"I think that's how most parents feel for their entire lives," Mathias answers, smiling into the kiss and then leaning back in his chair. "I think my parents still felt that way, even when I was an adult." Although he's hardly an expert on the subject, he doubts anyone really is an expert on being a parent, even those who think they are.

Even now, though, with a maybe, he's still nervous and he tries to cover it with a smile. "At least that wasn't a no," he says.