At 17, Daniel gave up his newborn son at his parents’ insistence. Years later, he coached a little league team and met a new student who bore a striking resemblance to his late girlfriend, Emily. Daniel was compelled to find out if the boy was his son.
“Come on, Josh! Swing the bat with all your might!” Daniel cheered a nine-year-old on the field.
At 27, Daniel loved his job as a little league coach more than his previous career teaching English. A friend had offered him the position, and it fit perfectly with his love for baseball. Daniel thrived in this role, especially with kids like Josh, who, despite being shy, showed great potential.
“Coach Givens,” Mrs. Finkle called, introducing a new student, Robert Marshall. “This is Robert. He transferred recently and wanted to try out for the team.”
“Nice to meet you, Robert! We’ll get you into the practice, and I’m sure you’ll fit right in,” Daniel said warmly. Robert, with a friendly smile, took a seat with the other kids.
Daniel noticed Robert looked familiar but couldn’t pinpoint why. As practice continued, Robert quickly proved himself to be a natural at baseball, fitting in seamlessly with the team. When Daniel saw Robert running into the arms of a woman who hugged him warmly, it clicked—Robert looked just like Emily, his former girlfriend.
Ten years ago, Emily had given birth to their son. Neither was prepared for parenthood, and with their parents insisting on adoption, Daniel reluctantly gave up the baby after Emily’s death. Daniel had regretted this decision deeply, but he had no choice at the time. Now, seeing Robert, Daniel wondered if he might be his son.
Despite the resemblance, Daniel tried to dismiss his suspicions. After all, the baby had been blonde with blue eyes, unlike Robert’s green eyes. But Robert’s behavior and appearance increasingly reminded him of both Emily and himself.
One day, Daniel approached Robert’s mother, Nina. “Mrs. Marshall, can I ask you something a bit unusual? Is Robert your biological son?”
Nina looked surprised but not offended. “Robert and I look alike, but no, he’s adopted. Why do you ask?”
Daniel shared his story, explaining his past and how he had regretted giving up his child. “If Robert is my son, I’d be relieved to know he’s doing well, but I don’t want to intrude.”
Nina considered this. “If we get a DNA test, what happens then?”
“I just want to know he’s loved and has a family,” Daniel said earnestly.
Nina agreed to a DNA test. The results confirmed Robert was Daniel’s son. Daniel kept his promise not to intrude but was invited to Robert’s birthday party. Nina decided it was time to tell Robert the truth and let him decide about a relationship with Daniel.
After learning the truth, Robert, who already trusted Daniel as a coach, gradually accepted him as a father figure. As Daniel spent more time with Robert, he also grew close to Nina. Their relationship evolved into romance.
Robert was thrilled when Daniel and Nina announced their engagement. For the first time, he had a complete family, and Daniel had the chance to be the father he’d always wanted to be.
