“I’d love to. Let me grab your mobile number and we’ll arrange something.”
The smile on his face reminds me so much of me.
Things have been so tough for Emma, but I’m glad she had that reminder of me every day for the past twenty-seven years.
I hope it helped get her through.
It’s evening when I call on my parents.
Sure enough, they’re in the living room watching television.
“Caleb.” Mum beams. “Do you want some dinner? There are leftovers in the fridge I can heat up.”
I shake my head. “No, thank you. I’ve eaten. There’s something I need to tell you both.”
Mum frowns. “Is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine. This isn’t bad news.”
She raises a hand to her chest. “I’m glad to hear it.”
I make my way across the room to the couch.
Their expectant looks put a lump in my throat.
I hold up my palms as if I’m surrendering. “There’s no easy way to lead into this, so I’m just going to say it. Emma had a baby. Twenty-six years ago.”
Mum glances at Dad. “Your baby?”
I nod. “Yeah. His name is Noah.”
All the colour has gone from her cheeks as she stares at me. “When … When did you find out?”
“Yesterday.”
“Yesterday.” She lets out a choked sob. “Why didn’t she tell you?”
I close my eyes a moment. “She had her reasons—very good ones. But I saw him again today and I told him I was going to tell you. He wants to meet you.”
Tears well in her eyes. “We want to meet him.”
“I know.” I smile at her before shifting my gaze to Dad. His mouth is hanging open and when our eyes meet, he slams it shut.
“What’s he like?” he croaks.
“He’s amazing. Looks just like me.” I pause. “Chloe wants to have a barbecue next weekend and bring the kids together. I’m not sure Emma will agree just yet, but I thought maybe you could meet Noah then?”
“Son, we’d love to,” Dad says.
“I’ll call Chloe and see if there’s anything she needs us to bring.” Mum smiles through her tears. “How old are Emma’s other children? I can’t wait to meet all of them.”
I get up and cross the room to give her a hug.
“How about I make some coffee and tell you what I know. I haven’t met them yet, but Emma’s told me about them.”
She gives my hand a squeeze. “That sounds good.”
Going to the kitchen gives me a chance to catch my breath.
