"I tried everything else first," I say defensively. "I applied for assistance. I looked for work. I sold everything I could. Coming here was my last resort, not my first choice."
He's quiet for a moment. "I didn't mean it like that," he finally says. "I just... wish I'd known. Before it came to this."
The simple statement disarms me. He's not accusing me of using him or trying to trap him. He's upset he wasn't there to help sooner.
"I really did try to find you," I say softly. "When I found out I was pregnant."
"I believe you." He runs a hand through his hair. "I wasn't in a good place back then. After the military... I was drinking too much. Moving around. Making bad decisions."
Like sleeping with me, I think, but don't say.
"You seem different now," I observe.
He glances at the MC cut hanging over a kitchen chair. "The club helped. Gave me purpose. Brothers who understand what it's like to come back from war."
Max bangs his sippy cup on the table, drawing both our attention. "More pizza!" he demands.
"What do you say?" I prompt.
"More pizza please," he corrects himself.
I give him another small piece, and he beams at me. "Thank you, Mama."
"You're welcome, baby."
When I look up, Torch is watching us with an expression of amusement.
"He's a good kid," he says.
"He is."
Pride swells in me. Whatever mistakes I've made, Max isn't one of them.
"You've done a good job with him."
The compliment catches me off guard. "I've tried," I say. "It hasn't been easy, but..."
"But you kept him safe. Fed. Loved." Torch's gaze is intense. "That's what matters."
Tears prick at my eyes, and I blink them back. The past months of struggle and fear, of constantly worrying whether I was failing my son… To have someone acknowledge that I've done my best is overwhelming.
"Thank you," I whisper.
Max yawns widely, sauce still smeared around his mouth. It's well past his usual bedtime.
"Someone's tired," Torch observes.
"It's been a long day." I stand and wet a paper towel to clean Max's face. "I should get him ready for bed."
"Do you need anything? For bedtime, I mean."
"Just a blanket for the portable crib. It's in one of the bags."
He nods. "I'll find it while you get him cleaned up."
I take Max to the bathroom, helping him brush his teeth and changing him into pajamas. When we return to the bedroom, Torch has already set up the portable crib and placed Max's stuffed elephant inside.
"Thank you," I say, surprised by his thoughtfulness.
