“But maybe you can learn.”
A long silence passed.
Then Rachel stood.
“Come with me.”
Caleb’s heart started pounding.
She led him down the hallway.
At the second door, she stopped.
“Five minutes.”
Caleb nodded.
“You don’t wake them.”
“I promise.”
Rachel opened the door.
A small moon-shaped lamp cast pale blue light across the room.
Two twin beds stood against opposite walls.Order DNA Kits
Mason slept curled beneath a blanket covered with planets.
Lucas had kicked his blanket halfway to the floor.
Caleb stepped inside.
His legs almost failed him.
They were real.
Not names on a report.
Not photographs.
Not dates on paper.Download Reference Apps
His children.
His sons.
Caleb slowly knelt between the beds.
Lucas had the same stubborn cowlick Caleb had fought with throughout elementary school.
Mason’s hand rested beside his face.
Long fingers.
Rachel’s fingers.
Caleb watched their chests rise and fall.Consult Family Lawyer
His eyes blurred.
He covered his mouth.
Rachel stood silently by the door.
After nearly a minute, Caleb whispered:
“Did they ever ask about me?”
Rachel hesitated.
“Yes.”
His shoulders tightened.
“What did you tell them?”
“That their dad lived far away.”
Caleb stared at the floor.
It was kinder than the truth.
“Do they still ask?”
Rachel’s silence answered before her words did.
“Not much anymore.”
Something inside Caleb cracked.
He had been absent so long that his sons had begun learning not to wonder about him.
Back in the living room, Caleb picked up his coat.
He knew better than to ask for more.
“I’m sorry.”
Rachel didn’t answer.
“I know that doesn’t fix anything.”
“No.”
“It doesn’t.”
Caleb nodded.
He reached the door.
Then Rachel spoke.
“The school science fair is next Thursday.”
He turned around.
“Lucas and Mason will be there.”
Caleb’s heart immediately began beating faster.
Rachel held up her hand.
“You can attend.”
“Really?”
“As a guest.”
He nodded quickly.
“You do not tell them who you are.”
“I understand.”
“No presents.”
“Okay.”
“No photographers.”
Caleb almost looked offended.
Rachel raised an eyebrow.
“Your company sends photographers when you open parking garages.”
“Fair.”
“No security detail following you through the gymnasium.”
“I can manage that.”
“And absolutely no giant donation announced while you’re there.”
For the first time that night, the corner of Rachel’s mouth almost moved.
Almost.
Caleb nodded.
“I’ll come alone.”
Rachel opened the door.
Caleb stepped into the hallway.
Before leaving, he looked back.
