Mother’s Day had always been complicated for Aaron. Since Haley’s death, it had been a day tinged with grief and longing, a reminder of what Jack had lost. But this year felt different. This year, there was you.

You had never tried to replace Haley—never pushed Jack, never asked for more than what he was ready to give. He still called you by your name, still reserved “Mom” for the woman he had lost. And that was okay. You loved him, no matter what he called you.

That morning, the three of you had breakfast together, Jack chatting excitedly about a project he was working on at school while Aaron sipped his coffee, watching the two of you with quiet fondness. It felt normal. It felt right.

After breakfast, Jack disappeared upstairs, leaving you and Aaron alone in the kitchen. You were tidying up when Jack’s small footsteps padded back down the stairs. He hesitated in the doorway, clutching something behind his back.

“Jack?” Aaron prompted gently, setting down his mug.

Jack’s gaze flickered to you, nervous but determined. Slowly, he stepped forward and held out a card.

You blinked, surprised, as you took it from his hands. The front was decorated with his careful handwriting and a few messy drawings of flowers. But it wasn’t the design that made your breath catch—it was the word written across the top.

Mom.

Your throat tightened as you opened the card, scanning the simple, heartfelt message inside. “Happy Mother’s Day. Thank you for taking care of me and Dad. I love you.”

When you looked up, you saw Jack's shy little smile and Aaron's surprised, yet relieved smile. He finally called you mom.