“I agree,” Sawyer said.
Now that the resort was open for business, Sawyer hoped they could have more time for their family. And then they would see what avenues they could take to make it all official. And that included making Ford his, legally and binding.
He wasn’t sure if this was what his father wanted when he made Sawyer their guardian, but it was definitely the second good thing the man had done for him after giving him life.
Later that night after the kids had all gone to sleep and Ford and him were lying in bed, Sawyer turned to Ford and said, “I think I’m ready to open the letter that my father left me.”
Ford looked at him and nodded, sliding closer and wrapping an arm around his waist.
Tearing open the envelope, Sawyer let out a breath before taking it out and unfolding it, studying the neat cursive that was scrawled across the sheet.
Son,
If you’re reading this, your first thought is probably that I don’t get to call you that, right? Or maybe it’s good riddance. Who knows? I guess I should since I am your father.
Probably another title I don’t get to claim, right? Like calling you my son.
I wish I could say I have some grand explanation that will give the reason as to why I left you, why I left your mother, but the truth is, I was young and a coward. All I saw was my life getting flushed down the toilet… not that I did much with it anyway.
I wish I could say that I was at your graduation and all the other important moments, but that would be another lie. I tried, though, with your siblings, but trying isn’t always good enough.
Cynthia was nothing like your mother, Erin, but by the time Savanna came along, I knew I couldn’t run out on another kid of mine. I got my act together, but Cynthia never did, unless by some miracle my death sparked that in her. For the kids’ sake, I hope that is the case, but if not, you’re all they have left in the world.
I know I have no right to ask anything of you, and a better man would have had the courage to do it in person, but I guess we both know that’s not me.
But Gavin, Savannah, and Callum are the only good things I did besides you. I hope you can find it in your heart to take care of them.
If you’re anything like your mother, I know you will.
You turned out better than a father like me could ever dream of, and maybe you’re exactly what your siblings need to thrive.
I know I am out of favors in your eyes, but a dying man can ask for one more. Please find it in your heart to speak kindly of me to your siblings.
I made a lot of mistakes in my life, but never knowing you was my biggest and most lasting regret.
Sam Lancaster
Sawyer slowly lowered the letter to his lap and felt a tear trickle down his cheek.
“Are you okay, babe?” Ford asked as he rubbed circles on his back.
“I will be,” he replied. “I didn’t expect some great epiphany from reading it, but at least he admitted that he was a coward and that’s why he left. I’m not sure if this is closure, but maybe I needed to hear him say it wasn’t because of me.”
“What are you going to tell the kids?”
Sawyer sighed before answering. “I am going to honor his wishes and speak kindly of him to them. Him making me their guardian was one of the best things that could have happened in my life, and I owe him that much.”
They kissed as they laid down in bed. Ford pulled the cover over them as they whispered good night.
As Sawyer laid there later holding Ford, who was lightly snoring, he thought back on all the years he had spent being angry and bitter toward his father. The years he’d kept himself closed off scared whoever he let close would leave. He knew it was time to let it go, to let the man rest in peace and not to live in the past.
Even being the man he was, his father had tried for the children, and for that, Sawyer would be grateful.
Epilogue
Ford
6 More Months Later
“Sign right here,” the judge said to Ford. Ford nodded and did as he was asked, even as his hands shook. As he signed the paper in front of him, he felt this overwhelming amount of love rush through him. He looked over at Sawyer and held his gaze, needing to share that moment with him as they made this commitment.
It hadn’t been easy, but here they were. They had to wait the year before even starting the adoption process, then go through the process of getting Cynthia’s rights revoked.
“And I need you to sign right here, Mr. Lancaster.” The judge pointed, and he stepped aside and watched as Sawyer signed out his name.
Callum fussed in Savie’s arms, stretching his arms out for him. When Ford took him, he smiled that toothy smile, and said, “Ford.” He had to hold back laughing because it sounded way to close to Fuck. He swore the kid did it on purpose.
Ford kissed the top of his head, all the while keeping his eyes on Sawyer. Signing that document with Sawyer meant more than he could put into words. Because yes, he’d been there, he loved the kids. But this made them his in the eyes of law.
When Sawyer put the pen down, Gavin slipped his hand into Ford’s. Beside Gavin was Savanna.
“Is it official?” Gavin asked.
Ford squeezed his hand, and the judge looked up. He smiled and nodded. “It is official,” he said. “Gavin, Savanna, and Callum, your last name has been changed to Lancaster, and the adoption is complete. Congratulations.”
“Yayyyy!” Gavin threw his fist in the air, being more vocal
