Chapter 7: Meeting Max
Ethan's heart was racing as he followed Roman to his car. They drove in silence, Ethan's mind filled with questions.
Where had Roman been all these years? Why had he kept the pregnancy a secret? And what was Max like?
As they pulled up to a small house on the outskirts of town, Ethan's anxiety grew. He was about to meet his son.
Roman led him inside, where a little boy with bright blue eyes and messy brown hair was playing with Legos.
"Max, this is...Ethan," Roman said, his voice hesitant.
Max looked up, his eyes locking onto Ethan's. For a moment, they just stared at each other.
Then Max's face lit up with a smile. "Hi!"
Ethan's heart melted. "Hi, Max."
As Ethan spent more time with Max, he was amazed by how much they had in common. Max loved Legos, just like Ethan had when he was a kid.
As the day went on, Ethan found himself feeling more and more comfortable around Max. It was as if he had known him his whole life.
But as the sun began to set, Ethan knew he had to confront Roman about the past.
"Roman, can we talk?" Ethan asked, his voice serious.
Roman nodded, his eyes filled with a mix of fear and uncertainty.
As they stepped outside, Ethan turned to Roman, his heart heavy with emotion.
"Why did you keep Max a secret from me?" Ethan asked, his voice shaking.
Roman took a deep breath before answering. "I was scared, Ethan. I didn't know how you would react."
Ethan's eyes narrowed. "You should have told me."
Roman nodded, his eyes filled with tears. "I know. I'm sorry."
As Ethan looked at Roman, he saw the fear and uncertainty in his eyes. He realized that Roman had been just as scared and uncertain as he was.
And in that moment, Ethan knew that he had to forgive Roman.
"It's okay," Ethan said, his voice soft. "I forgive you."
Roman's eyes filled with tears as he smiled. "Thank you, Ethan."
As they hugged, Ethan knew that he had made the right decision.
He was ready to move forward and start a new life with Roman and Max.
But little did he know, their journey was only just beginning.