Pretend Daddy

by Lulu Pratt

  “It’s never too late to go back,” I whispered in her ear as the curtains opened and the lights dimmed dramatically.

  Ashley looked at me with optimism before our lips met for a gentle embrace I wished to deepen. I loved taking her out, but I hated not being able to have her when I wanted. It was torture restraining myself. The way I saw it, I was forced to contain myself for so long before admitting how I felt about her. I didn’t want to have to continue to fight the feelings that felt so natural.

  For the majority of the play, I was more focused on Ashley than the actors. She was enamored, watching with glassy eyes. I couldn’t help but feel like she wished to join them, and maybe even felt disappointed that she’d let them down.

  I wasn’t sure of the details surrounding her decision to drop out of school, but I knew money was an issue. In one of our previous conversations, she told me she could no longer pay the tuition. As the actors moved across the stage and interacted, I began to plot ways I could reinstate Ashley’s dream, helping her get back in college.

  As the show came to an end, she leaned against my shoulder and I wrapped my arms tightly around her. I wasn’t sure what she was feeling, but I needed her to know that she was not alone. She leaned up to kiss me again, her lips softened by a stray tear.

  “Are you okay?” I asked, brushing her hair from her face.

  “Yeah, I thought it would be harder to watch,” she said, her voice laced with sadness.

  “I bet it would’ve been better with you,” I whispered in her ear, careful not to let anyone else hear my critique.

  She laughed before leaning up to whisper. “Trust me, it was much better with me.”

  We walked hand in hand through the auditorium before making our way to my truck. I’d made reservations at Rey’s, one of the premiere restaurants in the city. I’d always wanted to go, but never had the right person to take.

  The moment we walked inside, I was glad I’d waited, because the atmosphere was intimate and romantic, perfect for my first real date with Ashley. The lights were dim, leaving only candlelight to light the room. Round tables covered with crisp white tablecloths were scattered amongst the small dining area.

  “Good evening, may I inquire if you have a reservation for tonight?” the hostess asked.

  “Yes, Jake Williams.” I stepped forward with Ashley at my side.

  The hostess glanced at the book on the top of her podium before smiling. “Of course. Right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Williams.” I glanced at Ashley just in time to see her blush before following the hostess.

  I liked the sound of Ashley being my wife, the other half of me. She was the perfect companion, caring and attentive. I’d never considered what type of woman I would want to spend my life with, but the minute Ashley walked into my world I began to see for certain what I wanted.

  “This place is fancy,” Ashley whispered across the table once the hostess left us.

  “Yeah, Jasper wouldn’t fit in here,” I whispered back and we shared a laugh, careful not to be too loud. The room was filled with other diners, but still quiet.

  “Good evening.” A young man dressed in a black tuxedo arrived at our table. “My name is Christopher, and I’ll be your waiter tonight.”

  He listed off the specials before Ashley decided on the grilled salmon, and I chose a steak dinner. It was one of those places where everything was sold à la carte, so we ordered a side of garlic mashed potatoes and fresh vegetables to split.

  “Would you like to try a wine this evening?” Christopher asked.

  “No, that’s okay,” Ashley answered for the both of us.

  The waiter nodded before leaving us alone. Reaching across the table, I took her hands in my own, massaging the back of her knuckles as I stared into her eyes. There was a closeness between us that I cherished.

  “No wine tonight?” I asked.

  “Yes, there will definitely be wine tonight, but not here,” she answered with a sexy grin. My manhood awakened at the tone in her voice, and I had to inhaled deeply to bite back the urge.

  “You definitely know how to keep a man intrigued,” I noted, shifting in my seat to accommodate my growing erection.

  She was so effortlessly sexy. Just watching her blush after my compliment, I dreaded how long it would take for them to prepare our dinner and set me free to return home and have my way with her. Staring into Ashley’s eyes, I could see my future, release my inhibitions and be the Jake that had long ago been caged to deal with the troubles life had dealt me.

