For the first time when he was six years old

I met Nathan for the first time when he was six years old.
He stood half-hidden behind his father’s leg, quiet and watchful, his eyes taking in everything while saying very little.
It was only my third date with Richard, but I remember that moment clearly—because something shifted inside me.

Richard had mentioned he had a son, of course.
But seeing that small boy in person, cautious and unsure, awakened a tenderness I hadn’t expected.

“This is Victoria,” Richard said softly. “She’s the woman I told you about.”

I knelt to Nathan’s level and smiled.
“Hi, Nathan. Your dad says you love dinosaurs. I brought you something.”