Chapter 50

Robbie spotted them and said, “That’s my new friend Jamie. Uncle Charles says that you’re Jamie’s daddy.”

“That I am,” I said. I looked at Jamie, who was now standing in front of me.

“Hello, Jamie,” I said.

“Hello.”

“They tell me that I’m your daddy. Is that okay with you?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Can I give you a hug?”

Without waiting for him to answer, I reached down, scooped him up, and settled him on my other knee. He put his arms around me somewhat tentatively. I still had my left arm around Robbie, so I used my right arm to hug my son.

My son.An abstract concept the night before, now a flesh-and-blood child sitting on my knee. I was overwhelmed by a flood of unexpected emotion.

I pulled back a minute so I could see and address both boys. “You guys like pizza?” I said.

“Yes, Sir,” they both said.

“Good. Sit down on either side of me and you can have some.”