  Ashley didn’t know about all the stresses of my life, or the journey I had been on to find peace. She didn’t care what I’d done in the military. She accepted me as I was, without explanation or prying into my past. I felt free when I was with her, something I’d never experienced before.

  “Is this your first time here?” she asked, placing her cheek on her fist as her elbow rested against the table.

  “Yes. I’ve wanted to come, but always felt like it needed to be a special night,” I admitted reluctantly.

  “So, this is a special night?”

  “I like to think so.”

  We waited in a comfortable silence until the waiter arrived with our meals. Using the silver utensils provided, Ashley first placed the vegetables and mashed potatoes on my plate before serving herself. I couldn’t help noticing how much more she had given me, as my mother used to do with my father.

  She was a Southern belle, through and through. And that was the reason she was as unimpressed with the meal as me. We joked quietly about the lack of seasoning as we picked away at our small portions. It was the smallest steak I’d ever eaten, but I had to admit it was cooked to perfection. The meat melted in my mouth, though I only had a few bites to savor the richness.

  I’d just settled the bill when Ashley reached across the table, gripping my hand with her delicate fingers. “This was really nice, Jake. I hope you don’t think my teasing about the meal was a lack of gratitude. I’m really appreciative that you brought me here.”

  I chuckled, touched by her vulnerability. “Ashley.” I stared into her eyes, hoping she could understand my sincerity. “You don’t ever have to pretend with me. I like the real you.”

  “Okay, good,” she gushed this time, her smile natural and unrehearsed.

  Side by side, we walked to my truck as my hand rested on her hip. I was counting down the minutes until I could remove the fabric barrier and massage her curves to my will when my phone vibrated in my pocket.

  “It’s my mom,” I announced. She was watching Jasper, and I knew she wouldn’t call unless there was a problem. I answered with the phone on speakerphone as we reached the truck.

  “Jake?” she blared through the phone above the loud screams from Jasper. Concern was written all over Ashley as she moved closer to my side.

  “Mom, what’s going on?”

  “Jake, he is not having it tonight. I’ve waited him out, but he’s throwing a full fit,” she said, defeat evident in her voice.

  I looked to Ashley and she nodded quickly, her eyes focusing on the phone as she silently instructed me. “Don’t worry. We’re on the way.”

  “See you soon!” my mom added before ending the call.

  “Sorry about this,” I turned to Ashley.

  “It’s fine. Let’s just go get him so your mom isn’t stressed.” She rushed to the passenger car door.

  I smiled, again taken aback by her selflessness, a part of me wishing I shared the characteristic. In truth, I was devastated to end our night early. It was becoming clear that Jasper was the worst wingman ever, but I didn’t bother mentioning that to Ashley as I helped her climb into the cabin.

  Chapter 27

  ASHLEY

  JAKE’S CHILDHOOD home was much smaller than I’d imagined. Not far from where I grew up, I wondered if he had gone to high school in my same district. But knowing he was older than me, it didn’t make much difference.

  On the drive over, he’d nervously explained about his mother, admi
tting he hadn’t introduced a woman to his mom since high school. I could see his anxiety building the longer the journey, but as we made our way to the front door, he suddenly seemed more relaxed.

  Although I hadn’t given it much thought, I kind of assumed he came from a wealthy family to have such a stunning home in the suburbs. I imagined his mother would live in an even bigger mansion, with several cars parked in a garage. But instead, there was only a carport shielding the new Toyota Camry parked at the end of her driveway that needed re-paving.

  Opening the door before he could knock, Jake’s mother looked at her wits’ end. The faint cries of Jasper were clear as I made my way into the small living room. Much more familiar than Jake’s house, his mother’s home was like the one I had grown up in.

  From the living room, I could see through to the L-shaped kitchen right behind it. It was clear from the aroma that she was a great cook. After our fancy dinner, my stomach growled a little at the smell of a home-cooked meal.

  Before we could be introduced, Jasper ran to me with his arms outstretched, passing Jake without a second thought. His cheeks were red and damp as I lifted him into my arms, a bit embarrassed by the look of shock on his grandmother’s face.

