Charles & Darlene

"I could do it. I'm around him all day right now as it is while I show her the ropes of living out here."

"I know you could do it. I wasn't saying that. I just meant... being around him a lot, and being looked at as a father... it's two different things. If you got serious with her... you would be the only father her baby would ever know. And her son is young, he'd look up to you as a dad too. It's a permanent roll, not something you can just... decide down the road you don't want to do. I know you never would, but... I'm just saying, is all." 

"I know, and I appreciate all of the advice but I'll cross those bridges when I get there. I know being with her would be a lot different than my previous relationships."

"Yes it would. Besides the kids, she's older than you. And she's been married before."

I shrugged a little "Age is just a number and her other marriages are in her past now. I'm in the present."

"That's a good way to look at it. I just... want you to be careful, that's all." 

"I'm being careful. If you're afraid she's stringing me along...don't be. She isn't like that."

"I wasn't thinking that. I just... don't want you to get yourself into something you're not prepared for. But I trust you. You're my son, I just want you to be happy."

"Thanks, and I promise not to rush in." Too little, too late.

"Okay. That's all I ask. Just... be careful," I said and got up to hug him.

I hugged her back "Don't worry, I will."

"I know you will," I said and kissed his cheek. "You should get to bed, it's late." 

"You too. Aren't you guys too old to be staying up so late?"


"Actually, yes we are. Let's go Darlene."

I shook my head and laughed a little. "Thanks, both of you," I teased and hugged Mason again. "Goodnight. We'll see you in the morning," I said and checked on the kids before going to the bedroom with Charles.