“I feel it every day,” Ilmari goes on, glancing down at the baby. “I see it. I know it to be true. But…will you say it now?” He looks up, holding Caleb’s gaze again. “Will you take this son I name for you, and say it?” He leans forward, holding the baby out to Caleb. A silent tear slips down my cheek as I watch them. “Please,” Ilmari murmurs. Hearing that word, Caleb breaks, his own tears falling. He leans forward in his chair over the baby, gripping Ilmari’s bearded face with both hands. “Of course, I’ll fucking say it.” Then he’s kissing Ilmari’s temple, his forehead. “I love you, Mars.
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