Chapter 8: A New Beginning
As the days turned into weeks, Ethan, Roman, and Max settled into a comfortable routine. Ethan spent his days working and his evenings playing with Max and getting to know Roman better.
Roman, on the other hand, was hesitant to let his guard down. He had been hurt before, and he wasn't sure if he was ready to open himself up to the possibility of getting hurt again.
But as he watched Ethan and Max bond, he couldn't help but feel a sense of longing. He wanted to be a part of their little family, to be the one who got to experience the joys and challenges of parenthood alongside Ethan.
One evening, as they were putting Max to bed, Roman turned to Ethan and asked, "Can we talk?"
Ethan nodded, and they sat down on the couch. Roman took a deep breath before speaking.
"I've been thinking a lot about us, about our situation," Roman said, his voice hesitant. "I know I messed up, Ethan. I know I should have told you about Max from the beginning."
Ethan nodded, his eyes filled with understanding. "You did what you thought was best at the time, Roman. I'm not mad at you."
Roman's eyes filled with tears. "Really?"
Ethan nodded. "Really. I'm just glad we're here now, together."
Roman smiled, feeling a weight lift off his shoulders. "Me too."
As they hugged, Ethan realized that he was falling for Roman, hard. He couldn't believe how much he had grown to care for him in such a short amount of time.
But as he pulled back and looked into Roman's eyes, he saw something there that gave him pause. It was a look of uncertainty, of fear.
"What's wrong?" Ethan asked, his voice soft.
Roman hesitated before speaking. "I'm just scared, Ethan. I'm scared of getting hurt again."
Ethan's heart went out to him. He knew what it was like to be hurt, to be vulnerable. But he also knew that sometimes, taking a chance was the only way to truly live.
"I'll be here for you, Roman," Ethan said, his voice filled with conviction. "I promise."
Roman smiled, looking relieved. "Thank you, Ethan."
As they hugged again, Ethan knew that he was all in. He was ready to take a chance on Roman, on their little family.
But as they pulled back and looked into each other's eyes, Ethan realized that there was still one more thing they needed to discuss.
"Roman, can I ask you something?" Ethan said, his voice hesitant.
Roman nodded. "Of course."
"What happened to you after you left me?" Ethan asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.
Roman's expression changed, and he looked away. "I...I don't know if I'm ready to talk about that yet."
Ethan nodded understandingly. "It's okay. You don't have to tell me if you're not ready."
Roman smiled gratefully. "Thank you, Ethan."
As they sat there in silence, Ethan realized that there was still so much he didn't know about Roman. But he was willing to wait, to give Roman the time and space he needed.
Because in the end, Ethan knew that their love was worth fighting for.