CAN I CALL HIM DAD?

Ashton sat at the dinner table, fidgeting slightly in his chair as he watched Joshua and Alazne serve dinner.

The warm, inviting aroma of Poul an sòs (chicken in sauce), diri ak pwa (rice and beans), and fresh vegetables filled the air, but his mind was elsewhere.

For weeks now, he had been thinking about how he wanted to ask Joshua something important. He glanced at Alazne, who was setting down the last of the plates, her brow slightly furrowed.

She caught his gaze and smiled, but he could sense her underlying concern about something he had yet to articulate.

As dinner began, the conversation flowed easily. They shared stories about their days, with Joshua making jokes that made Ashton giggle.

Alazne interjected with her own anecdotes, keeping the atmosphere light and happy. But as the plates began to empty, Ashton felt a growing urgency to bring up what he had been considering.

"Um, Joshua?" Ashton said, his voice tentative. Joshua turned his attention fully to him, tilting his head in encouragement.

"Yes, little man?" Joshua replied, his tone warm and inviting.

Ashton took a deep breath. "Can I call you Dad?" The words hung in the air, and for a moment, the clinking of forks and knives stopped. Alazne paused, her expression shifting from surprise to concern as she processed what Ashton had just asked.

Joshua looked taken aback, but then a smile broke through. "Of course, you can, Ashton. If that's what you want, I'd love that."

Alazne interjected, her brow furrowing deeper. "Wait, Joshua, are you sure about this? I mean, it's a big step for everyone." Her voice held a note of worry that Ashton couldn't ignore.

Joshua nodded, maintaining his gaze on Ashton. "I've been in his life for a long time, Alazne. We have a bond. If we don't work out, little man will always have me in his life. I promise you that."

Ashton felt a rush of emotions. Hearing Joshua's affirmation filled him with a sense of belonging, but he could sense Alazne's unease. She was always protective of him, and it made him feel a bit guilty for putting her in a position of discomfort.

"I just don't want it to complicate things," Alazne said softly, her voice steady but laced with concern. "What if it doesn't work out?"

Joshua leaned back in his chair, contemplating her words. "I understand your worries, Alazne. But we're already a family in many ways. He sees us that way, and that's a good thing. Because we are." He reached across the table, placing his hand over hers in a gesture of reassurance.

Alazne took a deep breath, her features softening. "I know you're right, Joshua. It's just... it's a big change." She looked over at Ashton, whose eyes were wide with hope.

"Do you really want to call me Dad, Ashton?" Joshua asked, his voice low and sincere.

Ashton nodded vigorously. "Yes! It feels right. You're always there for me, and you take care of me. I want to feel like I belong to you, too." The words tumbled out, honest and heartfelt.

Alazne exchanged a glance with Joshua, searching for reassurance. "It's just that I worry about how this will affect you both. If things don't go the way we hope..."

"Mom," Ashton said, his voice steady, "I know you're worried. But it's okay. Joshua is a good person. I trust him." He reached for Joshua's hand, feeling a warmth spread through him.

Joshua's eyes sparkled with emotion. "Ashton, I will always be here for you, no matter what. I care about you and your mom more than anything. Being a dad to you means the world to me, and I won't let you down."

Alazne's expression softened further as she looked between the two of them. She could see the bond they shared, the genuine love that flowed between them. Still, her protective instincts kicked in. "I just want you both to be happy and to feel secure," she murmured.

Joshua nodded, understanding her perspective. "And we will be, Alazne. I promise. Ashton is special to me, and this won't change our relationship. It will only make it stronger."

"Can we talk about it more?" Alazne asked, her voice calming. "I want to make sure we're all on the same page."

"Absolutely," Joshua replied, his tone reassuring. "We can take our time. It doesn't have to happen overnight." He turned to Ashton, who was listening intently. "But if this is what you really want, I'll support you."

Ashton beamed, feeling a mixture of relief and joy. "I do want it. I really do." He looked at Alazne, searching for her approval. "Is that okay, Mom?"

Alazne sighed, a smile breaking through her earlier tension. "Of course, sweetheart. If it makes you happy, then I want that for you." Her eyes sparkled with love, but the worry was still there, nestled deep in her heart.

Dinner resumed, but the conversation shifted to lighter topics as the initial tension eased. Ashton felt a warmth spread through him, knowing that he was in the middle of something significant. He felt like he was at a crossroads in his life, and he could sense the excitement and anxiety that came with it.

As they finished dinner, Joshua stood up to clear the plates. "I'll help you with dessert," he said to Alazne, his tone casual but warm. Ashton followed them into the kitchen, feeling a sense of belonging that he had longed for.

"Can we have ice cream?" Ashton asked, his eyes lighting up at the thought.

"Sure, little man," Joshua said, reaching into the freezer. "What flavor do you want?"

"Chocolate!" Ashton replied, his enthusiasm infectious. Alazne chuckled as she poured herself a glass of water.

"Looks like someone is looking forward to dessert," she teased, ruffling his hair. Ashton grinned, enjoying the playful banter.

As they enjoyed their ice cream, the earlier discussion lingered in the back of Alazne's mind. She watched as Joshua and Ashton joked and laughed, the bond between them deepening with every moment. She realized that perhaps this was a step toward a new family dynamic, one that could work if they navigated it carefully.

Later that evening, as they settled onto the couch for a movie, Ashton nestled between Joshua and Alazne. The warmth of their companionship enveloped him, and he felt safe. He could sense Alazne's occasional glances at Joshua, a silent understanding passing between them.

As the movie played, Joshua leaned over and whispered to Ashton, "I'm really proud of you for speaking up tonight. It takes courage to share how you feel."

Ashton beamed at him, his heart swelling. "Thanks, Joshua. It feels good to know you want to be my dad."

"Always, little man," Joshua replied, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Alazne watched the exchange, her heart full yet still tinged with uncertainty. She loved how happy Ashton was, and she loved Joshua's presence in their lives.

But the fear of the unknown lingered. Could they navigate this new chapter together? Would they be able to create the family dynamic they all desired?

As the credits rolled, Ashton turned to them, his eyes wide with excitement. "Can we watch another movie? I don't want the night to end!"

"Sure," Joshua said, sharing a glance with Alazne. "What do you want to watch?"

As the laughter and chatter resumed, Alazne felt a glimmer of hope. And perhaps, with time, she would feel secure in the decisions they were making.

And for Ashton, the idea of calling Joshua "Dad" was not just a title—it was a reflection of the love and connection they had built together.