***

Having made up his mind to go back to Rayla, Xander Shadow Jumped back to his office, grabbed his car keys, and headed downstairs.

His friends were right. His future was dependent on the choices he would make today, and he had already made his choice. He had chosen to be with Rayla and Abel, and he was not going to give up on them. He wasn't going to leave her place without the two of them.

He brought the car to a screeching halt outside the house and rushed inside. Xander slowed down at the entrance as he saw Rayla frazzled and almost scared in the living-room with some bags already packed.

“Xander,” she called out softly, rising to her feet as he walked up to her.

“What's going on here? Are you traveling or something?” He stopped in front of her, his heart beating fast as he anticipated her response.

“Honestly, Xander, I don't know,” she replied.

She looked a bit weird, like she was worried about something. Fear was palpable in her eyes even though she was trying to mask it.

“Rayla, what is going on?” he inquired.

“We have to leave this, Xander. You're right. Abel can't stay here anymore,” she confessed.

It felt good hearing her admit that he was right. This was definitely his window to make things right again. Now was his chance to take them with him.

“Do you have anywhere to go?” Xander asked her, hoping to receive a negative response.

“The ball is in Abel's court. I want him to decide,” she replied.

Xander turned to the kid who was standing at the base of the stairs. He slowly walked over to him then squatted in front of him. He hadn't really spoken with him just yet, and he wasn't sure what to say.

“Hey, buddy.” He smiled.

“Hi,” Abel reciprocated the gesture.

Xander's heart melted instantly, and he held the boy's hands.

“Do you know who I am?” he asked.

Abel nodded with a faint grin.

“Mom says you're my father.”

A smile brightened Xander's face for a moment.

“I am indeed your father.” He ruffled his hair. “How would you like to come stay with me?” he asked. “We would have a lot of fun. I will teach all there is to know about who we are and what we can do—and trust me, we can do a lot of things.”

Abel laughed lightly.

“That does sound like fun.”

“Right?” Xander chuckled, knowing that he had won his son's heart. “I am so sorry for not being a part of your life sooner, Abel. But I am here now and I want to be a part of your life now. I want to make up for those years that I missed.” He looked into the boy's eyes. “Will you grant me this request by accepting to come with me?”

“Will Mom be coming as well?” Abel asked.

Xander glanced back at Rayla who was almost tearing up where she was standing.

“If that's what you want, then of course,” she replied with an emotional grin.

“That's what I want,” Abel declared.

Xander put his head down and exhaled sharply.