587 V2 ch59 (1/2)

I looked at her and she looked at me. She was definitely crying now. No matter how many times she wiped her eyes, tears kept coming out.

I started to worry. ”Do...”

”Don't. You don't have to if you don't want to.” She cried.

Mr. Atkins wrapped an arm around her shoulders. He looked me in the eyes. ”Don't let Grampa bully you.”

”Bully?!” Grampa raised his voice while turning to face Mr. Atkins. ”Are you taking this kid in or not? Isn't the whole point of adoption is to become his family?!” He started to cough again, turning red in the face.

Noah went up to the old man and rubbed his back, trying to comfort him. ”We think Jake as family. He's just shy.”

”Have you asked him?” Gramma asked. A few pair of eyes drifted to the little old lady. She looked up at her daughter. ”Have you guys asked Jake what he wants? In my experience, kids are looking for acceptance in all kinds of ways.” She looked at me through her thick glasses. ”What do you want to do, Jake?”

I swallowed a lump in my throat and looked up at Mr. and Mrs. Atkins. ”Do you...mind?”

Mrs. Atkins let out a sob and ripped away from her husband. She pulled me into a bear hug. Our second in the past week. She squeezed me tight, but I wasn't afraid. ”It would be an honor to hear you call me, 'Mom'.”

”M-M-Mom.” I croaked out. A few tears escaped the corners of my eyes. This woman deserved that title. She helped me since day one. Even when I was scared to be alone with her, she wasn't mad at me, she was mad for me. The word mom isn't just a person who gives birth to you, but someone who takes on the role. Mom is caring and kind. She's hardworking and nurturing. She is generous, not with her money, but with her time and emotions. She protected me and has been reliable every step of the way.

I've decided. The woman who gave birth to me is no longer 'Mom'. I'll strip that title away from her and give it to someone who is more deserving. Mrs. Atkins. The mom I want and the one I need.

”Poor Dad...” Dave laughed. ”You're last.”

Kyle joined him. ”How does it feel, Dad? Grampa, Gramma, and Mom all got to hear Jake, but you're left out.”

Startled, I pulled away and looked up at Mr. Atkins, scared he would be mad or sad or disappointed.

He smiled down at me. ”It's different.”

”What? How?” Dave asked, not understanding.

I smiled, wiping my face. ”Mr. Atkins is the only dad I've ever known.”

The twins went silent.

Mr. Atkins reached out and patted me on the head. ”You never have to ask to call me dad. I already treat you like a son. A name doesn't define our relationship.”

”Dad.” I said clearly and confidently. I didn't stutter. There was no stress. No inner demon to fight. Dad may not be related to me by blood, but he knew where I was coming from. He knew my demons and didn't mind being my support every step of the way.

”Yes, Grampa.” I looked up at him, thankful. He's only seen me for a minute before accepting me. He integrated me with this family without a care.

”Again!”

”Grampa.” I repeated.

”Again!”

”Grampa.”

”I can't hear you! Again!”

”Grampa!” I raised my voice.

The boys started to laugh and the other adults smiled at the scene.

Noah looked up at Grampa with a grin. ”You're so lively today, Gramps.”