Page 84 of Praising Haru

“I’m glad he’s found someone he can talk to about being adopted. I know it hasn’t always been easy for him.” Her expression becomes distant. “There were times Evan and I wondered if we’d done the right thing. Should we have adopted a child from a different cultural heritage?”

“Haru adores you. He only has good things to say about you.”

She pats my hand. “That’s good to know. He was bullied. He even westernised his name for a while, which broke our hearts.”

“I know.”

“We wanted to protect and give him the happiest life possible.”

“You have.”

She smiles. “Still, at least he can confide in you if he needs to.”

“And I can confide in him.”

Faith tilts her head.

“My parents didn’t tell me I was adopted until a year ago. Even then, their hand was forced. Medical stuff. It’s all sorted now, but I went into a ‘who am I?’ spiral. Haru reached out to me and listened. I still don’t know why my parents didn’t tell me. Not that I’ve asked. It didn’t seem important when Dad was sick.”

“And now?”

I shrug. “I don’t know how to ask. I don’t want to upset them.”

“We never had any choice but to tell Haru he was adopted. We never had to ask ourselves if we’d tell him, let alone when. I’m not sure I’d want to have to make those decisions.” She puts her hand over mine on the table. “But what I can tell you is that your parents love you.” She nods towards Haru. “I might not have carried him or given birth to him, but that young man has held my whole heart in the palm of his hand since the moment Evan and I first saw him. He’s our son, and we love him unconditionally. We would move heaven and earth for him. I’m sure your parents feel the same way about you.”

I sniff. Her words were beautiful.

“What are you two gossiping about?” Evan asks as he and Haru carry four ramekins and spoons over.

I was right. We’re having crème brûlée for dessert. It smells just as delicious as dinner, only sweeter.

“Haru. Who else?” Faith smiles at me and pats my hand.

“Um, should I be worried?” Haru asks, sitting beside me.

I kiss his temple. “Nope. You’ve got nothing to worry about at all.”

* * *

After dessert, we go to Haru’s room so he can show me some of his designs. The moment his door is closed, I pull him into my arms, massage him behind his ear, and kiss him fiercely.

“It’s been hard not telling you how beautiful and pretty you are.” I nuzzle his neck.

He drops his head back to give me better access. “I’m starting to think you get as much out of praising me as I get out of being praised.”

“I do.”

He puts his hand on my arm. “My parents are downstairs.”

“I’ll stop.” I don’t. I hold him and kiss him more fervently.

“Are you okay?”

I lift my head and meet Haru’s concerned gaze. “Yes. Something your mum said hit me here.” I press my palm over my heart.

“You mean there was a point she wasn’t interrogating you?”

“Yes. She loves you so much, Haru.”