Total pages in book: 110
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102185 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 511(@200wpm)___ 409(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
“It’s not up to me anymore. If it feels like the right time to you, I support you.”
Searching my eyes for any doubt comes up empty for him. Reaching out to take my hand in his, he kisses my palm, and with glossy eyes, he whispers, “Thank you.”
The feel of his lips lingering on my skin causes goose bumps to ripple up my arm. “You don’t need to thank me for you telling him what he should have known all along.”
“I was thanking you for giving me a child. It’s not something I envisioned ever having, but now that I do, I can’t imagine life without him.”
His realization is one I had a long time ago. My life is better because Jacob is in it. Now I get to spend time with his father. Life is good. “It’s funny how that works.”
Not bothering to hide us anymore, he kisses my cheek, then turns back around. “Hey, Champ, I was wondering if I could talk to you for a few minutes.”
“Sure.” He’s squeezing the lever so hard, but nothing is coming out. “It’s broken.”
“We have more, but how about we go talk on the porch?” Jacob takes his offered hand, and the two of them walk to the back of the house. Griffin holds the hat so Jacob can sit next to him.
I wait for it because I know it’s coming. Like everything else, one thing leads to another, and secrets don’t stay buried forever. His gaze slides up from the hat. He says, “Jacob Justin.”
Cutting through the grass, I think back to so many moments when that hat kept me company and filled in for the partner I didn’t have. I wore it in the middle of the night while feeding my baby. I took photos of him on his first birthday wearing it. “I looked at that label more times than I can remember. Justin. The brand just came to mind when I needed a name that meant something. That hat was the only tangible thing I had from our night together, the only souvenir I got.” I laugh. “Other than Jacob.”
“I not souvenir,” he states defiantly even if not said perfectly. He doesn’t even know what a souvenir is, which makes me laugh a little louder.
“You’re my baby.”
“I’m big boy. Almost,” he says, holding up four fingers again.
Griffin asks, “Almost how old?”
Turning to look up at him, Jacob grins, the little goose. “Four.”
“Yeah, four. Exciting stuff.” He looks at me and laughs. “They’re quality hats.” Griffin’s smile spreads like wildfire across his face as he sets the hat on his son’s head. “I was wondering if you had plans for your birthday next weekend?” He glances at me.
I reply, “We were having cake and ice cream at the house with Savvy and Judy.”
Jacob’s eyes brighten. “Cake!”
Griffin asks, “What do you think about having a little party at the ranch with my family?”
“I want that.” Jacob hops on his butt down the steps and then climbs back up. “Cake with Griffin.”
“I can’t wait,” I say, sitting on the other side of Jacob. My eyes meet Griffin’s over his head, and I nod. He doesn’t need the go-ahead. He already has it, but I just want him to know I’m here to support him as well.
Griffin wraps his arm around Jacob’s shoulders and brings him into his fold. “I have some great news to share with you, Champ.”
CHAPTER 33
Griffin
Big blue eyes that match my own, my mom’s, my dad’s, brother’s, sister’s, and nieces’ stare into mine with all the hope in the world shining in them. The moment I met this kid, my son, my kid, I felt an indescribable bond. I think he feels the same as he rests his hand on my leg. Trust.
I look at Cricket, who has her gaze directed toward the river in the distance and tears welling in her eyes. I thanked her for giving me a child, but she did so much more than that.
She gave me my life. Back.
She gave me a purpose. Something to look forward to.
She gave me her heart. Without any conditions.
And this incredible little human. And made me a dad.
When the quiet starts to stretch, she looks over at me with a smile that could make any man’s heart weaken, but it gives mine strength. No words need to be said. She’s given me more than I ever deserved. I won’t let her down.
I open my hand. Jacob slaps his down on top of it. So small, it fits within the confines of my palm. I was his father from the beginning, but I want to remember this, the day I officially became his dad. “You know, Jacob, we have a lot in common.”
“Baseball.”
Chuckling, I say, “Yep. Baseball. And we both like bull riding.” I back up to gesture toward his belt. “You’re even a champ.”