Sixteen
Ara
Cas and I wandered through the city the next day, our goofy grins refusing to fade.
I’d taken him for an IQ test, and it both delighted and scared me a bit when the doctor said his intelligence couldn’t be measured. His score was beyond the limits of existing tests. It only confirmed what I already knew—Cas was exceptional. When I asked about enrolling him in a gifted program, the doctor surprised me by suggesting I ask Cas himself.
“He’s bright enough to know what he wants. Just talk to him, and you’ll find the answer,”
“I think we bought a lot of stuff,” Cas laughs.
I grunt as I stuff our overflowing bags into the car trunk. Okay, maybe I went a little overboard—clothes, shoes, toys, books—basically, anything Cas touched, I bought. In my defence, we had a blast. He put on a whole fashion show, and I couldn’t resist joining in. Of course, he refused to let me buy anything for him unless I got something too. So here we are, cramming bags into my car after blowing three months' salary.
Regrets? None.
I should probably rein it in a bit. If I keep spoiling him like this, will he turn into a little brat? The thought crosses my mind for all of two seconds before I glance down at him, clutching the fabric of my dress in his tiny hands, his wide eyes darting around to take in everything.
He wore one of his favourite outfits now—after I’d unceremoniously tossed his too-tight clothes into the nearest trash can. He looks like he stepped out of a storybook in his grey shirt, navy blue pants, black-and-white sneakers, and that little beret he refused to take off.
When he glances up at me, those mismatched green and blue eyes sparkling with joy, and grins, stretching his chubby cheeks. I feel my heart melt on the spot. Hell, he could ask me for the moon right now, and I’d find a way to get it for him.
How can an angel like this ever become a brat? Impossible.
I refuse to accept that there’s even a single bad bone in my little boy’s body. Not when he looks at me like that—with pure joy and innocence, as if the entire world is one big adventure waiting to be explored. Not when he clings to me like I’m his entire universe.
No, this boy isn’t capable of becoming a brat. Even if I bought him a thousand more things, even if I gave him everything he ever wanted, he’d still be kind. Still sweet. Still my little boy.
“Want some ice cream?”
“Yes,” he nods eagerly.
I laugh and lock my car. We cross the street and walk into a cute little ice cream shop that is filled with kids.
“Okay, champ. What would you like?”
“What’s your favourite flavour?” Cas asks, his brows furrowed as he studies the options.
“Whatever yours is,” I tease.
After a moment, he points decisively.
“Mississippi Mud.”
“Good choice,” I smile.
As we sit by the window, I watch him dig into his ice cream, humming in delight. He is smiling more often now, and something inside me healed with every grin.
“Do I need to go back to the orphanage today?” he asks softly.
I wince at his words. The papers needed to officially make me his guardian—no, his mother—are still two days from being finalised. Or maybe longer, depending on how much more grief the woman from child services decides to give me.
Despite meeting every eligibility criterion and passing the home inspection, she’s determined to dig her heels in. She keeps bringing up how unusual it is for a child to be raised by a single mother, especially one who hasn’t had a relationship in...well, let’s just say it’s been a while.
If I could, I’d unleash Ivy—my sharp-tongued, take-no-prisoners best friend—but that would only slow things down. Instead, I’m using this time to get our new house ready, decorating Cas’s bedroom and planning the most perfect welcome home party.
“You know I’ve got us a new home for us to settle in, right?”
He nods as he eats his ice cream.
“It still needs to be decorated and furnished,” I explain gently, watching his little face for any sign of disappointment. “I’m planning to surprise you with the painting in your room, and it’ll take a bit of time. Plus, I don’t want you breathing in any paint fumes. Ellie also mentioned that it might be nice for you to spend a day or two with your friends before you come to me. Forever.”
Forever. The word lingers between us, warm and reassuring.
I don’t want to go into the technicalities or remind him that the papers aren’t finalised yet. He doesn’t need to know that. Cas has been mine since the moment I met him, just as much as I’ve been his.
“Okay,” he says softly.
There’s no trace of the upset child he was the first time we talked about this. As Dr. Maya said, Cas is exceptionally bright—more aware and understanding than most kids his age. Sometimes I forget I’m talking to a child, his mind so sharp and perceptive it makes me ache with pride and a tinge of sadness.
I decide to shift the conversation to something he might enjoy thinking about.
“Hey, Cas?”
He looks up from his ice cream, his mismatched eyes locking onto mine.
“You remember how Dr. Maya said that you’re an exceptionally bright kid?”
He nods, lips pressing together as he listens carefully.
“Well, you’re what they call a gifted student. Some schools offer accelerated classes to keep up with kids like you—places where you can learn without limits. An environment where they don’t run out of things to teach you.”
