you, honey. I’ll be sure to.” She turns to me with a hesitant smile. “Just call me if you need anything.”

“We’ve got it covered. Go enjoy yourself.” My words are an easy promise, and she nods before heading off to Space Mountain’s fast pass line, the bounce in her step betraying her excitement.

Jasper’s small hand finds mine, and together, we drift toward a shop brimming with Disney magic. The air smells like plastic and sugar, an inviting contrast to the outdoor blend of sunscreen and excitement.

“It’s nice of you to let your mommy enjoy a ride on her own,” I comment as we weave through the throngs of people, each lost in their own little bubble of joy.

“Mommy deserves to have some fun. She’s always working or taking care of me,” Jasper says, wisdom far beyond his years lacing his words .

“Yeah, she is.” I nod, pride swelling in my chest. “And it’s important to let her have some time for herself. Everyone needs that once in a while.”

Jasper’s gaze lands on a shelf lined with plush toys, and his eyes light up. “Can I get a stuffed toy?” he asks, pointing at a Yoda doll nestled between a Mickey and a Stitch.

“Sure, kid. What do you want?” I ask, even though his choice is clear.

“That one.” His finger doesn’t waver from the wise Jedi Master.

“Good choice.” I chuckle and stride over to the counter, money already in hand. As I pay, the cashier offers me a smile—she’s had a long day, no doubt.

“Your son is so cute,” she says, slipping the doll into a branded bag.

Jasper’s quick to correct her. “I’m not his son.” His tone holds no malice, just matter-of-fact innocence. I flinch at his words, but do my best to recover. Externally, at least.

“Thanks, though,” I say, ruffling his hair, and hand him the Yoda doll. “Let’s go see if your mom’s ride is over.”

“Okay, Wyatt.” Jasper holds onto his doll tightly as I guide him out of the store. It makes me wonder if now is the right time for Chloe and I to tell him the truth.

We exit into the sunlight, our shadows stretching across the pavement. Hand in hand, we make our way back toward the rocket-shaped structure of Space Mountain, and I can’t help but wish for things to be different. To be able to call him my own without hesitation. If only life were as simple as the fairy tales surrounding us.