Disclaimer: as in ch.1

"Yeah! I won, Daddy!" Ryan jumped up and down in triumph as he outran Little Harm and Andrew in what appeared to be a running race. He settled at Trey's thigh, breathing heavily, oblivious to the fact that he just called the man 'Daddy'.

Across from him, Little Harm and Andrew had also settled on their dad's lap, gasping for air. Trey froze, and his mouth opened slightly in shock.

Ryan, to his credit, finally realized what he had done. The five-year-old climbed out Trey's lap and looked ashamedly at the ground. "I'm sorry, Uncle Trey." The child said softly.

Trey immediately put his hands on the boy shoulder. "Do you realize you just called me 'Daddy', Ryan?"

The young boy nodded slowly, still refusing to make eye contact. Trey took a deep breath, trying to keep his emotions in check. He could see Grace hovering in the door, but he decided to ignore her for now.

"Do you mean it, Ryan? Ryan, look me, buddy. Tell me do you mean it when you called me 'Daddy'?" Trey gently pushed the boy's chin up, so he could look into his eyes.

"Yeah, I want you to be my Daddy." The boy answered timidly.

Trey's closed his eyes and grinned in delight. "I would love to be your Daddy, but I think we need to ask Mommy first if she's okay with this arrangement."

Grace stood like a statue in front of the door and tried to keep her tears at bay as Trey slowly wheeled himself to her.

"I was going to this later after lunch, but since your son already gave the hint, I'll just do it now." Trey reached for his pocket and pulled out a dark-blue velvet box.

Grace gasped in surprise as he opened to box the revealed a gold ring with three diamonds attached, a big one in the middle and two little ones on the side. The ring was simple but exquisite.

"I am not even going to start to tell you how stupid I was to let go of you when I still had a chance. Now, we've been granted a second chance, and I, for one, won't repeat my mistake. I love you, Grace Webb. I know words might not be enough, but if you would give me the chance, I will spend the rest of life showing you just how much I love you. Would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

Tears of joy slipped down Grace's cheeks as she smiled radiantly. Finally, she was able to speak. "Yes." That was all she needed to say.

Trey's heart soared, far surpassing the rush he got from flying a Tomcat. He slowly slid the ring onto her finger and kissed her passionately. It was only the desperate need of oxygen that finally separated the two.

Turning to Ryan, who was timidly hovering nearby, Trey smiled at him. "Come here, son."

"So, can I call you daddy now?"

"Yes, son. I'm honored you would even consider me to be your father."

Ryan smiled at his new father and wrapped his arms around his neck. Softly, so only Trey could here, he whispered, "I love you, Daddy."

"I love you too, Buddy." Trey allowed a single tear to drop, but quickly swept it away and drew Grace into his embrace.

The three best friends watched with pride as the soon-to-be family held each other close.

TBC….

AN: You know the drill, folks!