“Promise?”
I stand and move to the couch where I sit beside my son. My son. “I promise. I know we need to get to know each other, but I’m here. I’m not going anywhere.”
He reaches for me, and in an instant, he’s in my arms. Tears mist my eyes, and I clutch at his shoulders, pulling him in tight.
“Can I call you Dad?” he asks.
“Do you want to?” I let him go, and he studies me closely.
He shrugs. “Malcolm never felt like my dad. I don’t even know you, but you do. I’ve seen the way you look at my mother, and that’s what I want. A proper family.”
“Want a job?”
His eyebrows rise. “Really?”
“If you don’t mind hard work, I can always find a spot for you.”
His lips twist. “I’m an accountant.”
I shrug. “I’ll see what I can do. I want us to have a relationship.”
“I’d like that.” He swallows hard. “I know you’re just my father, but the others …”
Grasping his shoulder, I keep my gaze on him until his eyes meet mine. “Your mother is a package deal. I know that. But I’m not running from this. It’s all or nothing, and I’m done with nothing.”
“You can’t rush her.”
I nod. “I know that. But I want you to know that I’m serious. I’ll go and see your mother tomorrow. We’ve all been invited to my sister’s place on Saturday.”
“All?”
“You, your mother, your brother and sisters. Chloe wants to meet all of you.”
“I have an aunt.” He’s breathless now, excited. For so long they’ve had no one and now they have a warm and welcoming family. We’ll make this right for all of them.
“You do, and cousins.” I smile. “And grandparents.”
His eyes widen. “That’s a bit overwhelming.”
“You’re a Baxter, Noah. And if I have anything to do with it, one day your mum and your siblings will be too.”
He grins. “Can I change my name?”
I hold up my palm. “I think you need to talk to your mother about that one. In fact, I think we should all discuss it. Just give her some time. She had one hell of a fright yesterday when you walked in the door.”
His expression drops. “I felt guilty about that.”
“It had to happen sooner or later. At least now it’s out of the way and she doesn’t have to worry about it.” I shake my head. “I do still have to tell your grandparents about you.”
“When can I meet them?”
I chuckle. “I’ll go and see them tonight.”
“Are you sure they’ll be okay with me?”
Grasping his bicep, I smile. “They’ll love you. We all have a lot of catching up to do.”
“Thanks.” He hesitates. “Do you want to hang out sometime?”
