Ch. 108

10 years later

"Gabriel, sweet heart. We need to get going. Do you have your shoes?" I peeked my head around the corner. His little chocolate eyes met mine with such sadness. "What's wrong, mi amor?"

"I can't find my other shoe. I only have this one. I can't walk around with one shoe on." Tears began to pool in his eyes. I forget how small things like this could affect a little 4 year old's heart.

"Oh, sweet boy." I hugged him for a moment. "It's okay. We'll find it together."

"No need. Hero D found it already!" Dex jumped into the room with a table cloth wrapped around his neck like a cape. I stifled my laughter as Gabriel's little face lit up with admiration.

"Yay Hero D!" He ran wrapping his arms around Dex.

"Sit down, let's get this shoe on. A certain someone wants to wish you a happy birthday." Dex wiggled his eyebrows excitedly at Gabriel.

"Dad!" He yelled ecstatically.

"Yes, dad." Dex smiled.

The scene continued to play out in front of me, filling my heart with such joy