Chapter 4: The Little Boy's Biggest Question
A year after their first date, John proposed.
Not in a crowded restaurant.
Not on a stage.
Not with photographers.
He proposed during a picnic beneath the same trees where Noah had first challenged him to a race.
Olivia whispered yes before he even finished asking.
Then Noah tugged on John's sleeve.
"Can I ask something?"
John smiled.
"Always."
"If you marry Mommy..."
"...does that mean you have to leave too?"
The smile disappeared from John's face.
He knelt until they were eye level.
"I've spent my whole life leaving places."
"But I'm tired of leaving."
He placed a hand gently over Noah's heart.
"I'm coming home."
Noah stared at him.
Then wrapped both arms around John's neck.
"So..."
"I can call you Dad?"
John couldn't answer immediately.
His voice refused to cooperate.
Finally he whispered,
May you like
"If you want to..."
"I'd be honored."
