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We both laugh as we turn around and look at the sick look on Tanner’s face.
Getting serious, Rome looks over at me. “You said you got rest after this heat. Do you think that’s another thing that the surgery didn’t solve?”
My heart clenches, thinking that the surgery didn’t help me get pregnant, but I shake that off when I remember I have a son now. I have the family I’ve always wanted.
I slide my seat belt on as Rome pulls out of the parking lot. “Probably. But I can’t be sure. So much is different this go round. The doctors will probably tell me I’m dehydrated and send me on my way.”
“W-w-w-what didn’t the surgery sss-solve?”
Sighing, I tell Tanner about my issues conceiving, making sure I’m transparent about everything. Since he’s ours now, I need to be upfront. “It’s not the best news to get, but as Rome told me, families come in many different forms. And now, I have a child.” I turn around and rub his knee.
Tanner looks a little sad. “You d-d-d-don’t wish you had a real son?”
I look around dramatically, then raise an eyebrow at him. “Are you fake?”
“Huh?”
“Are you fake?” Still looking confused, he shakes his head. “You are my real son, Tanner. Or at least you will be when we meet the fostering requirements. It’s new, only a few hours really, but you are. Nothing will change that. I would have liked to be pregnant, but that doesn’t stop me from being a parent. Okay?”
“D-d-d-do I call you Dad?”
My heart leaps in my throat with excitement, but I try to school my expression. “You can still call me Benji.”
In a low voice, Tanner asks, “C-can I? One d-d-day?”
Again, the tears start and I’m starting to wonder what the fuck is going on. Wiping under my eyes, I nod. “When you’re ready, that’s okay with me.”
“Rome?”
“Yeah, bud?”
“Papa?”
I watch Rome’s Adam’s apple bob as he swallows roughly. After clearing his throat, he says, “Yeah, I like Papa. Take your time though. This is new. We’re patient.”
Speaking of fathers … “How are you feeling, Tanner? Are you okay?” I ask, turning to look at him.
He gets a drawn look on his face and slouches in the seat, chewing his bottom lip. We’re quiet for a few minutes, the only sounds are soft melody of the radio. After a moment, he sighs. “N-n-n-n-not great. I knew he hated me. B-b-b-but I didn’t think it was th-th-th-that much. I’ll be fine after a w-w-w-while.”
I nod, completely understanding. After I found my biological family and they told me parenting ended up being harder than they were prepared for, I wasn’t okay for a while. I got over it, but it didn’t happen overnight. Tanner asking if he can call us dad might be a little fast, but it speaks to how much he needs to have a parental figure. How much he craves someone to love and care about him.
I’m glad he’s trusting Rome and me to be that for him.
We pull in front of the urgent care, both Rome and Tanner walking me inside like I’m about to keel over. I give them irritated looks, but they don’t pay me any mind. Shaking my head, I let them escort me inside.
I fill out the paperwork and we’re called back a few minutes later. I’m weighed, my blood pressure is taken, and I give a urine sample. We’re all taken into a room and the nurse tells me the doctor will see me shortly.
Rome stands beside the exam bed, rubbing my back. I’m not sure why he’s acting like I’m on my death bed, but I can’t lie and say it’s not nice to feel his hands on me. Tanner paces, glancing at me every few minutes.
I’ve had enough. “You two chill. I’m not dying. I’m just dehydrated.”
“Y-y-you look bad.”
“Thanks, kid,” I deadpan, drawing a small grin from him. “I feel fine. Nauseous and tired, but fine. If I get something to calm my stomach, I’ll be okay after some rest.”
The doctor picks that moment to walk in. “You’re right about that, Mr. Hendrix.”
“Stewart,” I correct, winking at Rome. He kisses my forehead, hugging me to him.
