“Sarah,” Mike said, his voice cracking. “I am so sorry. I should have known. I should have come home.” She looked at him, her eyes brimming with tears. Mike reached out and gently touched Leo’s hair.
“I’m not leaving you again,” he promised. Sarah collapsed against him, sobbing with a relief she hadn’t felt in years. Mike spent the rest of his leave taking care of them.
He used his savings to fix the roof of their small rental, got Martha into a proper rehabilitation facility, and filled their pantry. Before his leave was up, they went to the courthouse and got married—no fuss, just a promise. Mike officially adopted Leo, giving him his name.
He did go back to his hometown one last time, but only to confront his parents. Eleanor tried to play the victim, claiming she only wanted “the best” for him. Bill just stood in the corner, unable to look his son in the eye.
“You didn’t want the best for me, Mom. You wanted control,” Mike said coldly. “You destroyed a girl’s life because of your pride. Sarah is my wife now, and Leo is my son. You will never see us again.” “Mike, don’t be dramatic,” Eleanor pleaded. “Why would you want that man’s child?”