  “Well, what’s going on, buddy?” I cradled him in my arms, quickly swaying my hips to rock him.

  With his head resting against my shoulder, Jasper whined in the way he always did when fighting his sleep. I could hear the exhaustion in his tone as I began to walk to the back of the house.

  “Is it okay if I go back here?” I whispered to no one in particular. Both Jake and his mother were sitting on the sofa now, the relief evident on her face.

  “Be my guest,” she sighed, tucking hair behind her ear. “The first room on the right.”

  I nodded, flashing an apologetic smile before making my way down the narrow hallway that led to the back of the small ranch home. Although Jasper wasn’t my son, I was his primary caregiver, so in a way I felt guilty he had given her such a hard time.

  “What’s the matter, my sweet baby?” I whispered to Jasper. But he didn’t respond. His body was heavier, a clear indication that he had lost his fight to the sleep. I was so used to his routine, I could sense when he was fast asleep.

  Because of the trouble he’d given Jake’s mom, I decided to hold him a bit longer, pacing the small room to ensure he would sleep well for her. In the back of my mind, I still hoped for some alone time with Jake, so I didn’t want to abandon the opportunity for a babysitter.

  She’d set Jasper’s room up much like Jake did in his own house before I added my own touches. A twin bed sat against the wall, with a dark blue comforter pulled back, evidence of a failed attempt at putting Jasper to bed earlier.

  When his breathing slowed and I was certain he wouldn’t wake up, I carefully laid him down more gently than necessary. Jasper instantly reached for the stuffed elephant I’d packed for him to bring from Jake’s. It was one of his favorites, and he rarely slept without it. Gripping it tightly, his cheeks suctioned as his small lips pierced together. He was fast asleep.

  As if walking on thin ice, I backed out of the room as softly as possible. Jasper didn’t budge, but I still turned the doorknob before I pulled the door closed, careful not to make a sound.

  Jake and his mother were still sitting on the couch when I made my way back to the living room. “Hi, Mrs. Williams. I’m so sorry I couldn’t introduce myself earlier,” I smiled, extending my hand.

  “I owe you a hug for that,” she waved my hand off as she used her left hand for a push to her feet. Wrapping me in her arms, she squeezed a bit tightly as she continued to thank me. Her perfume was subtle, a scent I’d known before.

  “I’m so sorry Jasper gave you a hard time,” I managed as she released me.

  “Well, it ain’t your fault. His mom is the one who should have him on a schedule.” She released me from the guilt, but it didn’t instantly fade.

  “You know that’s a lost cause.” Jake rose to his feet, rolling his eyes at the mention of Jasper’s mother.

  A strange wave of awkwardness clouded the room for a brief moment before Mrs. Williams invited us to the kitchen with an offer of wine. Three pots sat on the stove, and Jake began lifting each lid, revealing green beans, mashed potatoes, and gravy. A peek into the oven showed a roaster pot holding meatloaf.

  “You’re hungry?” I asked, drawing Jake’s attention.

  “I thought you two were at dinner,” his mother interjected.

  “To be honest, they gave us such small portions. It was delicious, but not filling,” I explained, and Jake chuckled as his mother reached into the cabinet.

  Turning with one plate in each hand, I took both from her before setting out to make plates for Jake and myself. I could tell she was impressed, as any Southern mother would be. It was tradition, and at times a test of sorts. Women were expected to make the man’s plate, serving them before themselves. Jake sat at the small table as his mother prepared wine glasses and joined him.

  “So, ya’ll went to get some fancy dinner and didn’t even get full?” she asked, filling the three glasses to the brim.

  “Not at all,” I admitted, setting the plates down before settling into the wooden chair.

  “I bet I don’t even want to know how much money you wasted,” she smiled to Jake.

  “No, you do not.” He focused on his plate, shoveling a heaping forkful of food into his mouth.

