Page 76 of Pretty Dependable

“Of course,” he replies, finishing off his dinner.

“You mentioned college. Have you made any decisions about that?” My heart is hammering in my chest with nervousness as I await his answer.

“Umm, yeah, I think I have.” There’s a mix of confidence and apprehension in his words that sets me on edge.

“All right,” I state softly, pushing my plate away. There’s no way I’ll be able to eat what’s left of my food at this point.

Brody sits up straight and looks me in the eye. “I want to enroll in community college and earn my associate of applied science degree in criminal justice.”

My mind spins as I repeat those words in my head. Criminal justice?

“I’ve been doing a lot of thinking,” he starts, taking a deep breath, “and watching. I want to help people, like TD.” He quickly holds up his hands. “Before you freak out, I know there are a lot of risks. I watch the news and hear all the stories, Mom. It’s a scary world out there, and not just with policework. Teachers are worried about arming themselves in classrooms and businesses are being robbed in the middle of the day. But I just keep going back to the fact that I know I can do a lot of good in this world by becoming a police officer. I want to be the man children know they can go to when they need help, who listens to the people around him and does everything in his power to make it right. I think I can be a good officer, Mom, just like TD. I want to try.”

My throat is closed, and I can’t draw oxygen into my lungs. There are tears in my eyes as I sit here, truly listening to his words, to the passion behind them. My heart is not ready for this next phase in his life, but I know he’s going to do amazing things in this world, and I will always be there to support him.

Clearing the emotion from my throat, for several long seconds, all I can do is nod. When I finally find my voice, I whisper, “I’m so dang proud of you, Brody Daniels. You are, without a doubt, the best person I’ve ever known.”

He smiles and reaches for my hand. “I’ve had great role models, Mom. You, TD, and the rest of the gang. Even Logan and Hallie with their obsessive bickering back and forth. Oh, by the way, I’m pretty sure they’ll end up together.”

A bark of laughter flies from my mouth. “I don’t know about that. They’d probably kill each other after one night,” I retort, even though I secretly agree with him.

He shrugs. “Maybe, maybe not. The point is I’ve been watching you all my entire life, and I’m excited to take these next steps because I know I’ve had your support and love.”

I’m moving. Before I even realize I’m up and around the small table, I’m there, throwing my arms around his neck and crying into his shoulder. My son doesn’t say a word, just holds me and lets me shed my tears. They’re a mixture of happiness, relief, worry, and sorrow for all the hardships we’ve had to endure throughout this life, but knowing he’s become this incredible person despite being raised by a single mom has my heart bursting with love and pride.

“I love you so much, Brody.”

“Love you too, Mom.”

After a few minutes, I finally release my hold on him and pull away, wiping away the remnants of tears with a sigh. “You’re going to make an excellent police officer one day.”

“Thanks,” he replies with that boyish, goofy grin I love.

I keep myself busy cleaning up the leftovers and washing the dirty dishes while Brody goes to take a shower. The entire time, my heart bursts with pride and love for the human I created by accident all those years ago. He may not have been planned, but I’m not exaggerating when I say he’s the best thing to ever happen to me. My greatest joy.

I can’t wait to see what’s in store for him in the future.

“Hey, where’s Gabe?” I ask, setting a bundle of silverware down on the table in front of Blair.

“He’s on his way. He had to finish up with a patient and sent me ahead to get a booth. You know how Saul’s meatloaf days are,” she replies.

“Oh, I’m aware,” I state with a chuckle. His bacon-wrapped meatloaf and mashed potatoes special is one of the biggest draws on the menu. “What do you guys want to drink?”

“Just iced water for both of us.”

“Coming right up. Do you want me to go ahead and put in your orders for the special? I can watch for Gabe and bring them out when he arrives,” I offer, knowing it’ll get busy very quickly as the noon hour hits and the specials will go quickly.

“That would be amazing. Thank you.”

“I’ll be right back with your waters,” I tell her, jotting down their order on my pad and taking it back to the kitchen. As I’m filling two glasses, I hear the bell over the door chime, signaling the arrival of another customer. “Welcome,” I holler, spotting Mrs. Duggan and her friend from out of town, who always get together on Wednesdays at lunch to visit.

The friends wave their greeting and find their favorite booth by the window, while I add two glasses of unsweetened iced tea to my tray. I stop by my new table first and drop off their teas. “The special today, ladies?”

“Of course, dear. We’ve been looking forward to it all week,” Mrs. Duggan announces pleasantly.

“Coming right up,” I tell them before heading for Blair’s table. “Two waters,” I announce, placing them on the table.

“Gabe’s on his way. He just left the office,” she informs me. Their office is just down the block, which means he’ll be here in a minute or two. “I know you’re busy, but I haven’t seen you since the game. How’d Saturday night go?” she asks, referring to my overnight cabin stay with TD.

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