Hill Harper opens up about first-time fatherhood after adopting son

Actor Hill Harper has opened up about his decision to adopt a little boy. 

The CSI: NY star finalized 18-month-old Pierce's adoption this spring, becoming a single father in the process. While the decision may surprise some, considering he's not married, Hill told People magazine that it was after chatting to a friend in 2015 that he decided to explore the possibility of adopting on his own.

"(Adopting Pierce) was the greatest decision I've ever made and I've never been happier," he smiled. "For years, I always wanted to be a parent. I thought, you know, you get married, you have kids. (During the conversation) I was like, 'Oh, you know, I'm not ready. I'm not married yet.' And she said, 'Why not? Just have a conversation. Find out what's all that.'"

He then contacted an adoption attorney, who walked him through how the whole process works and called him before Thanksgiving in 2015 to tell him that a pregnant woman due to give birth in three weeks was looking for someone to adopt her child.

While he initially thought things were moving too fast, it was a chat with Pierce's birth mother that made Hill, 51, believe fate had connected him with his soon-to-be-son.

"I really felt like it was God telling me to do it," he mused. "And I'm so glad that he chose me, and (Pierce's mom) and God and the universe chose me."

When Pierce was born in December 2015, Homeland actor Hill was in the delivery room and cut his son's umbilical cord. And looking back at the moment, he admits that his fears were completely unfounded as soon as the tot made his big entrance.

"I was so scared," he remembered. "I think because it was such a huge decision. But looking back now, all the fears I had were ridiculously small compared to the joy of having him in my life and having the opportunity to be a father."

Hill is now supported by his mother and family, and his girlfriend, in his journey of parenthood, adding: "I'm just so thankful for the opportunity to be his dad."