Noah adapted quickly to the new life. Children in general adapt easily to changes. He went to a new daycare, made friends with the neighborhood children. He no longer asked about his father.
“Mommy, will I get a new daddy?” he asked once during dinner.
“I do not know, sweetie. Would you like that?”
“I want one who is good and does not hurt us.”
“If we get a new daddy, I assure you he will be good.”
Emily was not lying. After everything that had happened, she had become very cautious with men. Trust had to be earned.
Victor Serrano became a frequent visitor to her home. At first he came for work rellated matters, helping with repairs, fixing things. Then the visits became more frequent and less professional.
Victor turned out to be a wonderful man, honest, reliable, hardworking, and he immediately got along with Noah. The boy was drawn to him, sensing his sincerity and kindness.
“Uncle Victor, can you be my daddy?” Noah asked once.
Victor blushed. He looked at Emily.
“That is not for me to decide, Noah. The grown-ups decide that.”
“But I want you to be my daddy. You are good.”
In the evening, when Noah was asleep, Emily and Victor talked in the kitchen over coffee.