“Actually buddy, that is one of the things we hoped to talk to you about today,” she said.
“Wait, are you my dad?” Lucas asked with a bright smile.
“Would you like it if I were?” I asked.
“Would I ever, that would be amazing!” he replied gleefully.
Tinsley turned and looked at Lucas and she took my hand. “Yes Lucas, Ryan is your dad. I’m sorry that I didn’t tell you before.”
“Okay, that settles it,” Lucas remarked. “This is absolutely the best day of my life.” And he threw his arms around both of us. Now I was crying too.
We sat that way for a few long minutes and then I felt Lucas begin to shift.
“Dad, can I have my milkshake now before it melts?”
“Sure thing, son,” I said and before I knew it, I had tears running down my face all over again.
—
We made our way back to my place where the guys were set to meet up with us. We’d stopped by Tinsley’s house to pick up a few things so that they could spend the weekend at my place.
When I was in Utah and found out about Lucas, I’d had my decorator turn one of the spare rooms into a space just for him. It was decorated floor to ceiling with Falconi gear, and I’d loaded it with trivia books, science kits and legos. I couldn’t wait for him to see it.
“I have a surprise for you buddy. Well for both of you really,” I said as we walked in.
“Wow, your house is incredible,” Lucas remarked.
“Thanks bud! Why don’t we go upstairs so I can show you your surprise?” We walked upstairs and I pointed to a door. “Check it out!”
“Holy cow!” Lucas said when he walked in the door. “Is this my room?”
“Yes buddy. It is. I hope you like it.” I said.
“It’s perfect,” he replied and sat down and immediately started on one of the lego sets.
“Hey bud, before you get wrapped up in that lego set, there’s one more thing,” I said.
“Sure dad, what’s up?” My heart still skipped a beat hearing that.
“You see this necklace that I’m wearing around my neck?” Lucas nodded. “Have you noticed that your mom has a bracelet that says the same thing?”
Lucas looked closer, then he squinted. “Semper familia? What is that?”
“It means “always family,” I explained. “Your mom and I both have one to signify that we’re your parents. I have one for you too, so you’ll never forget that you’re our son and how much we love you,” I said pulling the jewelry box I’d had wrapped up in Utah.
“Wow! This is awesome. My own dog tags,” Lucas exclaimed.
“Ryan, this is too much. You didn’t have to do all this,” Tinsley said, wiping tears from her eyes.
“I know but I wanted to. I want you both to feel at home when you are here. Which is why I also set up a little surprise for you across the hall.”
Tinsley side-eyed me and made her way across the hall to where I had set up an office for her. She threw her arms around me and kissed me. It was a slow and sensual kiss at first and then her mouth got greedier for mine. I lost myself in her embrace and when she finally pulled away, I felt dizzy.
“I love it, I love you. Thank you,” she cried.
—
The guys came tumbling in with six pizza boxes, tons of soda, and a giant cookie cake for dessert.