“Sounds good, Dad. Thanks for letting us know.”
“Oh, one final thing. We’re staying until Tuesday. There will be a collation at the hotel after the service, and I’ve arranged for a dinner just for the family, which includes Sam, Matthew, and Neil for Monday evening.”
“Thanks for taking care of all of that, Ben,” Jon said. He briefly thought about how much all of that would cost but quickly pushed it out of his mind—both Ben and Rob could afford it all, and it really didn’t surprise Jon that they’d do something like that for their family.
“Okay, we’ll let you go and see you in a few days. Love you guys.”
“Love you both too.” Kyle ended the call. He leaned back on the sofa as Jon wrapped his arm around Kyle’s shoulders, eliciting a heavy sigh from Kyle.
“What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“I dunno. I think the enormity of all this is just now hitting me. If you had told me last year that I’d have a kid by now, I’d have said you were crazy.” Kyle sounded sad. “Don’t get me wrong, I knew that eventually we’d have a family, but you and I only met a little over a year ago. And we’ve just started working on being a couple and living together. I keep thinking it’s not fair to expect you to jump into this with both feet. Hell, I guess I’m scared of how this is gonna affect our relationship.”
“Hey. Look, we talked a little about this already. Sure, we’re starting a family quicker than we thought, but I wanted kids too, so it’s all good. As long as we talk about things, our relationship is gonna be just fine. I love you, and you love me, and together, we can do anything we set our minds to.”
“Thanks.” Kyle smiled. “You always know what to say to make me feel better.”
“That’s what I’m here for.” Jon kissed Kyle’s temple. Kyle turned slightly so that he was starting directly at Jon. A look of surprise suddenly swept across his face. “What is it?” Jon asked.
“What if I’m a lousy father?” Uncertainty colored his words.
“You’re gonna be a fantastic father,” Jon said confidently. “And I’m here to help make sure of that. Plus, we’ve got Mikeand Ellen and your dad and Rob to lend a hand. Wyatt is gonna turn out just fine.”
Chapter 12
Kyle
It had only been a few days, but they were already falling into a routine. Kyle would wake first and shower, then check on Wyatt. If he was awake, Kyle would take him downstairs and put him in his highchair, then get started on breakfast. If he was still asleep, Kyle would leave him in his crib, knowing that Jon would be up shortly to bring him down after his shower.
That particular morning found Wyatt in his highchair, munching on some dry Cheerios while Kyle sipped his coffee and stared at his phone’s screen.
“Morning, you two,” Jon said cheerfully, placing a kiss on Kyle’s mouth before leaning over and kissing Wyatt’s cheek.
“Good morning, sweetie,” Kyle said, distracted.
“What are you looking at?”
“An email from Uncle Mike. He’s flying home today, but he wanted to let me know that the petition for adoption is finished, and I need to go by your office today to sign the papers so they can be filed with the court. He doesn’t expect there to be anydifficulties since Becky doesn’t have any family, and Mike and Ellen are not contesting the adoption.”
“Are you okay with all of that? I mean, you knew it was gonna happen.”
“Yeah,” Kyle said quietly. “I guess I just didn’t expect it to happen so quickly. But yeah, it’s fine. The important thing is that Wyatt is safe and cared for.”
“Why don’t you plan on coming in around noon? If things aren’t too busy, I could take my two favorite guys out for lunch today,” Jon proposed, chewing on a piece of toast.
“That sounds like a great idea.”
“Okay, I gotta run,” Jon said, putting his plate and cup in the dishwasher. He kissed them both again and headed out.
“Okay, buddy,” Kyle said to Wyatt. “Let me clean up the kitchen, then I’ll get us both ready for our adventure today.”
Kyle walkedinto the New Day Family Law office a little after noon, pushing Wyatt in a stroller. The boy was starting to walk but still wobbled a bit, so Kyle had taken the easy way out and used the stroller today.
“Hi, Marcie,” he greeted the receptionist. He’d visited both his uncle Mike and Jon in the past, so he knew most of the people employed there.
“Hey, Kyle,” she replied. “I’m so very sorry about your cousin. I take it this handsome guy is Wyatt?”
“Thanks. Yeah, I got an email from my uncle. Wyatt and I are here to sign some papers for the petition to adopt.”
