“But we need to talk to you about something before you guys go,” I said.
Felix frowned. “Am I in trouble.”
“No, bud, why would you be in trouble?” Stoney asked.
Felix shrugged. “I don’t know, it’s just Auntie’s using her serious voice and she only does that when I’m in trouble.”
Stoney smiled. “Well, this time, it’s because we have something to tell you that’s serious, but it’s not because you’re in trouble.”
“Okay,” he said slowly.
“Remember how you asked me who your dad was?” I asked.
“Yeah. Because I don’t have one and my mama’s in heaven.”
“Exactly,” I said. “Well, when Mama went to heaven, she left a letter in a box. I’d kind of forgotten about the box, but when you went missing, I thought I’d see if there was anything in there that would help me find you.”
“I’m sorry I went with Ms. Morales,” he said, quickly.
I cupped his face. “Baby, you’re not in trouble. You didn’t do anything wrong.”
His lips quivered, which made my lips quiver, so Stoney took over. “Your auntie found a letter addressed to me in the box, and it was from your mom.”
“My mom wrote you a letter?”
“Yes. She wrote to tell me that I’m your dad.”
“What?”
“Stoney’s your daddy, honey,” I confirmed.
“No!” he cried. “I don’t want to leave!”
“Baby, you’re not going anywhere,” I promised.
“I want to stay here,” he continued, climbing over the kitchen island to jump into my arms.
“Fox,” Stoney said, his voice low and quiet. “You’re not goin’ anywhere, bud. I promise. You can stay with your aunt for as long as you want to.”
“Promise?” he rasped.
“Yes, honey,” I said, giving him a gentle squeeze. “Stoney’s gonna visit and take you to fun places, but you’ll sleep here forever if you want.”
“So, if I don’t want to go with Stoney, I don’t have to?” he asked.
“Absolutely,” Stoney confirmed.
“You won’t be mad?”
“No way. How could I be mad at you?” he asked.
“Can I stay home tonight?” he asked.
“Of course,” I said, even though Stoney’s face fell slightly.
Felix hugged my neck harder, burying his face against it. “Okay.”
“What about...,” I hedged, “...we all go to the Summit together?”
