“And…do you have anyone?”
After a long stare, I gave a nod. “I’m married. Her name is Lily.”
There wasn’t a flash of betrayal across his eyes, probably because he viewed his mother’s actions differently now.
“It hurt when your mother believed my lie so easily, that I would be capable of such depravity. But I’ve forgiven her, and I don’t want you to think poorly of her, Darius. She’s a good woman and a good mother to you both.”
“Do you have other kids?”
“No. Not yet.”
“Is that something you want?”
My eyes drifted away as my son asked me some tough questions. “I would like a second chance to be a father since I didn’t get the full experience with you and Tiberius. But I will never love them more than you…only equally.”
He blinked to wipe away the tears then stared at the table for a while, soaking all this in.
“You’ll always be my boys.”
“Does she know about us?”
I felt the smile automatically enter my lips even though my eyes were still wet. “Of course. She’ll never know you or see your faces, but I know she already loves you.”
His eyes lifted to look at me. “I’m sorry you’ve suffered so much, Dad.”
I inhaled an involuntary breath when I heard that name…Dad.
“You were a good dad. Still are.”
I bowed my head as the tears overwhelmed my lids and dripped down my cheeks. I focused on the grains in the mahogany to calm myself so I wouldn’t sob in front of my eldest. “All I’ve ever wanted is for you to know…that I didn’t want to leave you, and I love you so much.” I raised my chin to look at him again.
With wet eyes, he met my look. “I believe you, Dad.”
I closed my eyes to stop the sobs before they started, feeling the invisible weight I’d carried for an eternity suddenly leavemy shoulders. All the guilt dissipated. I felt like I’d reclaimed my name and my honor. My hand automatically reached up to wipe the tears away.
“You should share this with Tiberius too.”
“I will.”
Riviana appeared beside our table, silently telling me it was time to go.
“I’m sorry, Darius, but it’s time for me to leave.”
He rose from the chair to his full height, a strong, handsome man.
I rose from my chair too, pleased to see that we were the same height, that he was the spitting image of me.
“Will I see you again?”
“I don’t know,” I said honestly. “But if you don’t, just know I’m with you. On your wedding day. The birth of your children. Every birthday you ever have…I’m there with you.”
He nodded in agreement then he moved into me…and hugged me.
I locked my arms around his body and squeezed him to me, the sob breaking through and making rivers of tears cascade down my cheeks. I gripped him hard and cupped the back of his neck, savoring the only moment I would ever have to hug my adult son, to give him enough love in a single moment to last the rest of his life. “I’m so proud of the man you’ve become, Darius.”
“I love you, Dad.”
I squeezed him a little tighter and closed my eyes. “I love you, son.”
