Page 127 of Need You To Choose Me

“The boys are good,” Mrs. Maxwell answers immediately, and some of the worry eases off my chest, but before I can say anything, she continues, “but there actually is a reason I’m calling. My daughter-in-law just went into labor. I know I was supposed to watch the boys until you got back…”

“You know I’m old enough to stay home alone, right?” Daniel yells from the background. “Tell her she can go, Dad.”

Shit.

I run my hand over my face, glancing at the clock. If I left now, it’ll probably take me double the time to get back since the traffic is still insane due to rush hour. And then there were the appointments I already had scheduled for tomorrow. I could probably do them over the phone, and if I go now, I could make it home by dinner. Possibly.

“I can stay. I shouldn’t have?—”

“No,” I interrupt before she can finish. “You absolutely shouldnotstay. You should be with your family in case they need you.”

“But the boys?—”

“—will be fine. Can you give me Daniel for a moment?”

“Thank you, Blake.” Mrs. Maxwell swallows audibly before collecting herself. “Daniel, your dad wants to talk to you.”

There is some rustling before Daniel picks up the phone. “You told her she can leave, right? I’m almost seventeen, Dad. I don’t need a babysitter. No offense, Mrs. M.”

“Well, your recent behavior would suggest otherwise, don’t you think?”

Daniel grits his teeth. “The other guy started i?—”

“I don’t care who started it. You shouldn’t be fighting with your classmates. How can I trust you that you can be left homealone and take care of yourself and your brother while I’m gone when you’re acting this way?”

“We’ll be fine. I can do this. It’s just one night.”

I press my lips together as I think over his suggestion, unsure of what to do. Daniel was sixteen. Hell, I was home alone and taking care of myself overnight when I was much younger than him. Then again, Daniel hasn’t really been the best example of a responsible teenager.

Am I playing with fire here if I let them stay alone tonight? What if something happens to either of them? Miguel was in Austin this weekend, Aaron left for some cattle fair or something, and Becky had her hands full with her own baby. I couldn’t ask her to look after my own kids.

And Savannah… Yeah, I wasn’t going there, not after what just happened in the last few weeks.

I run my hand over my face.

“Everything will be fine,” Daniel repeats. “I promise, Dad.”

“Okay,” I let out a long breath, praying I don’t regret this. “But no going anywhere. You two stay at home. There is a number to the pizza place in the junk drawer, along with some cash. Order food when you boys are hungry. No parties or any other kinds of shenanigans. And be nice to your brother.”

“Deal.”

“I mean it, Daniel. I trust you can take care of yourself and your brother for one night. This is a trial run, understand?”

Daniel groans, “I know, Dad.”

“Keep your phone close and call me if you boys need anything. I have my phone on me. If anything happens, I’ll get in the car and come home.”

“Okay, but nothing will happen.”

I really hoped so.

“Can you put Mrs. Maxwell on the phone? And Daniel?—”

“Call you, yeah, yeah, I know.”

I pinch the bridge of my nose; this boy will be the death of me. “Don’t get sassy with me. I mean it.”

“I know you do. Here.”

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