Redemption: AmBw Romantic Suspense

“We don’t know yet.” I smirked. “But I’m sure that whatever name we choose, it will definitely mean blessing.”

“He is quite a blessing.” Tears spilled from her eyes. “No matter what his name will be, I will love him for the rest of my life.”

My heart twisted with the sight. I wanted to wipe her tears away, but still felt uncomfortable. Soon, I hoped to have that comfort level again, where when my mother cried, I wouldn’t fear lifting my hand and wiping those tears away.

My voice went hoarse. “Maybe. . .you should stay here for a while.”

She gazed down at her grandson. “I do not want to bother you, Yoshiro, but I would very much like to catch up with you, my son. It has been too long.”

“It has.”

“And. . .” She cleared her throat and spoke more than I had ever witnessed in my entire life. “It would please me deeply, if I could spend this time with my new grandchild. Yoshiro, I have learned in our separation, that time and children are a blessing to be cherished and protected. For me, getting to know my son again, and these beautiful children, have brought a reawakening to my life. It would bring me great joy and comfort if you allow me to pass on our traditions to our next generation. My four grandkids.”

“That. . .sounds good. They would love it. I would. . .love it.”

Tears left her eyes.

I raised my hand, swallowed my fear, and wiped one off her cheek.

“Thank you, son.”

I had wanted to hear those words all my life. And finally, they had come.

Minutes later, she gave me back my newborn son and snuck back into the lobby. I rocked my son in my arms and walked us over to the window.

One day, I would tell him the crazy story about how I’d met his siblings and mother. One day, I would teach him about how to deal with pain and horror. How to protect himself. How to weather a storm.

One day, I would let him know that redemption could come to him in his darkest moments, if only he believed. If only he hoped for it, in the deepest, darkest corners of his heart.

But for now. . .

I whispered, “Ah, push it. Ah push it. Oh. . .baby baby. Oh. . .baby baby.”

He opened his little eyes and gazed at me.

“Daddy is going to teach you so much, but first. . .I’m going to teach you how to rap.”

I grinned. “Oh. . .baby baby. Oh. . .baby baby.”

My eyes watered. Since Ebony was asleep, and only my son was here to witness, I left those tears for all my years fall down my cheeks.

I let it go and drank in every bit of happiness and salvation around me.

Ebony’s hoarse voice sounded behind. “Yoshiro.”

I turned around. “Yes?”

“If you don’t stop rapping—”

I chuckled, ending her words.

She yawned and opened her eyes. “How is he doing?”

“Amazing.”

“Have you thought of a name?”

“No.”

“We were thinking about Amari.”

Carrying our blessing in my arms, I walked over to her bed. “What does it mean?”

“Miracle of God.”

“Then, Amari it is.” I kissed his forehead. “I love the name, and I love you even more, Ebony. You brought light into my darkness.”

“You saved us from the monster.”

“Well. . .that was all the trench coat. I just wore it.”

“Oh my God.” She laughed a little and then her eyes fluttered close as she yawned. Seconds later, she was back to sleep.

Grinning, I turned my attention to Amari and whispered, “Oh, baby baby.”