Michael Hudson's heart pounded with excitement as he pulled into the driveway, the morning sun filtering through the car window. It was Jason's first full weekend with him—no lawyers, no supervision, just father and son. In order to make it unforgettable, Michael had meticulously planned every detail.
With a backpack slung over his tiny shoulders and a beaming smile on his face, Jason bounded out the front door before the engine had even stopped. "Dad! Will we be visiting the nature park today?
Jason jumped into Michael's arms as he left, ruffling his son's hair. Yes, without a doubt. Are you prepared for our journey?
"Born prepared!" With a laugh, Jason climbed into the front seat as if it were the spaceship's cockpit.
Michael continued to steal glances at him as they drove away from the city and toward the forested hills. His son. His blood and flesh. His eyes and his obstinate chin bore a striking resemblance, but what really astounded Michael was how rapidly their relationship had developed. It was more than just DNA. There was more to it. Something tangible.
They walked along paths covered in leaves that were rust and gold in hue. Jason named every squirrel they came across while scaling boulders. As they ate peanut butter sandwiches and apple slices at the top of a picturesque overlook, Jason asked him a ton of questions about his job, his early years, and—interestingly—who he had been before they met.
"Did you feel lonely?" At one point, Jason looked out over the hills and asked.
After hesitating, Michael gave an honest response. "I believe I was holding out. Before I met you, I simply had no idea why.
With his cheeks flushed from the cool air, Jason grinned at that.
Jason squealed each time a fish pulled at his line during their subsequent fishing trip at a peaceful lake. Under a starry sky, they spent the day telling stories and roasting marshmallows over a small campsite fire that Michael had set up.
Back at Michael's penthouse that evening, Jason dozed off on the blanket-covered couch with a half-finished hot chocolate next to him. Heart full in a way he hadn't felt in years, Michael watched him for a long time.
Money was not the issue. or heritage. or retaliation.
This was what fulfillment looked like: Jason, laughter, and the scent of campfire in his clothes.
And Michael Hudson wasn't troubled by the past for the first time since the day he stood by himself at the altar.
He was in the here and now.
And it exceeded his expectations in terms of beauty.