Strike Out

by Cheryl Douglas

  He rolled his eyes as she moved to the edge of the bed to make room for him. “You couldn’t have made do with just one dresser?”

  “Are you kidding?” She slipped under his arm and curled into his chest. “This is an old house. Have you seen the size of the closets? They’re tiny.”

  His size eleven feet were hanging off the end of the bed, but not even that could dampen his mood. “Have you seen the size of the walk-in closets in my house?” he teased. “They’re probably the size of this room.”

  “Zach, let’s not get ahead of ourselves.” She flattened her hand on his chest. “I don’t want to rush anything. We have to think about Tyler.”

  “Come on, what kid doesn’t want his parents to be together?”

  “Except he doesn’t think of you as his parent. Not yet anyway. I’m sure in time—”

  “How much time do you think he’ll need to come around?” Zach was willing to give his son as much time as he needed to accept him, but he didn’t want it to take too long. He was ready to start their new life together.

  “I don’t know.” Rennie sighed. “I have no way of knowing how he’s going to react to the news. Frankly, I’m scared to death to tell him.”

  He understood her fear, but he would do everything he could to make the transition as seamless as possible. “I’m not gonna let you take the fall for this, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “I know you wouldn’t do that,” she said, kissing his chest. “But I have to own my part in this. I was the one who kept the truth from both of you and let Tyler believe that Nathan was his biological father.”

  The hand around her waist flexed as Zach tried to suppress his anger. Every time he thought about Nathan, it aroused feelings he couldn’t contain. Rennie saw her late husband as a hero. No doubt Tyler did as well. How was he supposed to compete, to earn their love and respect, with Nathan’s ghost haunting them?

  “You’re quiet,” she said, looking up at him. “What are you thinking?”

  “I’m just wondering how Tyler’s going to react.” He knew Tyler was a little star-struck around him, but how would he feel when he learned that Zach wanted to take the place of the man he’d considered his dad? Would he resent Zach’s interference in his life? Would he try to come between Rennie and Zach because of his loyalty to Nathan? So many things could go wrong, and when Zach allowed himself to dwell on it too long, he broke out in a cold sweat. He and Rennie may be getting closer, but they were a long way from being home free.

  ***

  Rennie gasped when she pried her eyes open and saw Zach sleeping next to her. She’d told him he should leave and he agreed, but they must have fallen asleep sometime between making love, talking about the future, and laughing over their favorite memories from the past. Glancing at the alarm clock, she realized what woke her. It was after seven. She’d heard Tyler in his bathroom, probably taking his insulin. “Zach, wake up. You fell asleep. Tyler’s—”

  “Hey, Mom,” Tyler said, knocking on her door. “What’s for breakfast? I’m hungry.”

  “Damn it,” she whispered, sitting up and clutching the sheet to her chest. “I… uh… I’ll make omelets. Just grab a banana to tide you over for a few minutes. I’ll be right out.”

  “Okay.”

  Rennie breathed a sigh of relief when she heard his footsteps recede down the hall. “Hurry. Maybe you can get dressed and sneak out before he sees you.”

  Zach watched her run around the room gathering his clothes. “I’m not sneaking out. Tyler’s going to have to get used to me spending the night.”

  “But… I…” She ran a hand through her tousled hair before throwing Zach’s clothes on the bed. “It’s too soon. He’s never seen me with anyone other than his dad.”

  Zach scowled. “Damn it, Rennie. Would you stop saying that? I’m his dad!”

  “You’re right, I’m sorry.” She wished she could start the whole morning over…alone in her bed. Not that she regretted what had happened with Zach, but she wasn’t ready to share the details of their relationship with their son. “Please, just get dressed. Then we’ll figure out what to do.”

  “I already know what we’re going to do,” Zach said, easing out of bed. “We’re going to get dressed, go out there, have breakfast, and tell our son the truth. Isn’t that what we agreed?”

  Rennie knew they had agreed to tell Tyler the truth, but not like that. He wasn’t so young that he wouldn’t understand what seeing his mother and Zach together first thing in the morning meant. Playing on a team with older boys meant that he probably knew more about sex than he should, and that would be a definite disadvantage in their situation.

