I remembered the frightening entrance at the supermarket and the months of difficult honesty since then.

I said he could join us for an hour, provided he understood that the afternoon belonged to my son, not to a courtship.

He said he understood.

At the museum, Owen laughed at his reflection in a polished display case.

Vincent laughed too, genuinely surprised.

He did not try to hold the stroller without asking.

He did not buy us extravagant gifts.

When Owen became fussy, we went home early.