The Day Our Promise Breaks (Charles and Evelyn) novel Chapter 203

Every now and then, when Charlie was in the living room, he’d give her a glance, but she never seemed to catch his eye. Yet, for Evelyn, it was as if Charlie had known her from the start. Whenever he was away, she’d cradle Charlie, holding his picture, and say over and over, “This is Daddy!”

As time went by, Charlie grew. The first word she uttered was "Mommy." Evelyn watched, tears of joy streaming down her face as she kissed Charlie's adorable little cheeks. Even after the thrill of the moment passed, Evelyn kept up the routine. With his photo in hand, she taught Charlie to say, “Daddy!” She was endlessly patient, repeating it until Charlie could finally call out for Daddy.

As Charlie started to talk, Evelyn would reassure her, “Daddy loves you so much, but he’s really busy. That’s why he’s not here with you.” Like a sponge, Charlie would repeat after her, “Daddy loves me! I love Daddy!” Evelyn filled in for him, buying gifts, clothes, and toys for Charlie, always saying they were from her daddy. Charlie would light up with happiness, hugging the gifts and sweetly saying, “I love Daddy!”

He hadn’t really stepped up as a father. Still, Evelyn worked hard to keep his presence alive in Charlie’s heart. Thanks to Evelyn’s constant reminders, Charlie had a positive image of her dad. She adored him even though he wasn’t around.

After Charlie learned to walk, he came back to Oakwood Manor one day and found her waiting for him at the door. Her face lit up when she saw him, her eyes twinkling. She tottered over to him, wrapped her arms around his legs, and looked up at him, softly saying, “Daddy, hug.” Those eyes, so much like Evelyn’s, sparkled and melted his heart right then and there.