As the city faded behind him, Michael stood at the marina's edge, feeling the salty wind against his skin. All he could see was the boy's face, when he should have been concentrating on meetings, mergers, and contracts.
Jason Madden.
That grin. That head tilt. The way he scowled as he considered. So recognizable.
Reminiscent of his final night with Lorna, Michael tightened his jaw and clutched the railing's edge. The fervor. The intimacy. Then came the ensuing silence.
"I require clarifications," he whispered.
A few seconds later, Henry was standing next to him, sunglasses covering his inquisitive eyes and coffee in one hand. It was seven in the morning when you pulled me out. This has to be good.
Michael turned, his voice urgent and low. "I believe Jason could be my son."
Henry blinked. "What?"
Michael paced as his mind unraveled like a thread. "I had a close look at him. His eyes have this expression. He was no older than four. Additionally, if you count the months until Lorna and I part ways—
"Oh no," Henry muttered. "That makes sense."
"I must be certain." Michael's eyes had become hard. "I want to quietly run a DNA test. No legal drama. Not just yet. I need your assistance.
Henry let out a sigh. "Are you certain you want that door to open?"
Michael gazed at the ocean beyond. "I was unaware that I had a son. I can't ignore that if I do.
As Lucas entered the room behind her and tied his tie, Lorna stood in front of the mirror in a peaceful suburb outside the city, tying a necklace.
With a warm voice and sincere admiration in his eyes, he said, "You look beautiful."
She gave a small smile. "I'm grateful. I decided to dress up a bit. It has been a long time.
He nuzzled her shoulder and put his arms around her from behind. He muttered, "I like this new energy between us." "It feels like we're finally getting back in touch."
Lorna looked over at him. "We're making an effort. That's what counts.
They came home that evening in silent laughter from their dinner with friends. In the car, Jason had dozed off. Lucas gently carried him inside and laid him down in bed. Lorna's heart grew as she watched from the doorway. Her son had always received kindness from the man she married.
Later, tangled under clean sheets, Lucas intentionally touched her. They kissed slowly and inquisitively. And the past dimmed for a few brief moments.
He pressed against her skin and said, "I don't want to lose this."
She muttered, her heart hesitating, "You're not."
They made love as if they were holding on, a couple finding their rhythm again. However, a silent pain inside her became more intense. One she was unable to speak.
Henry gave Michael an envelope back at the hotel.
"It's finished," he declared. "The hotel laundry staff gave us a lock of Jason's hair. In a few days, the lab should have answers.
Michael accepted the envelope and gazed at it as if it were the weight of the entire world.
Henry went on, "Are you prepared for what comes next, regardless of the results?"
Michael didn't answer. He couldn't.
Not yet