Love at First Novel by Gu Lingfei

Liberty glanced at Duncan, her lips curving into a teasing smile. "Duncan, your grin is so big it's practically reaching your ears."

Duncan's smile grew even brighter, if that were possible. "I'm happy-beyond happy."

The weather that day was fickle, alternating between sun and clouds, but even the sunniest moment couldn't compete with the radiance of Duncan's smile.

Liberty handed her marriage certificate to Sonny, who eagerly flipped through it. He recognized a few words but didn't fully grasp the meaning. What caught his attention most was the picture of his mother and Uncle Duncan.

Looking up, Sonny asked curiously, "Mom, I was there too. Why didn't the man who took your picture ask me to be in it?"

Liberty crouched down to his level, her tone gentle. "Sweetheart, this is a marriage certificate for Uncle Duncan and me. That's why it's just the two of

and I are officially a family-a family of three. Isn't

cheek. "You can

the word "Dad" wouldn't come out. He hesitated, not out of rejection but because he was

a moment, Sonny asked, "Mom, can I just keep

with an easygoing smile. "Of course, Sonny. You can call me whatever makes you comfortable." With that settled, Duncan tucked his marriage certificate safely into his pocket and held out his arms. Liberty

Duncan said warmly, "you can call me Dad, or you can keep calling me Uncle Duncan. It's completely up to you. No pressure, okay?" He leaned forward and kissed Sonny's cheek. Duncan had

Uncle Duncan. It doesn't matter to me.

"I won't push him. I just wanted him to know he

still processing the day's events, piped up again. "Uncle Duncan, now that you're