Family Quotes in A Million Little Pieces

How we cite our quotes: (Part.Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #10

I would like you to be my Son. (4.2.177)

Leonard must have no idea what a crappy son James is, or he would never have told him this. Why does Leonard want to take on James as a foster son of sorts? Is it to pay forward what his adopted parents gave him? Does he think James needs a father?