by Alison Mello
It’s a little early, but I don’t care. I need to beat my man to the field so I can tell him that I feel the same about him. I close the office and hurry home. When I get there, Jason is putting his books away. “Mom, you’re home early.”
“I know, but I couldn’t focus at work.”
“Are you okay?” He sounds slightly concerned.
“You know for the first time in a long time I think I can honestly say that I am.” I ruffle my hands through his hair. “Are you done with your homework?”
He nods. “Good, go get ready because I’m excited to get to the field.”
“You are?” He looks at me like I’m crazy.
“Yeah. We’re meeting up with the other half of our family.”
A huge smile spreads across his face, and he runs off to his room. I go straight to mine as well to change out of my work clothes and into something more comfortable.
We pull up to the field early, and Jason’s thrilled. “Can we pass my football around?”
“Sure can.” I jump up and grab the ball from his bag. I throw it to him and he throws it back. I love this time with him. We keep going back and forth, but I know something is on his mind because he keeps dropping the ball. “What’s wrong, Jason?”
He shrugs. “Nothing really.”
“Jason Carter, you better start talking or I’m holding this ball hostage.”
He sighs. “Gabe and I were talking about how cool it would be to live together, but then we realized that you and Jesse were both looking down yesterday, and we feel like it’s our fault.”
I sigh. “It’s not your fault. You two need to come to us with stuff like this because we need to talk it out. The reason I was upset yesterday had nothing to do with what you boys said or what you want.” I throw the ball to him. “You need to understand that a relationship like Jesse’s and mine is a lot of work. He said something that bothered me and instead of talking to him about it, I pushed him away, but I plan on fixing that today.” I catch the ball. “It’s not always easy, and the decisions we make as adults have to be carefully thought out, understand?” He nods and catches the ball.
“Nice catch, bro,” Gabe calls out, running down the hill.
I note that Josephine is not with them, and Jesse looks upset. He has a bag of food from the local sub shop which means Josephine is still sick. I open the blanket as he approaches our spot. “Hey, how’s your mom?”
He wraps me in an intense hug that tells me he really needs me right now. “I’m sorry I pushed you away, Jesse. I’m here if you need me.”
He pulls back and looks into my eyes. “Will you walk Grace over to practice. I left Shayla a message letting her know what’s going on. Shayla will bring her back to you when they’re done.” He opens Grace’s sandwich, and she plops down on the blanket to start eating.
“Of course.” Now I’m starting to panic because I can hear the fear in his voice. “Is she okay?” He puffs out a deep breath. “What is it?”
“She has a bad case of walking pneumonia, and it’s going to take a little while before she’s back on her feet again.”
“We’ll get through this. I promise. I won’t push you away anymore.”
“Thank you. I already picked up her prescriptions from the pharmacy. She’s at home resting.”
“Mr. Townson.” Jesse looks over his shoulder. “I got your message. How is your mom?”
“Hi, Shayla. She will be fine, but it’s going to take a few weeks for her to be back on her feet.”
“I’m glad to hear she will be okay. If Grace is ready for practice, I’m happy to take her over for you.”
“Thank you.” He turns to Grace. “Are you done eating?” She nods and jumps up from her seat.
“I’ll bring her back when we’re done,” the coach announces, and they walk off hand in hand.
“That was nice of her.”
“She is really nice, and Grace adores her.”
As soon as the boys are done, they’re back on their feet and passing the ball around. “Jesse, if there’s anything I can do to help while your mom is sick, please let me know.”
He pulls me onto his lap and looks into my eyes. I can see the concern in his, and it breaks me. “I need you. You have stolen my heart.”
“Well, I better give it back, because this sport takes hustle and heart.” I stress the word and.
He throws his head back in laughter. “What would I do without you?”
“I don’t know, but it’s lucky for you that you won’t have to find out because I’m not going anywhere.” I run my fingers through his beard.
He buries his face in my neck. “The doctor sounded concerned. He told me if she gets any worse to bring her right back in.”
“She’s a stubborn woman. I have a feeling she will be just fine.”
He looks at me. “You know what she told me today?”
“What?”
“That she misses my dad. I’m hoping that she hasn’t given up.” I squeeze my man tight, comforting him in his time of need.
“I wish I knew what to say or that I had a way to make her better, but I don’t. We just need to take good care of her and make sure we do exactly as the doctor says.”
“I know, and you’re right. Just having you here to listen is helpful.”
“Go, forget this for now and enjoy practice. We’ll talk more later.” He kisses me, and I climb off his lap so he can get up and deal with the boys.
“What’s wrong?” Stella asks with Misty by her side.
“Josephine still isn’t feeling well, and he’s concerned. Are we going for our walk?” I ask, changing the subject. It’s not my place to give out the info on her.
“Yes. I need to walk or I’m going to get as big as a house. I’m already starting to show, and before we know it my clothes won’t fit.” Stella rolls her eyes.
“Um, you’re pregnant and carrying my godchild, so take it easy.” Misty gives her crap as usual.
Lori comes jogging over. “Are we walking?”
“Yeah, what about them?” I point over my shoulder.