  “Can’t we wait until later?” she asked, feeling hysteria bubbling up in her throat. “Maybe after the game?” She watched Zach get dressed with one hand. She should offer to help with his shirt, but her feet were rooted to the spot. She felt frozen in indecision. Was Zach right? Should they just swallow their fear and get it over with, or should she take more time to mentally prepare, to decide what she wanted to say and how she wanted to say it?

  “No. Now,” he said, looking determined.

  “Fine.” Rennie sighed as she reached into her closet for a long, pink terrycloth bathrobe. She slipped her feet into matching slippers. “At least give me a chance to warn him that you’re here. If you want to grab a shower, there are extra towels in the closet and a couple of new toothbrushes in the cabinet.”

  “Thanks. I think I’ll take you up on that.” He closed the distance between them, reaching for her hand. “It’s gonna be fine. Don’t worry, sweetheart.”

  She wanted to believe that, but when she thought about everything she stood to lose, she couldn’t calm her fears. “I hope you’re right.”

  He kissed her forehead. “I’ll be out in a bit.”

  “Okay.” She made her way down the hall, grateful to have a few minutes alone with Tyler before they dropped their bombshell.

  Tyler was at the door, looking out the stained glass window. “Zach’s car is still here. Why?”

  Rennie’s heart raced, but showing fear would be the worst mistake she could make. “He spent the night.” She hoped it wouldn’t come as too much of a shock. He’d never seen her with a man other than Nathan, and while they’d talked about the possibility of her dating Zach, they’d never talked about him spending the night.

  “With you?” he asked, swinging his head to meet her gaze.

  His dark eyes were steady and unwavering. So much like Zach’s. Rennie almost shuddered. “Yes, with me.”

  “Why?” Rennie felt heat rise up her neck, but she refused to give in to embarrassment. “So you guys are together now? Like a couple?” Tyler frowned.

  “I guess you could say that.” Rennie wanted to reach out to him, but she was afraid it would anger him. She let her words settle in. “How do you feel about that?”

  A slow grin spread across his face. “Uh, my mom’s dating a professional baseball player. I think I’m okay with that.”

  At least that was one hurdle overcome. “I’m glad.” She met his smile with one of her own. “Zach was a very important part of my life for a long time. I think he could be again, but only if you’re okay with it.”

  “What was the real deal with you two?” he asked, crossing his arms.

  In many ways, Tyler was mature beyond his years, but Rennie still needed to protect him. “We…” Rennie cleared her throat. She definitely needed reinforcements for that conversation. “You know what, why don’t we talk about that over breakfast? Zach should be out of the shower soon. Can you give me a hand setting the table?” She didn’t wait for his response, but she was relieved when he followed her into the kitchen.

  “So can I, like, start telling people that my mom’s boyfriend is the Zach Foster?” Tyler asked, grinning as he took the plates out of the cupboard.

  “We’re not ready to announce it in the newspaper, if that’s what you’re asking.” Rennie cursed her trembling hands as she tri
ed to measure coffee. They may have crossed the first hurdle without stumbling, but that was only the beginning. Tyler thought having Zach as his mother’s boyfriend would give him bragging rights, but how would he feel when he knew the whole story?

  “Speak for yourself,” Zach said, laughing. He stood in the doorway of her small kitchen, looking positively edible fresh from the shower. Rennie was reminded of all the mornings they’d shared a shower before work or school. As if she should be thinking about that. What was wrong with her?

  “Hey, Zach,” Tyler said, smiling at him.

  “Hey yourself, kid. You okay with me spending the night?”

  “Mom says you guys are a couple now,” Tyler said, shooting an amused look at his mother.

  “Tyler!” Rennie cried, her cheeks burning. “I didn’t say that… exactly.” She pursed her lips and returned her attention to the coffee when she realized she was digging herself an even deeper hole. Zach chuckled, making her want to smack him. Nothing about their situation was funny. Couldn’t he see that?

  “So I was just asking her whether I could tell the guys that you’re her boyfriend,” Tyler said.

