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“Hey, what about me?” Gramps exclaimed with mock indignation, causing both Johnny and Mimi to laugh.

“I promise I was going to get around to mentioning your fascinating and charismatic presence,” Johnny said.

“Hmm, that’s much better,” Gramps replied with a grin.

After that, Johnny spent a little time playing with Danny, and before he knew it, it was time for Danny to go to bed. “Johnny, maybe you could help Mommy tuck me in tonight,” Danny said as he leaned against Johnny’s legs. “That is just if you wanna.”

Johnny’s heart expanded with love for his child. “Danny, I would love to help tuck you in if your mama doesn’t mind,” he said with a look at Mimi. He couldn’t wait to hear how she’d really gotten the vivid bruise on her chin.

“I don’t mind,” she said with a small smile. “Danny, why don’t you kiss Gramps good night and then go get into your pajamas? And then we’ll be in.”

Danny ran to Gramps and gave him a big kiss on his cheek. “Good night, Gramps. I love you.”

“And I love you, too,” Gramps replied with a loving smile at the little boy. “I’ll see you in the morning. I’m making pancakes for breakfast.”

“Cool,” Danny said. “I love pancakes with lots of syrup. Johnny, do you like pancakes?”

“I love pancakes,” Johnny replied.

Danny nodded with satisfaction, and then he ran from Gramps and disappeared into his bedroom.

“Johnny, you should feel quite honored,” Gramps said. “I don’t believe he’s ever asked one of his mother’s friends to help tuck him in.”

“He hasn’t,” Mimi confirmed.

“Then I do feel very honored,” Johnny replied as once again his heart expanded with love.

This definitely felt like a family…his family. He wanted this to be his future. Here with Mimi and Danny. Even Gramps had a special place in Johnny’s heart as part of the family Johnny desperately wanted.

It didn’t take long before Danny was ready, and Johnny followed Mimi into his room. He looked around the room where his son slept every night with interest. A navy blue-and-white plaid spread covered the twin bed, and there were matching curtains at the single window. A bookcase stood against one wall and held an array of books and toys. A chest of drawers took up space on another wall. Colorful posters of race cars and action heroes decorated the walls. It was a very nice room for a special little boy.

Danny got into bed, and Mimi pulled the sheet up over him. She sat on the edge of the mattress and then gently pushed an errant strand of hair off his forehead.

Johnny felt her love for her son radiating out from her as she leaned down and gave him a kiss on his cheek. “Good night, my sweet boy,” she said softly. “I love you very much, and I hope you have sweet dreams.”

“I love you, too,” Danny said as he reached for a slightly bedraggled stuffed blue bunny.

Mimi got up from the bed and stepped back so Johnny could approach Danny. He smiled at the little boy and nodded his head toward the bunny. “And who is this?” he asked.

“This is Mr. Wiggles. Mommy bought him for me when I was a little baby. Now I’m a big boy, but Mr. Wiggles is still a baby, so I gotta hug him at night so he doesn’t cry,” Danny explained.

“Well, it’s nice to meet you, Mr. Wiggles,” Johnny said and then leaned down and kissed Danny’s cheek. He drew in a deep breath of his son’s scent. Oh, he smelled of little boy dreams and happiness and so much more.

“Good night, Danny. I hope you have lots of sweet dreams, too,” Johnny finally said as he straightened up.

“Thank you, Johnny,” Danny replied. Already his eyes held the drowsiness of impending sleep. “I love you, Johnny,” he added.

Johnny felt as if his heart might explode with happiness. “I love you, too,” he replied softly.

Together he and Mimi left the bedroom and returned to the living room where they sat side by side on the sofa. “He is such a sweet boy,” Johnny said, his head still filled with a happiness he’d never known before. His son loved him. What could be more perfect?

“Unless you try to get him to eat his peas,” Mimi replied dryly.

Both Johnny and Gramps laughed.

“But seriously, Mimi. You should be commended for how you’re raising him,” Johnny said.

She gazed at him, and he was pleased to see a warmth shining from her eyes. “Thanks, Johnny. However, I can’t take all the credit. Gramps has been a big help in raising Danny.”