Chapter 8 - THE DAY SOPHIA ASKED HIM TO BECOME HER FATHER
Marriage did not automatically make Alexander Sophia’s legal father.
Everyone seemed surprised by that except the three people involved.
Alexander did not initiate adoption.
Elena did not push.
Sophia knew Mateo was her father.
His photographs remained.
His birthday was remembered.
His designs remained part of Morales & Moon.
Alexander became Alex.
Sometimes Grandpa Suit when Sophia was being annoying.
Never Dad.
Until she was eleven.
It happened after a school assignment.
Family tree.
Sophia came home carrying poster board.
She had drawn Elena.
Mateo.
Alexander.
Then stopped.
“What’s wrong?” Elena asked.
“I don't know where Alex goes.”
Alexander looked over.
“Where do you want me?”
“That’s the problem.”
She pointed at the family tree.
“Dad is Dad.”
“Yes.”
“But you're also…”
She frowned.
“Dad-ish.”
Alexander smiled.
“Very formal title.”
She did not laugh.
“Could you adopt me?”
The room went silent.
Elena stared.
Alexander’s chest tightened.
“Sophia.”
“I looked it up.”
Of course she had.
“It doesn't erase Dad.”
“No.”
“My name can stay Morales.”
“Yes.”
“I don't have to change it.”
“No.”
“And Mom decides too.”
“Yes.”
Sophia looked at Elena.
Elena was crying.
“Mom?”
“I'm okay.”
“Good cry?”
“Yes.”
Alexander crouched.
“Why do you want this?”
Sophia thought.
“So if something happens to Mom, I don't have to wonder where I go.”
That broke him.
Even after five years of safety, part of the six-year-old girl from the shelter remained.
Not visibly.
But there.
“What else?”
She looked embarrassed.
“And because you’re my dad.”
Alexander could not speak.
She continued quickly:
“Not first dad.”
“I know.”
“Second dad.”
He covered his face.
Sophia sighed.
“You cry a lot for a businessman.”
Elena laughed through tears.
They began the legal process.
Carefully.
With Sophia represented appropriately.
No social media.
No press.
No Wonderland announcement.
Months later, a judge finalized the adoption.
Sophia remained Sophia Morales.
Her choice.
Outside the courthouse, Alexander handed her a small velvet box.
She narrowed her eyes.
“What did you buy?”
“Open it.”
Inside was the old twenty-dollar bill.
Mounted between two pieces of glass.
A tiny engraving below:
NOT FOR SALE.
Sophia burst out laughing.
“You kept it!”
“You ordered me to.”
“Good.”
She hugged him.
“Dad?”
Alexander froze.
First time.
“Yes?”
“Can we get pizza?”
He started crying again.
“Seriously?”
“I’m having a moment.”
“I’m hungry.”
Elena shook her head.
“Fatherhood.”
Alexander laughed.
“Pizza.”
They went.
No photographers.
No limousine.
Just three people in a corner booth arguing over mushrooms.
May you like
Exactly right.
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