  Rennie heard the amusement in Tyler’s voice, and she didn’t know who she should be angrier with: Tyler for starting it or Zach for playing along. “And I told you—”

  “I wish you would,” Zach said. “Ask them to spread the word. I saw the way some of those single dads were checking out your mom at your game the other night, and to be honest, I’m not big on competition. If they know she’s mine, maybe they’ll back off.”

  “I can pretty much guarantee they would,” Tyler said, laughing with Zach.

  “I’m glad you were both able to have a laugh at my expense this morning,” Rennie said, glaring at them. “But could you make yourselves useful and set the table? This kitchen isn’t big enough for all three of us.”

  “Gee,” Zach muttered, reaching for the utensils Tyler handed him, “is this how it’s going to be? I’ve only been her boyfriend for a day, and she’s already telling me what to do. Maybe I should rethink this whole thing.”

  Rennie knew Zach was joking to get a laugh out of Tyler, but that was what she was afraid of. How long would it be before he tired of her and the boring life of domesticity and decided he wanted to return to a carefree life as the city’s most eligible bachelor?

  “She’s not so bad,” Tyler said. “She can be a little bossy, but—”

  “I heard that, young man,” Rennie said, her mouth twitching. In spite of her reservations, it was nice to see Zach and Tyler getting along so well. It would be great if they really could be the kind of family she’d always imagined. Living in the hometown they both loved, close to their families, raising their son together… In Rennie’s mind, that sounded like the perfect life, but could her fantasy ever be their reality?

  Chapter Seventeen

  Zach pushed his plate aside and made eye contact with Rennie. It was time. They’d talked and laughed, told Tyler stories about their past, but it was time to tell him the truth. “So, you’ve got to be wondering how this all happened so fast. Am I right, Tyler?” Zach reached for his coffee mug. He was going for nonchalance, but he suspected he was failing miserably.

  “I guess,” he said, shrugging. “Mom usually takes an hour just to make her grocery list.”

  Rennie frowned at her son but said nothing. True, she wasn’t impulsive. Except when it came to Zach. With him, she couldn’t seem to help herself.

  “Remember I told you I wanted to marry your mom when we were young?” Zach asked, leaning forward.

  “Yeah.” Tyler leaned forward too as though he expected his hero to share a big secret with him. “What about it?”

  “Your mom wanted to marry me too. In fact, we were engaged once.” Zach swallowed, hoping he could get through the conversation without Tyler guessing how nervous he was.

  “Seriously?” He looked at his mom. “Why didn’t you ever tell me?”

  “I don’t know,” she said, stealing a glance at Zach. “I guess it didn’t seem important.”

  Ouch. That hurt, but Zach let it slide. He had more pressing issues than his wounded ego.

  “Not important?” Tyler asked incredulously. “You were gonna marry a professional-freakin’-baseball player, and you act like it’s no big deal.” He hooked a thumb toward Zach. “He could have been my dad.” His eyes shifted down, and Zach sensed he felt guilty for betraying Nathan. “Not that I—”

  “It’s okay, buddy,” Zach said, smiling. “We know what you meant.”

  “So what happened?” Tyler looked from his mom to Zach. “Why didn’t you guys get married?”

  Rennie stole a glance at Zach before she said, “I—”

  “We realized we weren’t ready.” At least she thought he wasn’t, but she couldn’t have been more wrong. He would marry her today, tomorrow, or ten years ago.

  “Huh,” Tyler said, obviously considering Zach’s explanation. “Is that when you met Dad?”

  Zach clenched his fist, hoping it wasn’t obvious to anyone else. Dad. Even though he’d done nothing to earn the title, he wanted it more than he’d ever wanted a World Series ring.

  “I met”—she looked at Zach—“Nathan a little while after I moved to Florida.” She looked her son in the eye and covered his hand with her own. “I was already expecting you at the time.”

  “What?” he asked, withdrawing his hand.

  Zach reached for Rennie’s hand across the table. “Your mom left town because she was pregnant with you, and she wasn’t sure I was ready to be a father.” Zach wanted to spare Tyler the gory details, but he refused to make Rennie out to be the villain.

