Chapter 53

Carson thought the days before Saturday were the longest of his life. Every morning when he woke up, he felt a mix of fear and joy in his stomach. He was so excited about finally meeting Charlie and seeing Alice again that he could hardly hold it in. It was always in the back of his mind that he might mess everything up and lose them both for good.

Carson stayed in his hotel room most of the time because he didn't want to bother Alice at work by running into her. He got room service and paced the floor, practicing what he was going to say to his son when he finally saw him.

"Hi, Charlie. He practiced saying "I'm your dad." He felt silly talking to himself, but he couldn't stop. "I know I haven't been around, but I'm here now, and I love you very much."

Carson knew he had to do something special for Charlie on Thursday morning. It was important to him to bring a gift to show that he cared. What are you going to get your son who you've never met?

He left the hotel being careful not to g