He was simply perfect, and I couldn't be more grateful for having him.
Jake’s face turned from happy to sad as he dashed toward me. I kneeled just in time, because he almost sent me flying back on my ass when he hugged me so fiercely as his tears soaked my shirt.
Although I controlled my emotions, a single tear slid down my cheek as I held him close, drinking in the smell of my child, my flesh and blood, created in pure love.
Protectiveness like never before washed over me, and love that had no barriers or end. I would always love, cherish, and protect him, my son.
And give him a choice. He wouldn't have to be a member of the Bratva and dirty his hands in this fucked-up lifestyle, which led to situations like this.
“Don’t leave again, Daddy. We missed you.”
I heard Vivian’s sob, but when I raised my eyes to her, she spun around, hiding from me.
My heart broke for all three of us.
“Never,” I said with confidence, because no one would ever again separate me from my family.
He squeezed me tighter then leaned back. “Are you coming home with us?” His voice sounded so hopeful, my little warrior.
“Yes.” My voice was hoarse from the emotion.
“Sweet.” I put him down as he kicked his feet. “Can we order pizza today, Mommy? It’s the second Monday of the month!”
“Sure, baby.” He beamed at her. “Grab your bag, and we can go home. I’ll call the pizza place on the way.” For his tiny legs, he moved fast.
“How?” I asked, trying to understand what the hell was going on in her life and coming up blank. Those were the questions the reports would never have answers to.
“We have pictures of you all over the house. He knows he has a father. I never hid you from him. He knows how we met, the clean version without all the drama and dirt.” She wouldn't meet my eyes, almost as if she was ashamed to admit all this to me.
God, I had to beg on my knees for her forgiveness.
“He knows I was in prison?”
She shook her head. “I told him you are a pilot who has a dangerous job and you couldn't be with us for now. With him,” she corrected quickly, and I was afraid I’d snap and destroy her gallery.
Pilot.
That was a fucking lie mothers usually told their kids when the father was not in the picture, so they would have some hero in mind, instead of a loser who abandoned his family.
I never thought my son would hear such a story. I never thought I wouldn’t be there for my child.
Jake came back and laced our hands. “Let’s go, Daddy.”
Vivian was my world. I had loved her with a passion so strong I gave her all my nights and days.
But Jake would own the world.
Vivian
“This is the best cartoon ever, Daddy!” Jake almost pushed the cover ofTheLion Kingagainst Radmir’s nose. “It’s about a father and son. Let’s watch it together!”
Radmir swallowed loudly but nodded as Jake put the disc into his PlayStation and took the remote to prepare everything while his father tracked his every move, as if memorizing it to store for later as cherished memories.
I picked up the pizza box, napkins, and two sodas and placed it all on the small, square table in front of them.
“You won’t eat with us?” His husky voice sent goose bumps all over me, and my hands trembled slightly as I shook my head.
“I think you need this time alone.” Then to lighten up the mood, I joked, “Besides, it’s awesome to have some me time. I can even take a bath with candles and music.” Only when the words left my mouth, I realized my mistake.
