My heart wants to explode for this kid right now. Here he is, worried about his mom having to relive her trauma, so much so that he would rather relive it himself.
He is going to be a good man one day, especially with my guidance.
I put my hand on his shoulder. “It is taken care of. Evan won’t bother us anymore, and your mom won’t have to testify.”
His little body sags with relief.
“Good,” he mutters.
“Hey, I was actually wanting to talk to you about something.”
“What’s up?” he asks as he crosses his arms over his chest.
“I know you were the man of the house before I came along, and you did an amazing job, but I was hoping you would let me take care of that from now on so you could be a kid for a little while longer.”
He thinks over my words for several minutes.
“What would that mean?” he finally asks.
“It means that you and Emily and your mom would move in here with me. You will do chores and things, but when it comes to the big stuff, you let me handle it. No more taking the world onto your shoulders. I’ll do that for you.”
He looks up at me. “Does this mean I have to call you Dad?”
He looks so nervous.
“You can call me whatever you want to call me. If Dad feels right, then call me Dad. If Mac feels better, then you can call me Mac. If you want my legal name, Colin, then it’s yours. You can call me that today or in five years from now. It’s your choice. Whatever you need to be okay with this, bud.”
He nods. “I appreciate it, Mac.”
I don’t like the disappointment that settles in me, so I push it away. While I stand by telling him it’s his choice, I’m still disappointed he didn’t want to jump right in.
Time. The kid still needs time.
“Good. Any other questions?”
He shakes his head. “I like living here with you better anyway. Mom laughs when she’s with you.”
“I will try to always make her laugh. Why don’t you go outside and play with your sister? I will be out in a bit.”
“Okay. Thank you for what you did for us,” he says, his face looking much older than an eight-year-old in that moment.
Then it’s gone, and he’s back, rushing out of the house.
When I step outside a few minutes later, Jane walks over to me.
“What was all that about?” she asks.
“Tanner had some questions. I answered them and told him that you three would be living with me from now on. He likes the idea, so don’t worry. Do you think Emily will like it?” I ask, looking at the little girl.
“Of course she will. It’s Emily we’re talking about. She already loves you. How did he take it, though?”
“Good. Better than he could have, all things considered.”
Jane’s shoulders sag in relief. “Good. He was the only one I was worried about. I didn’t know how he would take it.”
“We’re good. Now we just need to move all of your shit over.”
Jane smiles at me. “I can’t wait.”
