For a second, disappointment hit hard. I’d worked so hard to make this day fun. But then, Eli’s voice cut through. “My dad wouldn’t ruin the fun. If he says the rides are dangerous, I trust him.”
He’d just called me dad.
The sting faded. I’d earned something today—a small but powerful step into his heart. The rest of the day felt different. Eli stayed close, sharing jokes and asking for my opinion. When we hit the bumper cars, he even gave me a playful “Gotcha!” as he bumped into my car, laughing as I chased him around.
As the sun set, Eli slipped his hand into mine. That simple gesture, small but profound, sealed the day. It wasn’t just a fun outing—it was a turning point. By the end of the day, I wasn’t just his mom’s husband anymore. I was becoming Dad. And it felt like the start of something new.