“They said they’re good for tonight.” I stick my tongue out at them. “Did you get your flowers?” Lori nudges me.
“Jesse sent you flowers?” Misty giggles excitedly.
“Yeah, we had our first little tiff the other night over me moving in with him.” I look at the ground.
“He wants you to move in?” Misty squeals with excitement.
“Worse—the kids want us to move in together. You should’ve heard the conversation. It was brutal. Then, when we were leaving, Jesse put it on me. Saying he was ready when I was. I got upset and told him I needed space to think.”
“What are you worried about?” Misty asks, like I’m crazy.
“I don’t know, maybe the fact we’ve only been seeing each other about two months.” I give Misty a look that screams Duh.
“Do you love him?” She plants her hands on her hips and stops walking.
“Yeah, I thought that was quite obvious.”
“It is, and so would moving in with him. Who gives a rat’s ass how long you’ve been together. If you love each other, then do it. It’s not like you just met. You knew him in high school, and you had a connection then. Did you not?”
This woman is infuriating with her no-nonsense bullshit. “Yeah we did.” I smile.
“So stop stressing over what other people think and do it. As long as you and the kids are happy, that’s all that matters. Fuck what anyone else thinks,” Misty shouts.
“Misty, lower your voice,” Stella demands.
Misty shrugs. “My bad.” We all continue walking.
The remainder of practice is a blur until Grace comes running over with Shayla. “Thank you, Shayla.”
“You’re welcome.”
“How was cheer, Grace?” She joins us on the blanket.
“It was awesome. We’re so good,” she explains excitedly.
“I saw you cheer last week, you were amazing,�
� Stella encourages her. She yawns, tired from the long day, but we keep her going with conversation about school and cheer practice.
Finally, Jesse blows the whistle ending practice. He has a brief talk with the team and then I dismiss the players to their parents. It’s getting easier and easier to do since I recognize most of them now.
Once everyone is gone, the five of us walk up the hill. I note that Jesse parked directly beside me. The boys fist bump and then get into their respective vehicles. “Listen, I’m really sorry I pushed you away. I didn’t mean to, but I got a little freaked out. I love you and I think what scares me is as much as I want us to live together, I’m afraid I’ll be left with nothing.”
“Baby, that won’t happen because there’s not a chance in hell I’m letting you go again.” He presses a gentle kiss to my lips.
“Are you really ready for two more bodies to be in your house?”
“I’m more than ready and, to be honest, I need you and I don’t mean to help with the kids. I don’t want to go through life without you.” His eyes are so sad. How can I say no?
“Okay. I’ll move some of our stuff to your place this weekend, and we’ll get Jason transferred.”
His eyes light up. “You mean it?” I nod. “Yes.” He picks me up and spins me around.
“Dude, I’m moving in!” Jason shouts out the window to Gabe.
They reach their fists out the window to bump. “I guess we don’t have to worry about telling them.” I burst into laughter.
“Well, we better get going because it’s getting late.”
He kisses me one last time. “Good night, beautiful.”
“Good night, stud.”
It has been an insanely busy week. Between, work, practice and Mom’s doctor’s appointment, we are exhausted and today is a big day. Karen is moving their clothes and some of their personal stuff here this weekend while Jason spends time with his father. We’re all thrilled to have them moving in with us, but it’s going to make for a busy Saturday, and we have an away game tomorrow.
We were discussing the options as far as her house goes, the other night over the phone, and she’s decided she wants to get rid of it. She doesn’t want any more reminders of her past, so she’s asked her lawyer to draw up a new agreement in hopes of negotiating the divorce with Brian, but we haven’t heard anything yet.
“Kids, breakfast is ready.” The kids are sitting in the living room watching TV quietly.
Grace and Gabe take a seat at the table just as I’m putting plates down in front of them. I made them pancakes and bacon, their favorite. “Dad, what time is Karen getting here?” Gabe asks.
“I’m not sure exactly, but from my conversation with her, I gather it will be soon.”
“Cool, I’m really excited that they’re going to live with us. I told Jason all the classes that I’m in so he can hopefully get into at least one.” Gabe shoves some pancakes into his mouth.
“That will be up to the school, but I agree, it would be nice for him to start a new school and know that you’ll be in some of his classes.” I take a seat with my plate when Mom comes into the room. “Mom, want some?”
“No, I’m good, dear. I’ll make something. You eat.”
We are going to the school tomorrow to get Jason squared away. She’s already called over to figure out exactly what she needs to do. The process isn’t exactly easy, but we agreed that since this is what we all want it will be worth it. We’re eating in silence when we hear a car door outside. I know Gabe hears it too because he jumps up from his seat and runs to the door abandoning the remainder of his breakfast.
“Are you coming too, Grace?”
She shakes her head, shoveling food into her mouth. “Too hungry.”
I chuckle. “We’ll be back.”
The three of us head out to help Karen with the bags. She had to pack a weekend bag for Jason and then the rest of his stuff came here.
“Hey, beautiful. What can we help with?”
