I study him from the kitchen window.
Jason’s on his back with the puppy running all round him. His face is lit up in a way I’ve never seen before, his smile a mile wide.
He sits up, our gazes meeting, and he beams that bright grin at me and waves before pushing himself to his feet.
The back door flies open, and Jason comes running at me. I freeze as his small body slams into me, his arms wrapping around my waist. “Thanks, Dad. He’s awesome.”
I can’t breathe.
Dad.
This little boy, so withdrawn and broken just said it like it was nothing.
My head swims.
He takes a step back. “Did I do something wrong?”
His eyes are so big, and his arms go slack.
My brain is about five steps behind, and I grasp his arms. It takes a moment to form the words I need so badly.
“No. No, you did nothing wrong.”
“I thought …” he mumbles.
I slip one hand over his head and pull him close.
He laughs against my shirt. “Caleb, I can’t breathe.”
“You called me Dad.”
I let him go and he looks up at me. “I’m sorry.”
Shaking my head, I close my eyes. “Don’t be sorry. It just took me by surprise.”
He’s still staring at me when I drop my gaze to him. “It did?”
“I love you, kiddo. If you want to call me Dad, then we’ll talk to your mother.”
His whole face lights up and my heart swells.
“Mum’s okay with it if Dad is.”
Emma’s croaky voice comes from the doorway, and we both turn to look at her. Her eyes search mine as if looking to me for final confirmation.
“Dad is very happy about it.”
“That’s settled, then.” She smiles and makes her way toward us. “How about you head back outside, Jason? I want to talk to Caleb for a second.”
He gives me a quick hug and runs for the door.
She bites her bottom lip, and tears well in her eyes. “I was going to tell you off for bringing that puppy without talking to me first, but then I saw him with it. Then I thought, maybe it’s just what he needs.”
I reach for her, cupping her cheek and slotting my fingers into her hair. “I think he does.”
“It’s you he needs, Caleb.”
I’m lost for words again. I went into this knowing Emma and her children were a package deal, and I wanted to be there for them just as I am for her. But this goes way beyond that.
