Holding his hand, Grayson smiled. “I’m getting hungry. Have you found anything good to eat?”

Aric had no problem advising about food, and the questions continued as Grayson learned about school, about favorite games, about Kit. As Hawk knew from his own talks with the doc, Grayson possessed a boundless store of patience.

Quietly, Kit joined Hawk and whispered, “Is this the psychologist?”

Hawk nodded, putting his arm around her.

“And what about Hawk,” Grayson was asking. “Is he your friend too?”

“No,” Aric said, his chin going stubborn, and the answer was a blow to Hawk’s heart.

“Indeed. But I can tell you love him very much.”

“Uh-huh.” Aric leaned forward, put his other hand on Grayson’s sleeve, and whispered loudly, “He’s my papá.”

Hawk froze.

“Ah, I see. How did that happen?” Zachary flicked a glance at Hawk and Kit. Laughter had lightened his gray eyes.

“Grammy says I’m Hawk’s boy. She said.” Aric waited a second as if to let Grayson try to dispute the infinite power of Lillian. When the doc nodded acceptance, Aric laid out his reasoning. “So that means Hawk is my papá. Like Regan’s papá.”

“Very logical.” Grayson leaned forward and whispered too. “Have you called him that to see what happens?”

Aric shook his head, then intently watched his shoe make a hole in the dirt.

“This is a very good time,” Grayson said firmly. “I know you’re brave enough to give it a shot.”

Aric’s head came up. “’Kay.”

He turned. Stubborn chin, bottom lip trembling. So much like his mother. Eyes filled with worry and hope met Hawk’s. “Papá.”

A muffled sob came from Kit. “Yes.” That there was no hesitation in her whispered agreement meant the world to Hawk.

“Yeah, Aric.” Hawk’s heart almost burst with love as he picked up…his son. His voice came out rougher than gravel. “Yeah, you’re mine—and I’m your papá.”

Aric wrapped his arms around Hawk’s neck, and the strangling hug was one of the finest Hawk had ever received.

Fuck, he was a father.

Picking up Kit’s hand, he kissed her fingers. He’d be a husband damn soon if he had anything to say about it.

Rising, Grayson smiled up at Hawk. “Very good work.”

The compliment—and verification—was incredibly gratifying.

Hawk nodded to Kit. “His mother gets most of the credit. He’s never doubted her love.”

Grayson studied Kit for a long moment, then smiled. “There’s nothing more important.”

After kissing the top of Aric’s head, Hawk put him down.

“Aric.” Grayson put his hand on his little daughter’s shoulder. “This is Sophia. Sophia, this is Aric who can probably find you some potato chips.”

“Yes!” With no hesitation, Sophia walked right up to Aric. “I need a hot dog too. An’ ketchup.”