  “What’re you talking about?” Tyler slid his chair back, scraping it across the dining room’s hardwood floor. “Are you sayin’…”

  “I’m your dad, Tyler,” Zach whispered, fearing his son’s reaction.

  “No, you’re not!” He jumped up, tipping the oak chair over in the process. “My dad died in a fire! Tell him, Mom.”

  Zach sucked in a breath, wishing he could say or do something to make it easier for all of them, especially Tyler. “I know it’s going to take you some time to—”

  “Why didn’t you want me?” Tyler asked Zach, his big brown eyes filling with tears.

  Zach had taken a few hits to the stomach, but none had felt that bad. His son’s question knocked the wind out of him, and he needed a minute to collect himself before he could respond. Tyler wasn’t about to wait around. He was already headed for the door. “Tyler, wait!” Zach shouted, jumping up. “I would’ve wanted you. I didn’t even know your mom was pregnant when she left town.” Zach realized his error as soon as the words slipped from his mouth. He hadn’t intended to say that since it would only hurt Rennie’s relationship with Tyler.

  Tyler turned on his mother, his eyes blazing. “You didn’t tell him? He didn’t even know about me?”

  Rennie rushed to Tyler’s side. “Honey, we both made mistakes. We were young and—”

  “Just answer me, Mom,” Tyler said, obviously trying to be brave and hold back the tears. “Did he know about me or not?”

  “No, he didn’t,” Rennie said, dropping her head. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell him, but you had Nathan. I thought—”

  “But he wasn’t my real dad!” Tyler broke free from her grip. “Did he know that?”

  “Yes, of course he knew.” Tears fell down her cheeks. “He knew everything.”

  “Then you both lied to me?” Tears spilled from his eyes as well. “I hate you! I hate both of you. I’m glad that liar’s dead. I wish you were too!” Rennie gasped and fell back on her heels. Tyler took advantage of her shock to run out of the house, slamming the door behind him.

  “We have to go after him,” Rennie cried, reaching for the door.

  “It’s okay, baby,” Zach said, holding her back. “Just give him a little time. He’ll be back.”

  “But what if he doesn’t come back?” she asked, sobbing. �
��What if…” Zach held her tight, wishing he could take away her pain. Rennie buried her face in Zach’s shirt. “He hates me. You heard him. He hates me. I was afraid of this. We shouldn’t have told him.”

  “Yes, we should have,” Zach said, stroking her hair. He was stunned how much he already loved Tyler, how much he wanted to spare his feelings and protect him. “We did the right thing. The truth is out. We just have to be patient with him while he figures out how to deal with this.”

  “How is a ten-year-old boy supposed to know how to deal with something like this?” She stepped out of his arms. “He’s too young. He’s been through too much. First Nathan’s death and now this. It’s not fair.”

  “No, it’s not,” Zach said, looking out the window over her shoulder. “Tyler was the innocent victim in all this. I made the mistake. It’s not fair that he should have to pay for it.”

  Rennie covered her mouth. “It’s not your fault; it’s mine. I never should have left. I should have told you the truth.”

  “None of that matters now, Ren,” he said, kissing the top of her head. “There’s enough blame to go around. Let’s just focus on getting each other through this. Tyler’s going to need us, both of us, and we need to be there for him.”

  She leaned against his chest. “You’re right. I just hope he’ll let me be there for him.”

  ***

  Zach didn’t have to drive far to find his son. He knew exactly where to find him—at the nearest baseball diamond. That was where Zach always went to work through his problems as a kid. He pulled into the gravel parking lot, half-expecting Tyler to run when he spotted his car. The boy just hung his head and slumped his shoulders, obviously trying to ignore his unwelcome guest. Zach hated to see him in so much pain. He had to man up and be the father Tyler needed.

  “Hey,” Zach said, slowly approaching him. He didn’t want to make Tyler bolt by coming on too strong. His bike was just a few feet away in case he wanted to make a quick getaway. “I thought I might find you here.” When Tyler didn’t respond, Zach eased down on the bench beside him. “I used to come here all the time as a kid. Sometimes I thought about sleeping on this bench just to get away from my parents.”