Chapter 6 - The Night Roman Became a Father
Maisie turned four.
She asked Roman to teach her how to ride a bicycle.
He bought one.
It was pink.
With training wheels.
Nora watched as the most feared man in the city crouched behind a tiny bicycle.
“Pedal.”
“I am.”
“Faster.”
“I'm scared.”
Roman smiled.
“That's okay.”
“You're scared?”
“Sometimes.”
“Of what?”
“Losing people I love.”
Maisie thought about that.
Then said:
“Don't.”
Roman laughed.
“I'll try.”
Nora watched from the porch.
She had never seen him happier.
Later, after Maisie fell asleep, Roman sat beside Nora.
“She called me Dad.”
Nora smiled.
“She did.”
“I wasn't sure whether she should.”
“Why?”
“Because I didn't earn it.”
Nora took his hand.
“She chose it.”
He looked at her.
“That's better.”
Nora leaned against him.
“You're good with her.”
“I love her.”
“I know.”
He kissed her forehead.
“Do you ever think about what would have happened if she hadn't walked into that shed?”
Nora closed her eyes.
“Yes.”
“I don't.”
“What?”
“I think about what happened because she did.”
He looked at her.
“She saved me.”
Nora smiled.
“She saved all of us.”
They kissed.
And for the first time, Roman wasn't merely protecting a family.
May you like
He had one.
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