That evening, Jim and Stacey went to check on Mike and saw him fast asleep with his pacifier firmly in his mouth. That thing was gonna be a hassle to get rid of soon. Jim and Stacey didn’t mind him using it though because it kept him calm. They figured he wasn’t gonna go to college or walk the graduation stage with it, so they weren’t too concerned.
They both smiled as they stood over him and each bent over to gently kiss him on his cheeks. Luckily they didn’t wake him, they didn’t wanna go through the trouble of getting him in bed again. They both walked out quietly and closed the door.
Once they reached their bedroom to get ready for bed, Jim and Stacey talked about what they’re gonna do going forward. Things changed after Mike started taking on features of both of them and they felt a change about things.
“So, how do we go about moving forward with Mike?” Asked Stacey.
“Good question. I am really conflicted.” Replied Jim.
“Look, I know Mike looks like us, but can we really be parents to him? We aren’t even married yet and it’s a huge responsibility.” Stacey mentioned. Jim was conflicted, Stacey was right about what she said, but he really enjoyed this new situation he was thrust into unexpectedly.
“I understand, you make a good point, but I really feel happy now. When I saw Jim detach from you and saw mine and your features on his face, I was shocked. I didn’t know what to think. However, I really have felt pride and joy now that I see Mike look like our son. It’s really made me wanna be a good dad to him, Jim said with passion. “Stacey, I love you, and you are already showing signs of being a great mother and it’s made me really wanna spend the rest of my life with you. I know that you’re the woman for me and I will give you that ring one day. In the meantime, I really wanna keep Mike as our son. This role in life would mean so much to me and I know you’ve seen me be a great father figure to Mike so far. Let’s just think about this Stacey, what do you think?”
Stacey was conflicted too. Yes, she was enjoying feeding Mike like he was her son. When he latched on to her breasts so easily, it made her bond with him much easier. However, can she really raise Mike with Jim? She knew Jim was a great man and was showing signs of being an amazing dad, but she had to think. Tears started welling up in her eyes as she thought and finally caved in.
“What’s wrong dear?” Asked Jim
“Nothing, just thinking.” Replied Stacey. “I’m ok Jim, I just know you’re gonna be an amazing dad. If you wanna raise Mike again with me, I will do it.” She smiled at Jim after her statement and he was starting to cry too. Both wrapped each other in a loving embrace. Who knew that having a child unexpectedly put in their lives would bring them closer together? They broke apart and gave each other a big kiss.
“Thank you Stacey. We can do this together, I know we can.” Jim reaffirmed Stacey. She smiled in return and they both continued to get ready for bed.
“Now I do gotta ask, how are we gonna deal with Mikey’s addiction to his pacifier? I worry about his teeth and we know how expensive braces will be if his teeth get messed up.” Stacey questioned with parental concern.
“I know, but I think Mike will be fine. He’s still a baby and he’ll get rid of it when it’s not of interest to him anymore.” Jim replied. “I know because I used mine until I was almost 4 and I was fine. Now I do think once he turns 3, it stays near his bed. That’s what my mom and dad did with me.”
“I agree, he doesn’t need to use it in public when he’s 3. Maybe in the car if it’s a far ride, but that’s it other than bedtime.” Stacey agreed with Jim on that point.
“Other than that though, he’s gonna be quite the handsome boy when he grows up, trust me, I know by experience.” Jim teased.
“Oh goodness, I am gonna have to keep a close eye on him then. I wouldn’t be ready for that.” Stacey assured.
Both of them were having a wonderful time talking about Mike as their boy and raising him again.
Meanwhile……