Fake Dates and Mooncakes

Tim laughs. “You’re officially part of the family too.”

I nudge Theo’s shoulder with mine. “Hey, sorry I didn’t get you anything for your birthday.”

Theo reaches for my hand, and our fingers intertwine.

“Don’t worry about it,” he says. “Everything I could want is right here.”

“No worries, Bernard, I’ll get the door myself.” Theo smirks as we climb into the back seat with Clover.

You know,” Aunt Jade says. “Your mom would’ve really liked Theo.”

Happiness blooms inside my chest. “I think so too.”

Clover trots over to Theo and tugs at the cuff of his jeans. He reaches down and pets her affectionately. “You came all the way here to support your person?”

Clover raises her head and barks.

“She says she’ll share me now,” I tell him.

Theo drops to a knee in front of Clover. “Thanks, buddy. I promise to take care of him as well as you have.” She wags her tail and licks his face.

“It was worth it.” A kaleidoscope of emotions wheels in Theo’s eyes. “What you told my dad just now…you didn’t give me a fraction of what I have, Dylan.” His voice cracks a little. “You gave me a whole missing piece.”

“My family doesn’t have much—we can only give Theo a fraction of the life he already has. But more than anything, I want him to be happy. To be part of a family. And if you can’t find a spot for him in yours…there’s always a place waiting for him in mine.”

“I had to see for myself what you would fly halfway across the world and back for on my dime.”

“Who,” Theo cuts in firmly, taking my hand in his. “Who I would fly halfway across the world and back for. And anything you have to say to me, you can say in front of Dylan

. “I also wrote down in my diary how you cycled two hours from one end of the island to the other twice a week to see me.”

Gong Gong chuckles. “My mother kept asking why I couldn’t date a neighbor instead.”

I laugh, wiping my eyes. The look of joy and love on my grandparents’ faces is priceless.

Por Por leans closer with a conspiratorial smile. “Gong Gong used to tell your mummy and Auntie Jade, ‘Find a guy who would fly to the moon and back for you.’ ” She glances at Theo, who’s in the garden snipping flowers, and giggles. “This is close enough.”

“Por Por is so touched that you would go through all this effort to make my mooncakes,” Por Por says. “Though I can’t remember my recipe, in my heart I just know you will get it right.”

“Gong Gong loves you very much and supports you all the way,” Gong Gong adds. “Your mummy would’ve been so happy for you.”