Chapter 9 - Ethan Did Not Want a New Father
Grant’s first instinct was to tell Ethan everything.
The child specialist stopped him.
“You don’t have everything.”
Grant hated that answer.
He had the transfer code.
The blanket.
Celeste’s admission.
Birth date.
Hospital.
Possibility.
But possibility is not identity.
And Ethan was seven.
Already a foster child.
Already assaulted inside Grant’s home.
Already frightened.
So Grant did something difficult.
He waited.
He visited Ethan while the boy rested in Ruth’s cottage.
Not as a possible father.
As Grant.
Ethan’s leg was bruised and painful, but imaging showed no fracture.
Grant sat across from him.
“I’m sorry.”
Ethan looked confused.
“You didn’t hit me.”
“It happened in my house.”
Ethan considered that.
“Ruth says grown-ups are responsible for their own hands.”
Grant almost smiled.
“She’s right.”
Then Ethan asked:
“Am I in trouble?”
“No.”
“For the jewelry?”
“No.”
“I didn’t touch it.”
“I believe you.”
The boy relaxed slightly.
Grant noticed the thumb rubbing against the index finger.
He forced himself not to stare.
Then Ethan asked:
“Why did Ruth give you the old paper?”
Grant had prepared for this.
“It might tell us something about when you were born.”
“Like what?”
“We don’t know yet.”
“Is it bad?”
“No.”
That answer Grant could give honestly.
Ethan looked toward the window.
“Do I have to leave Ruth?”
Grant felt the entire story collapse into one child-sized fear.
“No.”
“Even if the paper says something?”
“No.”
The answer came without legal qualification.
Whatever was discovered, Grant would not treat Ruth as disposable.
Ethan had a mother in every way that mattered to a seven-year-old.
Maybe foster mother legally.
Mother emotionally.
Grant would not announce a biological truth and rip apart the life that kept the child safe.
Ethan nodded.
“Okay.”
Then:
“I don’t need another dad.”
Grant swallowed.
“You don’t have to need anything right now.”
That was the beginning of their relationship.
Not recognition.
May you like
Not instant love.
Permission not to perform.
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