They will just time progress the story so he is legal age is all they will end up together
this is not pedophilia, but the author is lamp shading the situation. Chase and Joel getting together would be morally wrong given how it would be hypocritical of Joel to become romantically involved with a young man his son's age, despite being possibly homophobic, angry at the math teach sexually using Chase and other students, and lastly never providing his own son Jesse with any form of affection. Yet, the author still wants us to desire Chase and Joel end up together out of love fully recognizing how wrong and unethical their relationship would be. It's the true love will overcome excuse in obstacle ridden romance plots.
Sadly I do not have faith in Joel's character to do the right thing. It was so easy for him to drop everything to go running to Chase. He didn't even think about it. He immediately left and lied about going to work. He even used his badge and threatened a case of statutory rape (which apparently does not apply to him). At this point, Chase has him dancing in the palm of his hands.
but its all cutesy and blushy...i think they will get together tho i don't want them to
From my research, pedophlia cases seem to cover upto 11/14/16 years of age. Either way it could be considered sexual defilement of a minor. But I do agree with you that the author is lamp-shading. They seem to highlight all the possible scenario of men other than Joel as wrong, but keep Joel's romantic interest on a pedestal.
This is what disappoints me the most. Joel is such a horrible father and I don't think the author has any interest of fixing that flaw despite pointing it out themselves.
And I hope Joel sticks with that decision. The author seems aware that Chase is too young to date Joel. I hope romance will not take precedence over pedophilia.