We talked about practical boundaries.

I would not come to the school without Lauren’s agreement.

I would not put photographs of Mason online or announce our relationship to friends before he knew.

I would not introduce my mother until Mason and Lauren were comfortable and my mother had demonstrated that she could respect their wishes.

I would also refrain from asking Mason for hugs or calling him my son in front of other people before he understood and had a chance to react.

These conditions were not obstacles to fatherhood.