Page 75 of Until Forever

“Let’s go,”I yell at the top of my lungs.

I swear it’s like I’m living with two young boys these days. At first, it was JJ I had to worry about, but today it’s both of them—father and son, holding us up. They come running into the living room, JJ in his t-ball uniform and Jasper in the jersey he had made to match the one our kid wears.

You’d think he was the one playing this evening and not a group of elementary school children. I stare at them, dressed as twins, and shake my head. Secretly I love it, seeing the bond they have with one another. I’ve always wanted this for JJ, a bond with his dad like the one I have with my own.

“We’re ready,” they say together.

I step toward them, kneeling in front of JJ, rubbing out imaginary wrinkles with my hands. “Are you ready?”

He nods. “We’re going to kick butt.”

I laugh. “You will. But you know that even if you lose today, you’re still a winner.”

“Nonsense,” Jasper interrupts. “Winners win, kid. And you’re going to kill it.”

JJ gives a hard nod, and the two reenact the handshake they made up a few days ago.

I stand and press my lips together. “What happened to ‘you can do anything as long as you never give up?’” I mock, my tone imitating that of a male’s voice.

“First of all,” Jasper defends, “I don’t sound like that. And second of all, that was practice. This is the real deal.”

“This is tee ball,” I quip with a hand on my hip.

His grin falters. “Let’s just go.”

We exit the house and pile into Jasper’s Chevy. Once we’re fastened in, he takes off, heading for IHOP. It’s not the start of my off period, but Jasper thought it was a good idea to celebrate the impending game with pancakes. Seeing how it’s JJ’s favorite food, I think it’s perfect. A new tradition, maybe?

“Why were you on the couch this morning and not sleeping with Mommy?” JJ asks, catching us off guard.

I peek around the headrest at him. He’s staring out the window, seemingly unfazed by the shocked expressions pouring from Jasper and me.

“What do you mean, bud?” Jasper questions while craning his neck to view him through the rearview mirror.

“I always check in Mommy’s room when I get up to go potty. You sleep with her. But then you sleep on the couch in the morning. Does Mommy snore? Or does she hog the blanket? You know, there’s no monster under her bed. I checked,” he babbles.

We look at each other, Latoya and I, shock painting both of our faces.

“We didn’t know you noticed that,” I admit.

“I notice everything.”

I suck in a breath, not sure of what else to say. All my life, my parents and friends talked about the things kids recognize when you think they’re not paying attention. If the last few days taught me anything, it’s that my child notices things I would have never guessed.

“And that’s okay with you?” Jasper questions.

“Yes. Mommies and daddies are supposed to sleep in the same bed.”

“You’re right,” I respond while glancing at Jasper, who shrugs at me.

“Are we there yet?” JJ asks, changing the subject.

“Almost, baby.” I sigh and scrub my hand over my face.

A moment later, we pull into the parking lot and exit the car. From here, the restaurant seems packed, with vehicles lining the pavement. JJ grabs my hand with his left, then Jasper’s with his right as we make our way to the entrance.

It’s loud when we step inside the building, but surprisingly, only one other family is waiting to be seated. JJ and I sit while Jasper stands in front of us. The door opens, and I look up to see who it is, my heart skipping when I see my parents.

“Maw Maw and Paw Paw,” JJ sings the moment he lays eyes on them.