Karen pulls a bunch of suitcases from the trunk of her car, rambling off which are hers and which are Jason’s. “Would you mind taking this?”
“Not at all.” I take the suitcase, and she throws an overnight bag over her shoulder while my mom helps Gabe with Jason’s things.
“I spoke to my lawyer on the way over here. She’s drafting the new proposal and will have it on Brian’s desk first thing Monday morning. She says it’s a great idea, and we’re both hoping it helps.”
“That would be awesome, but, of course, Lord only knows with Brian.” She nods her agreement. “How much more do you have?”
“Two more bags in the front seat.” She leans against the banister of the porch and looks up at me. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”
“Absolutely.” I open the front door but quickly shut it again when I hear screaming coming from inside the house. When we get to the kitchen Gabe and Grace are fighting. “Wow. What the hell is going on?” I separate them.
“I came back down to eat the rest of my breakfast and it was gone. She ate my pancakes!” Gabe shouts and reaches around me to shove his sister.
“You snooze you lose.” She sticks out her tongue.
“Grace, go to your room. That was not nice.”
“That’s not fair, he left the table which means he was done.” She plants her hands on her hips.
“He was being a gentleman and helping out, now go.” I point to the stairs. She storms off stomping her feet.
“Come on, Gabe. I’ll make you more pancakes.”
“Forget it, Dad. I’ll grab some cereal while you guys get Karen’s stuff upstairs.”
“You sure, buddy?”
“Yeah. It’s fine. Thanks, though.”
I hate the disappointment in his voice, but I pat him on the shoulder and help Karen upstairs with her stuff. I put her suitcase on the bed and look at her with a slight smile on my face[31]. “I’m so happy you’re here.”
She laughs. “Me too.”
“Good because I think the boys would be really sad if you told them you changed your mind.” I’m trying to play it cool.
“Just the boys?” she asks, already seeing through me.
“Okay, I would be incredibly sad too.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing for everyone that we’re not going anywhere.” She unzips her suitcase and pulls out a bunch of clothes that are still on hangers.
“I made room for you in the closet.”
She steps inside, and her eyes go wide. “I had no idea this closet was this big, and it doesn’t look like you had too much trouble. Where are all your clothes?”
I shrug. “You’re looking at them.”
She grabs more clothes and starts to get her stuff organized. “I’m going to run down and get the other bags.”
“Thanks, but just so you know...there’s more at the house.”
I laugh. “Why am I not surprised?”
She shrugs and goes about hanging more in the closet, and I run down to the car to [32]grab the two big bags in the front. I hook each bag over my shoulder and head back to my room. When I get up there, her suitcase is empty and she’s lying on my bed with her phone in her hand. She looks up at me with a smile when she sees me drop the bags. As soon as she puts her phone down, I climb on top of her and straddle her legs. “I’m so incredibly happy that you’re here with us.” I look into her eyes as I lower my lips to hers.
“I’m glad you’re happy because I’m not sure Brian is going to be thrilled. He’s going to freak when he realizes that I’m offering up the house because I’m living with you.”
“I don’t give a rat’s ass what Brian thinks. He’s a dumbass who gave up the most amazing woman in the world.” Her cheeks turn a beautiful shade of pink.
“Stop. You’re making my cheeks flush.”
I laugh. “I can see thatCome on. Let’s finish getting these bags unpacked.”
“I should go get Jason’s things squared away.”
“I’ll help you
, plus I have something to show you.” I take her hand and pull her from the bed. When we get to the boys’ room her eyes go wide.
She looks at me with her jaw dropped. “When did you do this?”
“It was delivered and set up yesterday. They each have a full-size bed and there’s a set of drawers for both of them on either end of the set.”
“That was so sweet of you,” she gushes.
Gabe comes in behind us. “Grammy and I unpacked Jason’s stuff.”
“Thank you, Gabe.” She ruffles his short hair.
“You ready for surprise number two?”
“There’s more?”
“There’s more,” I say with a huge grin. “You know how you have an appointment at school Monday?” She nods. “I got us in early. Told them we are going to bring the boys in together. Now we can all go to the school.”
“What about work?”
“I’ll work from the road. When we’re done, you and I are going to spend the day together.”
“You are an amazing man.” Her face is glowing with happiness.
“Why thank you.” She bursts into laughter. “Come on. Let’s go get you unpacked. I want to make Mom some chicken soup.”
“I can make it. I have a great recipe for chicken orzo soup, and I’ve been craving it.”
“Well, I guess it’s a good thing Mom keeps a box of orzo in the pantry.”
The two of us work together to get soup going in the kitchen. While we’re putting it together, Jesse tells me that he wants to get Grace a new bedroom set as well. He thinks she’s feeling left out and that’s why she is behaving the way she is. I think it’s a fabulous idea, so when we’re done putting the soup together we look at some sets that would be nice for her. It takes us a little while, but we find the perfect set to make her feel like the princess she is. We’ve also agreed to paint her room and get her some new bedding. This set will be perfect for her, she’ll be able to use it for years. By the time we’re done, it’s already after lunchtime and Josephine is in the kitchen making everyone some sandwiches to eat.