"Love you"
"I love you too" Linc replied, walking to where Sheba sat with Sara and Mike.
Michael looked down at his family, sitting together, happy. Finally, free. He smiled, knowing there was nothing better in the world than this feeling, their whole lives ahead of them, watching his son grow up, sharing his life with the woman he loves, with his brother, who finally had someone to call his. He watched as Sara whispered something into Mike's ear, Mike grinned, grabbed the ball out of her hands and ran towards Michael.
"Can we play soccer please?" Mike asked, grinning at his father.
"Of course, kiddo." Michael stood up, ruffled Mike's hair and ran about 10 yards ahead, beckoning for Mike to pass the ball. They passed the ball between them for a while, Michael letting Mike tackle him and even score the odd goal. He looked back to his family smiling at them, as they walked over to join in.
Half an hour later they were all tired and decided it was time to return home. Linc gave Sara, Mike and Michael a hug, before taking Sheba's hand and heading off. Once they had left, Michael picked up Mike in one arm, put his other arm around Sara and they walked home, Mike excitedly telling them about all his favourite things that day. He was excited he'd get to see cousin LJ tomorrow, that he's getting better at soccer and how he absolutely loved his chocolate ice cream.
They arrived back at their home, Michael sitting with Mike at their kitchen table while Sara cooked them dinner. Mike was taking an advanced maths class, so they looked over his homework together, Michael helping him count fractions on a number line.
"I'm so proud of you Mike, you've done so well, and not just with school, you've been so brave through all of this"
"Thank you" Mike smiled shyly, looking to his father, "I had to be, for mummy, she needed me"
Michael grinned at Mike, then at Sara, both of them looking at him adoringly. Sara walked over and kissed them both on the forehead, before dishing up dinner. They sat down together eating, listening to Mike explain fractions further, excited to be learning more. Once finished, Sara cleaned up while Michael took Mike upstairs to get ready for bed. Michael picked him up, tucked him into bed and sat next to him, reading a short story. Mike was nearly asleep when it was finished. Michael quietly turned off the light and kissed him gently on the forehead.
"I love you Mike" he said.
"I love you too, Daddy" Mike replied. Tears welled in Michael's eyes, the first time his son had called him Daddy, the first time he told him he loved him.
"Sweet dreams" Michael whispered, as he shut the door to and walked back to his wife. She was sat on the sofa in silence waiting for him.
"Mike, he called me Dad, and he told me he loves me. Such a feeling, isn't it?"
"It's honestly the best thing" Sara smiled, inviting Michael to sit with her.
They just sat there quietly for what could have been hours, looking at each other, holding each other, revelling in the peace, knowing they didn't need to look over their shoulders. Everything was whole again, they were a family, in love. Michael kissed Sara softly, lovingly, before taking her hand and leading her upstairs to bed. It had been a perfect day and he couldn't wait for a lifetime of them.
The next morning Michael woke up first, pulling Sara tighter against him. She stirred as he kissed her temple, reaching over to bury herself into him.
"Morning sweetheart" he whispered.
Before she had a chance to reply, Mike came running in and jumped on their bed. Michael's electric blue eyes lit up with happiness at the sight. He pulled his son down into a tight embrace laughing as Mike squirmed. Sara pulled them both into a hug laughing, settling Mike between the both of them.
"What time is cousin LJ getting here?" Mike asked excitedly.
"In a couple of hours darling" Sara replied, "we're going to Uncle Lincoln's for breakfast soon."
Michael hadn't seen LJ in around 7 years and was excited to see him as an adult, he'd been working as a Paralegal in Indiana and even found himself a lawyer girlfriend. Michael was anxious to hear all his stories and be a part of his life again. They arrived at Lincoln's an hour before LJ was due, greeted with the scent of blueberry pancakes. The kitchen was a mess with flour and milk split all over the counter and floor, Linc and Sheba both looking guilty as their clothes were covered the same.
"Looks like you two had fun" Sara commented laughing. They looked back sheepish, while Michael joined in laughing. The pancakes were piled up in the middle of the table with 5 plates set around them. They each took a seat and dug in, adding plenty of vanilla ice cream. Mike got ice cream all over his face, which Sara immediately wiped up, muttering he's a 'mucky pup'. As Sheba cleared up the plates, leaving the last couple of pancakes for LJ, they heard a car pull up in the drive.