“Yes?” I pull over, turning in my seat to look at them, really look at them. My boys. Perfect.
“Is there something wrong with me?”
He’s looking down at his hands.
“Look at me, Dexter,” I say softly, smiling at him the way I always do. “There is absolutely nothing wrong with you. The doctor told me the opposite. You and Jude both have a gift.”
Dex looks up. Jude watches me carefully.
“Dex, you have a special mind. Creative. Full of energy.”
“Like Sonic?” he asks.
I smile. “Exactly like Sonic.”
I turn to Jude. “And your mind is thoughtful and intuitive. You see things others don’t.”
He studies me, and I hold his gaze. “You’re observant. Kind. So incredibly smart.”
I reach for both of them, making sure they’re looking right at me.
“But no matter what gifts you do or don’t have, to me…” My voice softens. “You are absolutely perfect. You’re Dex and Jude Hawthorne. The same boys you were yesterday.”
They glance at each other, then back at me.
“So nothing will change?” Jude asks quietly.
I smile. “Do you remember when Spider-Man found out he had powers?”
They both nod instantly.
“He had to learn how to use them, right?”
They nod again.
“Well, you’ll have people who help you learn how to use yours. Teachers, helpers, and one day…” I squeeze their hands gently. “One day those powers will help you do things no one else can.”
Dex’s eyes widen. “Really, Mama?”
I nod.
Jude tilts his head, thinking. “Like what?”
I take a breath, choosing my words carefully.
“Dex, your energy and the way you build things will help you create something amazing one day. And you, Jude… the way you understand people, the way you feel things others don’t…”
He leans in slightly.
“That heart of yours will help people in ways no one else can.”
They both smile, something lighter settling over them.
“And boys,” I add, my voice steady, full, “no matter what anyone else thinks or says, you are Dex and Jude Hawthorne. And I am so proud, so honored to be your mama.”
Emotion tightens my chest.
“I think other moms would wish for children with powers like you… but God chose me.”
