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“They assure me he’s good.”
“How big is he?” Ian asked.
Merit set him back on his feet and showed him with his hands spread so far apart. “He is almost eighteen inches long, and weighs five pounds, one ounce. They’re happy with his size for how early he is and said it’s a good sign.” He looked back at his mom as he added, “Only Mae and I are allowed to see him for the moment, so you’ll have to be patient, Grandma. Maybe tomorrow.”
She grinned, a sheen of tears brightening her brown eyes as she moved in to hug him. “I’ll do my best. Congratulations, hon. I’m so happy for you both.”
That started a round of hugs from everyone, and as the excitement settled down, his dad pulled him aside. “It’s been quite the night for you.”
“You could say that,” he agreed with a wry smile. It had been life changing—and now exhaustion had begun to creep in.
“I want you to know I’m reinstating your trust fund tomorrow.”
Surprise dipped his brow. “Why?”
“So you have it if you need it.”
He left it at that, and Merit was thankful. The doctors were cautiously optimistic, and he didn’t intend to go down any scary rabbit holes. “Thanks, Dad.”
“And anyways, I can see you’ve become the man I always knew you could be.”
His dad’s gruff voice triggered a lump in his own throat. “Is this where you say I told you so?” he teased.
“That wasn’t the point of any of it.”
No, he supposed it wasn’t.
“Are you happy with where you are now compared to six months ago? Are you proud of the man you are?”
He gave a solemn nod, head held high. “I am.”
“Good. That’s all your mother and I wanted.”
He shot a glance toward his mom as she sat listening to Ian chatter on. “You never mentioned mom in all this.”
His dad shrugged.
“You took all the blame.”
“That’s what a man does,” his dad said quietly. “That’s what a father does.”
Merit nodded. He got it now. Stepping forward, he pulled him into a tight hug as emotion choked his throat. “Love you.”
“Love you, too, Mooch.”
The nickname surprised a laugh as they broke apart. When his dad lightly patted his face, he was shocked to see tears in his eyes.
“I am proud of you, Merit. I always have been. I’m sorry I didn’t show it sooner.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t do more to earn it sooner.”
They shared an awkward smile, and then a nurse interrupted to let him know Mae was awake and asking for him so they could go see the baby together.
“Can I go, too?” Ian asked.
“In the morning, bud.” He glanced up at Bryce. “Are you good to bring him back tomorrow?”
“Definitely. Just name the time.”
