He stepped closer, and any lightness in his eyes evaporated.
“And if you screw up, hurt the kid, don’t stand up like you should, then I will be there. I don’t know if you’re aware of who I am, or who our dad is, but when I say I will ruin you, don’t take it lightly. You think long and hard about if you’re really ready to be a dad. Not a fun-time dad, but a stay-up-all-night-covered-in-shit dad. Don’t come back here unless you’re prepared to go all in. If you are, this family will welcome you, whether you and Michaela are together or not. That’s also how we do.”
I could’ve said a lot of things, but I didn’t. I took in what he said, threats and all, and held it inside to mull over when I was alone.
I was numb.
Feeling everything.
Terrified.
Inexplicably happy.
I couldn’t concentrate on one emotion long enough to reallyfeelit. Instead, I nodded at Ansel, more like a robot than a real boy. “Thank you, Ansel. You have a beautiful home, and from what I saw, a kickass family.”
I gave him another nod, then got in my car and drove away.