Chapter 113

James knew he owed Maria, owed Amelia, and honestly, he hadn’t even worked things out with his mom yet. Three women meant the world to him, and he’d failed every single one of them. Thinking about it just made him feel like a loser. But right now, he didn’t have room in his mind for Amelia or his mom. All he cared about was getting Ethan to forgive him. “Ethan, I’m really sorry,” he said softly. “Can you give me a chance to make things right? I promise, I’ll make it up to you, your sister, and your mom.” Ethan’s lips pressed into a firm line, silent. “Please forgive me... forgive dad, okay?” The word “dad” slipped out without thinking. It felt... natural. Only after he said it did James realize it. The corners of his mouth lifted, and he couldn’t help but smile a little. “You’re not my dad. I don't have a dad,” Ethan shot back again without hesitation. “Okay, okay, I get it. Until you guys forgive me, I won’t call myself your dad anymore. You can call me James. Sound good?” There was a