Page 118 of Truck Hard

A chuckle vibrates through her chest. “I’m okay, Liam. Really.”

“Yeah?” I pull back just enough to study her face, searching for any signs of distress. But her eyes are clear and bright, lacking the shadows of fear I’ve grown too used to seeing there.

“Yeah.” Her smile widens as she spots the somewhat mangled bouquet. “Are those for me?”

“What’s left of them,” I say ruefully, holding out the flowers. “Sorry about that.”

“They’re perfect.” She takes them, bringing them to her nose to inhale deeply. “Come inside? Dinner’s almost ready.”

I follow her into the house, drinking in the domestic scene before me. The kitchen is warm and fragrant with whatever’s cooking in the oven. School books are scattered across the dining room table—evidence of Cam’s homework session. It feels like home in a way that makes my chest ache with longing.

“So?” I can’t wait any longer. “How did it go?”

Hannah sets the flowers in a mason jar with water, taking her time arranging them just so. The suspense is killing me, but I force myself to be patient. Finally, she turns to face me.

“With the test results confirming that you’re Cam’s biological father,” she says. “the court approved removing Charlie’s name from the birth certificate and adding yours, once you formally acknowledge paternity.”

“Consider it done,” I say with a huge smile. Even though I’ve known the truth for months now, having it officially confirmed feels monumental. Life-changing.Everything-changing.

A sound from the doorway makes us both turn. Cam stands there, practically vibrating with barely contained energy. Before I can process what’s happening, he launches himself at me in a fierce hug that nearly knocks me back a step.

“Does this mean I’m a Mutter now?” he asks, voice muffled against my chest.

Hannah’s laugh is soft and warm. “That’s up to you, sweetie. You can keep your name as is, change it to Baumann—my maiden name—or take Mutter. It’s your choice.”

Cam pulls back to look at me, his eyes—myeyes—serious and determined. “I want to be a Mutter.”

The tears hit me without warning, burning behind my eyes. I try to blink them back but it’s useless. One escapes, trailing down my cheek as I pull my son closer.

My son. After all these years of regret, of what-ifs… here he is. Choosing me. Wanting my name. Wanting to be part of my family.

“You sure about that, buddy?” I manage to ask, voice rough with emotion. “The Mutters are kind of a rowdy bunch. Lots of expectations to live up to.”

He grins up at me, that familiar mischievous spark in his eye. “I think I can handle it. Besides, Uncle Christian already promised to teach me how to ride a motorcycle.”

“He what now?” Hannah’s voice rises sharply.

“When he’s older.” I assure her quickly, shooting Cam a look that clearly sayswe’ll discuss this later. “Much, much older.”

The timer on the oven beeps, saving us from that particular conversation. Hannah moves to pull out what looks like a lasagna while Cam and I set the table. Being here with them like this makes my heart swell. This is what I want. Not just keeping them safe, but building a life together. A real family.

As we sit down to eat, I can’t stop stealing glances at them both. Hannah, who’s slowly learning to trust and love again despite everything she’s been through. Cam, who’s shown more courage and resilience than any twelve-year-old should have to. They’re both so strong, so brave.

And I’m going to spend the rest of my life making sure they never doubt how much they’re loved.

“Earth to Dad.” Cam’s voice breaks through my thoughts. The word ‘Dad’ sends another jolt through my system. I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of hearing it. “Can you pass the garlic bread?”

I hand over the basket, watching as he piles his plate high. He’s hit a growth spurt lately, eating everything in sight just likeI did at his age. Another trait he got from me, along with the dark hair and eyes.

“So what else happened at court?” I ask Hannah between bites. “Charlie didn’t give you any trouble, did he?”

A shadow crosses her face briefly before she shakes it off. “He tried. But James, my lawyer, shut him down pretty quick. The judge agreed that given his recent behavior, any visitation rights should be terminated. The child support payments will stop since he’s not legally Cam’s father anymore, but the alimony stays in place.”

“Good,” I say firmly. “After what he put you through, he owes you that much at least.”

“His parents weren’t too happy about it.” She continues with a slight smirk. “Especially when James pointed out that their political connections couldn’t help them this time. Too much evidence against Charlie, too many witnesses.”

Pride swells in my chest at the strength in her voice. This is the Hannah I remember from before—fierce and unafraid to stand up for herself. Charlie might have buried that part of her for a while, but he couldn’t destroy it completely.

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