Not Alone

Ten

*2015*

"'Once Eden and I were together, everything seemed to move fast but also at the pace we both wanted,'" I said while signing.  "'Everything about being with her and our little extension felt right.  It felt perfect which is something I had never truly experienced before they came into my life.  I fell hard and fast for Eden and truly felt like our extension was someone who was meant to be in my life.  They were there to teach me lessons that I hadn't truly known I needed.'"

*2003*

"There he is, our missing son,'" My dad teased as I entered their home on a Sunday evening for dinner.  Prior to coming here I had spent last night and this morning with my girlfriend and our little extension.  We didn't do anything big, just a night where Eden and I cooked dinner together and hung out with Jude.  Those were the nights I had come to love and look forward to.  If tonight hadn't been our every two week family dinner I would still be with them, but I was here and they were an hour away. "How's Eden and Jude?"

"They're good," I replied hugging him and then my mom.  "They were getting ready to head to the park when I left.  I had originally planned to go back after dinner, but I have things that need to get done here.  Also the guys have been wanting to hang out."

My parents nodded leading the way into the kitchen.  "Are you and Eden officially together now?  You've been spending a lot of time in Ojai."

"We are," I smiled.  "As of a couple of Friday's ago.  I also met her parents the Saturday after becoming official when they dropped Jude off.  Eden's dad said he used to work with you." My finger pointed to my father.  "His name is Mark Rivera."

My dad smiled widely.  "Mark!  My old buddy from work."

"Is He the one who went along with your jokes?" Mom asked, gaining nods from both of us.  "What a small world."

"That's what he said," I nodded, leaning back in the chair I was sitting on.  "Both her parents are great.  They were very accepting and supportive of our relationship.  I also bought Jude a couple of art supplies with a card asking to be in his life and also play a potentially important role." I smiled remembering how excited he was when Eden read the card to him.  "He said 'yes' and asked me to draw him some pictures right away."

"Mike, that is so sweet," Mom smiled with her hand over her heart.  "Whenever you both are ready, we would love to have them over for dinner or even just Eden first if she wants to wait with us meeting Jude.  As parents ourselves, we understand the need to protect your children."

"I'll bring it up to her.  She mentioned before that when we got together that you both would be in Jude's life and was fine with that," I responded noticing the smiles they offered.  "I actually wanted to ask for advice on how to make my...I guess life more child friendly.  Being at Eden's I noticed baby gates and obviously she has a car seat for him.  Can you guys help me make my house more two year old friendly?"

The smiles that had been on my parents' faces continued.  "Of course, Mike," Dad said nodding.  "We can make a list and then maybe go tonight after dinner to grab some stuff.  I'm happy to see you're taking being a part of Jude's life seriously.  If you're going to be in a relationship with someone who is a parent, it's good to support not only them but also the child.  Have you talked to Eden about what's she's comfortable with you progressively getting to with him?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well, if you're planning a long term relationship with Eden then Jude will be tied to both of you.  Which means at some point you may have to discipline or take on a caretaker role for him.  Is she okay with you doing that?"