Untamed Hearts

C h a p t e r 18

Caden's POV

I strolled into the kitchen, my father and Winter were already seated at the table, exchanging easy smiles.

"Morning, Caden." Dad said, as I dropped into the empty chair beside him.

Winter passed me a plate piled high with scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, and toast. "Hey, sweetie. Sleep well?"

I nodded, digging into the breakfast. Our conversation flowed effortlessly, touching on everything from school to my plans for the upcoming Winter Formal. Too much hype right? It's getting annoying now.

I finished my breakfast, I glanced at my watch. "I should get going. I've got some stuff to take care of."

My dad nodded, his eyes returning to his newspaper. Winter smiled and hummed a gentle "Mmm-hmm"

After a quick shower, I stood in front of the mirror, towel-drying my hair. My phone buzzed on the counter, London's name flashing on the screen.

"What's up?" I answered, tucking the towel around my waist.

"Not much, man. Just got a heads up that some dealerships are coming to the club tonight. Thought you might want to swing by."

I raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. "What kind of dealerships?"

London chuckled. "The kind that'll make your wallet cry, my friend."

I snorted, rolling my eyes. "Whatever, London."

"Hey, someone's got to keep you entertained," he shot back.

"I'll think about it. Later, man."

I quickly dressed after ending the call and headed downstairs. Winter was in the living room, typing away on her laptop.

"Bye" I said, dropping a kiss on her cheek.

Winter looked up, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Don't forget to check in with us later."

I nodded, flashing her a quick smile before heading out the door.

I climbed inside my car, started the engine, and pulled out of the garage. As I navigated through the quiet neighborhood streets, the tension in my shoulders began to ease. I hit the highway, the scenery blurring together as I lost myself in the thought of how far I'd come since Winter first entered our lives. I remembered the resentment I'd felt towards her, the way I'd seen her as a replacement for my mom. The guilt still lingered, but it was no longer a burning fire. I'd come to realize that she wasn't trying to replace my mom. She was just trying to be there for me and my dad.

Before I knew it, I was pulling into a familiar parking lot. I killed the engine and stepped out, taking a deep breath as I approached the entrance.

Inside, Granny Mia greeted me with a warm smile, her eyes twinkling behind her wire-rimmed glasses.

"Caden, dear! It's so wonderful to see you!"

I hugged her tightly, feeling a sense of peace wash over me. This place, and the people in it, were a constant reminder that there was more to life than the drama and superficiality of my everyday world.

These children, with their innocent laughter and curious minds, saw me in a way that no one else did – as just another person, rather than the privileged, arrogant Caden they'd heard about.

As I spent time with the kids, I found myself gravitating towards Max, a quiet, introspective boy. Who's often very difficult to understand.

He was sitting by himself, building an intricate castle with blocks. I sat down beside him, and he looked up at me with a wide, toothy grin - his front teeth missing, giving him an endearingly goofy smile.