Chapter 2: Nickalaus

LOOKING UP at the bold sign of my very own coffee shop, a wave of emotions crashed over me. Just a few years ago, I had been lost, broken, convinced that I would never be able to stand on my own again. But here I was–stronger, braver and finally rebuilding a life I could be proud of.

Not just for me. But now I have my son.

“Mommy! Can I put my drawing here?” my four-year-old son asked, his voice bubbling with excitement as he clutched his small masterpiece. His bright eyes sparkled with pride.

“Of course, my love.” I said with a warm smile.

Kneeling beside him to help him secure his artwork in the perfect spot on the wall. When I finally saw what he had drawn—a family.

My breath hitched.

There they were—five stick figures, their arms outstretched, smiles drawn wide with bold crayon strokes. A sun beamed down from the corner, and flowers dotted the grass below their feet.

“Daddy,Yandrich, Mommy, Daddy Nick, and Mommy Ally!” He announced proudly, tapping each figure with a finger.

I kissed his forehead, and hold him a little tighter than usual.

I didn’t know what to say.

The truth sat on my chest—and always will be. I don’t want to give my son a hope that I wasn’t sure about.

I’m not sure if I could give him the family that he imagined.

“Someday, Daddy will see this.” He said, beaming proudly as he looked up at me.

“Right, Mommy?”

Longing and hope danced in his eyes. A tear slipped down on my cheek. “Yes, baby. He will.”

I lied.

He reached up and gently wiped my tears with his fingers. “Why are you crying, Mommy?”

I forced a smile and hugged him close.

“I’m just happy that you’re growing up so smart and strong, baby.”

Hu sniggled into me, his warmth grounding me in the middle of my storm.

A soft voice broke the moment.

“Can I join you two?” His deep voice echoed gently throughout the cafe.

I smiled at him. “Hi, welcome back!” When yandrich heard Nick’s voice his eyes immediately lit up.

“Daddy Nick!” he said happily and ran towards him.

Nick laughed and scooped him up effortlessly “Are you doing what I told you?” Nick asked and looked intently at Yandrich.

Yandrich nodded proudly. “Yes! I always help Mommy here. Right, Mommy?”

He looks at me waiting for my approval. I smile. He's such a smart kid—sometimes I Forget that I’m talking to a child when I am talking to him.

“Yes” I said with a little laugh “You always insist on making coffee, even when I tell you not to.” he pouted and turned back to Nick.

“See Daddy? Tell Mommy to let me help. I'm really good at it.” he said raising his right hand like he was swearing to tell the truth in court.

Nick and I laughed, his eyes twinkling as he looked over at me “Is that so?” He turned back to Yandrich and whispered “I think she's just scared you make better coffee than her.”

Yandrich giggled “Yes, Daddy you are correct!”

I rolled my eyes playfully “Okay…Okay…Both of you stop ganging up on me.” I said walking over to tickle him .

His laughter filled the room. And in that moment something hit me…

My son is going up so fast.

Nick smiled widely as he watched me and Yandrich.

When I looked over at him, our faces were close—he was still holding Yandrich in his arms.

For a second, everything felt still. Just the three of us.

I just smiled at him to cover the sudden emotion that washed over me—an unknown emotion I couldn't quite name.

“Wait a minute, son. Daddy Nick needs to get something.” he said, gently setting Yandrich down.

He walked toward the door and came back holding a bouquet of flowers and a box of toys.

“This one’s for you, young man. Since you’ve been helping Mommy so well lately.” Without hesitation, Yandrich threw his arms around Nick’s neck. “Thank you, Daddy!”

I smiled watching them. “You’re spoiling him.” I said as Nick turned to me and handed me a bouquet of flowers. “You’re spoiling me too.”

He laughed, his eyes soft. “Let me. I missed you two.”

His words warmed something in my chest. He smiled again and added. “I also wanted to congratulate you for opening the cafe.”

I laughed. “Thank you.”

Then his voice turned serious but full of concern. “So…are you ready for tomorrow?’

“Almost.” I exhaled, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement build in my chest.

“Everything’s set. I just hope the kids will enjoy the painting lesson.”

“They will.” he said with confidence. “You’ve worked hard for this.”

I looked at him. “I’m slowly fulfilling my dreams… with your help and Ally’s.”

Before Nick could reply, a small tug on his shirt pulled his attention away.

“Daddy Nick! Look! I forgot to tell you—I drew you!” Yandrich said proudly, dragging Nick over to the wall where one of his drawings was hanging.

Nick followed, pretending to be shocked. “What? That guy is me?” Nick playfully said. Yandrich shook his head.

“No, that is my Daddy.” Yandrich said seriously, pointing to one of the stick figure.

“And this is you. We have “Daddy, Yandrich, Mommy, Daddy Nick and Mommy Ally”

Nick smiled, but I saw it—the small flicker of sadness in his eyes. It passed quickly, like a cloud over the sun, but I noticed it.

“Mommy said that someday, Daddy will see this too!” Yandrich said proudly, pointing at the drawing. He started explaining each part of it in detail, his little finger tracing over every stick figure like it was a masterpiece.

Nick turned to look at me, his gaze softening as it shifted from the canvas, then back to me.

For a moment, I thought I saw something in his eyes—sadness perhaps? Or was I just imagining it?

His stare lingered. I smiled at him but he didn’t say anything right away.

He just looked at the painting again and listened quietly to everything Yandrich was saying.

Nick only nodded, unable to find the right words.

I couldn’t explain it but it felt like something in his expression had changed.