Page 77 of Until Forever

“I don’t need you to trust me right now because you’re going to have the rest of your life to trust me again.” Jasper pauses, and his hold on my hand tightens. “I just need you to get used to the fact that I’m going to be at Latoya’s side for the rest of hers.”

I glance at the side of his face, my heart pumping hard. He would have never stood up to my dad when we were kids, yet here we are with our son as he gives his version of professing his love.

For a moment, I think my dad will object, cause a scene, and tell us how stupid we’re being. But he only looks at the three of us and breathes in so deep his shoulders rock.

“I’ll hold you to that, son.” Dad offers Jaspers his hand and the two shake.

“Good. I’m proud my woman has a daddy who’ll no doubt kick my ass if I get outta line.”

A smile threatens to peek its way through my father’s tough exterior, but it slips anyway. It’s a small one, one that otherwise would be unnoticeable if it were not for the fact that I’m studying him. A second later, the waitress returns with our meals, and we dig in.

* * *

Crack.

The sound of the ball hitting the bat rips through the air and is immediately drowned out by the cheers. A kid from the other team takes off for first base, his little arms pumping hard. We follow the ball, catching a glimpse of JJ racing to catch it.

“He’s going for it.” I point. My excitement roars, and I rock, tentatively hovering over the bleacher.

I slap Jasper’s thigh so hard pain shoots through my wrist. And at the same time, we both hop to our feet, cheering him on.

“Go. Go. Go,” Jasper chants.

“Jas. He’s—” I stomp around with my voice pitched high. “He’s going to catch it. He’s catching it.” I beam while flailing my hands.

I watch as my kid takes his stance, holding his arms just the way Jasper taught him. It’s as if it all slows down, and all either of us is thinking about is JJ. This is it, the moment that’ll prove that all his hard work paid off. The ball twists in the air, and JJ moves around to keep it in his sight.

Closer.

Closer.

“Yes,” I scream and jump into my man’s arm.

The crowd goes wild, people encouraging JJ for a job well done. He even shocks himself and stares at the object in his mitt with his mouth wide. Then he glances over at my parents, Jasper, and me, pointing to the ball while bouncing up and down.

“Go,” Dad and Jasper say at the same time.

JJ makes a face that looks as if he realizes it is not over, his mouth forming an ‘O’ shape before he takes off. I laugh and hug my mother, who’s on her feet now as well. JJ rushes infield, working hard to get the ball to his teammate in time.

He stops short and draws his arm back to pitch. “Brandon,” JJ’s little voice travels through the air.

Brandon holds out his mitt, catching the ball just before the other kid reaches the base.

“Out,” the umpire calls.

“He did it,” I shout and hop into Jasper’s arms again.

“He did.”

I stare into his eyes, my smile never faltering. “Because of you,” I nod with raised brows.

“No, it was all him.”

We agree and turn our attention back to the game. They’re only getting started, but with the way everyone just celebrated, you’d think that was the final inning. Really it was just the people in our tiny town coming together to cheer on a kid who’s struggled all season. JJ’s victory isourvictory—all of us.

The umpire directs the players back into position. JJ waves at us on his way outfield, and I blow him a kiss, smiling with my hand to my chest. All I wish I could do right now is hug my baby and tell him how proud I am.

But then my dad reaches around my mother and me, tapping Jasper on the knee. My spine straightens, and for whatever reason, panic grows in my chest. A few hours ago, they attempted to wipe the slate clean, but Rome wasn’t built in a day. Things like that take time, and the deepest part of me is praying it doesn’t turn ugly. Dad agreed to get on board with us, but that doesn’t mean he likes it, and I know that.

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