"But I want to know who that Aunty is. Is she my mommy?" Charles insisted stubbornly, directing the question at his father.
Rose met Jace's gaze over Charles's head and gave him a slight nod of encouragement to tell Charles the truth.
Jace took a slow, calming breath and lowered himself to Charles's eye level, placing a gentle hand on his shoulder.
"It's… complicated, Charles. I don't have all the answers yet, but I'm trying to understand if she's the one, once I confirm some things, I'll let you know… immediately."
Charles's face crumpled in a frown. "What are the things you need to confirm, dad?"
"It's not easy to explain, but as soon as I do find out what I want, I'll let you know."
"Really, dad?"
"Yes, buddy."
Charles studied his father for a long moment within which time he tried to digest what his father had just said, but he eventually gave a tiny nod, as though he was choosing to believe it despite his doubts.