HIS REGRET (Ex-Husband wants Me Back) novel Chapter 324

**Shadows of the Past – By Emma Clarke**

**Chapter 324**

The rain continued to fall in a gentle cascade as Daven’s car rolled to a stop outside Althea’s house. The garden lights glimmered like tiny stars, casting a warm golden hue over the slick pavement, transforming the night into a serene, almost magical landscape.

“I’ll walk you to the door,” Daven declared, reaching for the umbrella that lay tucked away in the backseat.

Althea offered a faint smile, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. “You really don’t have to, Daven. I’m perfectly capable of managing on my own.”

He shook his head, his expression serious yet playful. “It’s far too risky to let you wander out in this rain. Besides… I’m not quite ready to say goodnight just yet.”

A blush crept into her cheeks as she glanced down, a shy smile playing on her lips. “Alright, then. But just to the porch.”

Together, they stepped out into the night, huddled beneath the umbrella. Their shoulders brushed against each other, the cool air mingling with the earthy scent of rain and the subtle fragrance of Daven’s cologne. It was an oddly comforting embrace, one that wrapped around them like a familiar blanket.

As they approached the door, the sound of tiny footsteps echoed from within the house, growing louder with each passing moment.

“Papa!” Josh’s exuberant voice burst forth as he flung the door open, his face alight with joy.

Daven chuckled, bending down to scoop him up into his arms. “Hey there, little buddy! Isn’t it a bit late for you to be up?”

Josh wrapped his arms around Daven’s neck, squeezing tightly. “I couldn’t sleep! I was waiting for you and Mommy to come home!”

Just then, Lydia emerged from the living room, her cane tapping softly against the floor. A weary yet amused smile graced her face. “I tried to get them to bed, but it seems they’ve formed an alliance tonight.”

Grace, half-asleep in Cale’s arms, stirred and reached out, patting her cheek as she murmured, “Pa… pa…”

Daven’s heart melted as he took the sleepy little girl from Cale, cradling her with care. “Well, hey there, sweetheart. You’re still awake, too?”

Grace giggled softly, her tiny fingers brushing against his cheek, her laughter echoing like a melody that chased away the remnants of the day’s fatigue.

Althea stood just inside the doorway, watching the scene unfold before her. Daven, Josh, and Grace together created a tableau of warmth and love that made her heart swell. It was a fleeting glimpse of the family life she had once thought was lost to her forever.

“See?” Lydia murmured softly beside her, a knowing smile on her lips. “He’s truly part of your family now.”

Althea’s gaze lingered on Daven as he gently rocked Grace in his arms. She lowered her eyes, feeling a mix of gratitude and longing. “Yeah… I know.”

Daven approached, still holding Grace, who was now fighting off sleep with adorable little yawns. “I’ll take her upstairs, Thea. Let me put her to bed.”

“Daven, you look exhausted. I can—”

“Please, let me do this,” he interrupted gently, his voice laced with sincerity. “I want to.”

There was an earnestness in his tone that made it impossible for Althea to refuse. She simply nodded, allowing him to take the lead.

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