He nods again, absorbing every word like a sponge.
“Would you be interested in joining one of those programs? Or would you prefer to stay in public school with your current classmates?”
There’s a brief pause before he asks, “What do you want me to do?”
The question catches me off guard, and I take a bite of my ice cream to buy a moment to think.
“Honestly? I’m okay with whatever you choose. I just want you to be happy.”
He contemplates that for a moment before speaking.
“Then… would it be okay if I take the accelerated classes?”
I can’t help but smile as I ruffle his hair, watching him lean into my touch with that sweet, trusting look that always melts my heart.
“Of course. You can have anything you want.” I pause, raising a playful eyebrow. “You know… as long as it’s reasonable.”
He chuckles, his laughter light and easy, and returns his focus to his ice cream.
Still, a part of me worries. I know he had trouble making friends in his previous school. I hope this new place will be different for him. I hope he finds kids who understand him, and who won’t make him feel like an outsider.
And more th an anything, I hope he knows he’ll always have me—his safe place, his forever home.
“Ara?”
I turn at someone calling my name, and the smile is immediate when I see Dr. Lloyd—or Sean, as he insists I call him—standing far from our table.
“Sean,” I greet as he walks closer.
“This is a nice surprise,” he smiles, his eyes crinkling in warmth.
“Indeed,” I agree.
“And who might this little gentleman be?” Sean bends down to give Cas his hand.
Cas shyly shakes his hand before he turns away, causing the doctor to chuckle.
“This is Cas. He is my kid.”
It’s the first time I’ve said it out loud, and it feels... right. Just so right that I wonder how I have not seen it all these years. How could I’ve wasted all this time not giving Cas a home? With me.
A momentary surprise flickers on Sean’s face—the good kind—before he nods.
“How’s your leg?”
“It's good, all thanks to you.” I smile.
Okay, I might have a teeny tiny crush on the doctor. I mean, anyone would. With his wavy brown hair, clean-shaven face, warm green eyes and a smile which puts people at ease, it is difficult not to like him.
It is not the explosive attraction that I feel towards…I mentally shake my head. I’ve decided that I won’t think of the debacle that transpired last night or the mental rabbit hole I’ve descended into. I’m done with the man. I want to feel nothing but gratitude towards him for saving me.
“Remember to take it easy,”
I nod.
“Ara, can I have another scoop?”
I turn to Cas, who looks up at me with those puppy dog eyes.
Oh no.
I’m definitely going to be in trouble if he ever looks at me like that and asks for something.
“Sure thing, sweetie. But do you promise to eat dinner?”
He nods.
“Then go. I’ll pay while we leave,”
He runs towards the refill counter with his bowl, and I turn to Sean.
“I cannot say no to the kid,”
He laughs. “No one can when he asks like that,” he agrees.
“Would you-
“Can I ask you something?”
Sean cuts in, interrupting my invitation to sit with us.
“Of course,” I nod.
All of a sudden, the man looks slightly uncomfortable and nervous as well. Seeing him nervous makes me nervous. Is it something about my leg? Would it require any surgery?
“I know this might sound cliché, but trust me, I’m not lying,” he begins.
I’m confused, but I wait for him to continue.
“I don’t maintain any relationships with my patients outside the hospital. It’s a rule I’ve made for myself to avoid any awkwardness or complications. I’ve never broken it or even had the urge to—until I met you.”
The heat from his words makes my cheeks flush instantly. Ugh, traitorous skin.
“So,” he adds, flashing a smile that’s warm, “if you’d like, I’d love to take you out to dinner. At a time that’s convenient for you.”
As if his words weren’t enough, Sean’s smile deepens, revealing dimples on both cheeks. It’s impossible not to notice how handsome he is. And kind. I’ve spent weeks as his patient, talking with him, and he’s nothing but caring and thoughtful. The type of guy you’d expect to be a comforting presence—like a warm hug you never want to end.
I can’t think of a single reason to say no to him, but there’s a tug in my chest, a hesitation that catches me off guard.
Just then, Cas returns to the table, holding his bowl of ice cream, and slips the bill toward me. I glance between him, Sean, and back to Cas. How do I answer a dinner invitation in front of a toddler, the one I’m in the process of adopting? Is dating even the right move right now?
My dilemma must be written all over my face.
“You can give me an answer later,” Sean says, his voice warm and understanding. “You have my number.”
I nod, grateful for his consideration. He doesn’t take it personally. It’s refreshing. So many handsome men are quick to let their egos get in the way.
“It was good to see you, Ara. And you too, Cas.” He waves goodbye to the kid, offering a soft, genuine smile.