  My earlier suspicions were confirmed with my first bite. Jake’s mother was an exceptional cook. I already regretted not making a larger plate.

  “I have to admit, Ashley, I’m pretty impressed by how quickly you got Jasper to sleep,” Mrs. Williams announced after a sip of wine.

  “Thank you,” I said, feeling myself blush. “It’s hit or miss with him at bedtime, but I can’t believe he was so much trouble,” I shook my head.

  “He’s getting used to his new home,” she replied. “Which is good, but it’s probably best we let him stay there regularly and then start adding in the slumber parties with Grandma.”

  “Is that what you’re going with? ‘Grandma’?” Jake asked.

  “You haven’t decided on a name yet?” I asked.

  “You know, I didn’t have much time to decide. One day, it’s just Jake and me, the next I’ve got a two-year-old grandson and I can’t even get him to sleep,” she sighed, sipping her wine again.

  “Oh, he’ll come around,” I assured her, reaching over to rub her hand.

  “I used to be the baby whisperer, Ashley,” she grinned, looking to me with pride. “When Jake was younger, I’d babysit for a few extra dollars and the whole neighborhood would drop their babies off.”

  Jake stood after finishing his plate, taking my empty one with him to the kitchen. After he’d placed them in the dishwasher, he returned, leaning to kiss his mother on her cheek.

  “You’ve passed on the crown, Mom. Ashley is the baby whisperer now,” he whispered as we all laughed before remembering Jasper sleeping as we quickly covered our mouths to stifle the noise.

  “No, I’m glad you’ve come into my son’s life,” Mrs. Williams continued, her eyes sobering. “I honestly didn’t know how my baby was going to make sense of all this.”

  It was clear she loved her son very much from the way she looked to him with complete adoration. It was a mother’s love I had never known personally, but always desired. Mrs. Williams was kind and welcoming, making me feel comfortable without knowing much about me.

  She had accepted me, and the three of us sat together like old friends, finishing our wine as the evening grew into night. It was fun and inviting, a comfort you could only find in family. Looking from Jake to his mother, I felt my heart grow with love, even if I wasn’t ready to admit it aloud.

  Chapter 28

  JAKE

  ASHLEY’S APARTMENT was small but neat. I was impressed by how well she’d organized and decorated everything as I sat in her small kitchen nook.

  Although she
was young, Ashley had managed to create a home for herself. The flowers I’d sent her were in a glass vase in front of the window and starting to fade. A small shelf on the kitchen counter displayed a collection of cookbooks, with a bookshelf in the living room housing an even larger collection.

  Her living room was small, but had all the essentials – what looked to be a comfortable couch, a larger-than-necessary TV and a small coffee table. Sitting on top of the rectangular table was a stack of girly magazines I imagined to be filled with quizzes to decide where you should go for vacation next year or whether your boyfriend loved you yet.

  It was something I’d been thinking about with Ashley – if she was serious about our relationship and understood how I felt. I didn’t want to play the childish games I’d come to associate with dating. My life now couldn’t afford such murky lines my friends enjoyed, leading women on when they didn’t see a future.

  She was special to me, and even more importantly, she was special to Jasper. My life wasn’t just about me anymore. Overnight I had become a package deal, and Ashley was an asset to us both. Never one to mince my words, I planned to lock things down and make it clear what I wanted.

  “Sorry, my place is like a matchbox compared to yours,” Ashley joked.

  “I like your place,” I said, truthfully. I’d sometimes wondered where she lived. By her reaction the first time she saw my house, I assumed she had grown up like me. It was one of the reasons I wanted to take her by my mother’s house, so she could see that we had more in common than she may have suspected.

  I was still riding on a high that my mother was so impressed by her. It was the way Jasper took to her, and how well she cared for him. My mom had been embarrassed to have to call for help, because caring for children had always been her specialty.

  If there was one way for a woman to impress my mom, it was with her nurturing skills. Honestly, I couldn’t have planned it better. I wanted her to like Ashley, and seeing the two of them hit it off was more than I’d expected on the first introduction.