I covered my mouth.
Noah continued.
“He learned how to do my hair even though he was terrible at it.”
Laughter moved through the gym.
“He packed my lunches.”
“Sat beside hospital beds.”
“Worked extra hours.”
“Missed work when I was sick.”
“Showed up to every game he could.”
“Even the ones where I played six minutes and scored zero points.”
More laughter.
My eyes blurred.
Noah held the MVP trophy against his chest.
“I spent the last three months wondering if meeting Adrian meant I was betraying Ethan.”
“It doesn’t.”
“Because one man being my biological father does not erase the man who did the work.”
Adrian looked down.
Noah said:
“I hope Adrian and I can figure out what our relationship becomes.”
“That part is between us.”
“But I already know who raised me.”
He stepped toward the edge of the court.
“And I know who my dad is.”
The crowd erupted.
I hated that part at first.
It felt too public.
Too big.
