Page 41 of Until Delilah

“That’s a good idea. I should probably go. I can hear the little guy now. I’ll mention it to him when I take him over to see Ryder and Lexie.”

“You know if you ever want me and Mom to watch him, we’d be more than happy to. I know it seems like you’ve got plenty of time right now before the baby comes, but in a matter of months there’s going to be a baby who will need you both all hours of the day and night.”

“We’ll take you up on that offer, and soon. Will you also take a dog for a night?” I stand then and open the door to my office to see Beck bouncing around in the kitchen with his polar bear.

“I’m not potty training no dog, but I’ll watch one for a night,” he huffs down the line.

“When I know a date, I’ll let you know.”

“And keep me informed on what’s going on. If you want, I can talk to your mom and see what she says about homeschooling Beck for a little while until you feel it’s safer.”

“If I take him out of school that means no more baseball too, and it would break that kid’s heart.”

“Better to break his heart than for him to get hurt, or worse,” he states.

“I think if Delilah stays away from practice and the games, he should be safe, but I’ll talk to her and see what she thinks. What we do know is they’re looking for her.”

“Don’t think they won’t use that boy to get to her. If they find him, they know she’ll do whatever she has to do to save him.”

Fuck if he isn’t right.

“I guess it’s a good thing the season’s over next weekend. I was thinking of having the kids continue to practice until summer. Maybe I can get a couple of guys together to make a makeshift field on the back of the property.”

“Did you ever think you’d meet someone who would turn your life upside down, but in a good way?”

“Never.” I laugh. “But I’m glad I did.”

“Me too, Son. Me too. And if you need help with your field, let me know. I’d be happy to lend a hand.”

“Thanks, Dad,” I say before I tell him goodbye. I walk into the kitchen where Beck is still playing with his polar bear.

“Hey, buddy. Are you ready to go see your GiGi and PopPop?” He nods and keeps playing. “Do you have your bag to take for the night?”

“Oh, let me go grab it.” He runs out of the kitchen and up the stairs.

I chuckle and watch as it sounds like a herd of elephants are stampeding through the house even though it’s just his little body that’s filled with excitement. He’s only in his room for a second before he’s coming back down the stairs with a smile, his backpack slung over his shoulder, and his bear in his hand.

“Ready?” I ask as I start for the garage.

“Yeah,” he nods. “Do you think Mom will be alright here by herself?”

His question takes me off guard, making me wonder if he overheard anything earlier, because why else would Delilah not be okay?

“She’ll be fine. After I drop you off, I’m going to get us some dinner, and then I’ll be here with her.” I scan his face to see if my words appease him.

“Some days she doesn’t feel good, but she tries to pretend like she’s not sick,” he states.

“Growing a baby inside of you is serious business and some days are hard on her and makes her feel sick, but today I think she’s only tired. The baby makes her tired too.”

“You promise to take care of her?” he asks like up until now he’s been taking care of her, and maybe he’s felt that way. He is the best damn kid I know and if I have to build a whole baseball stadium on my land so he can play and be safe, I’ll do it. I’d do just about anything for him and his mom.

I open the back door to my truck for him to crawl in and wait until he’s firmly seated and has his seatbelt on. “I promise to always take care of you, your mom, and the baby. You don’t need to worry about that.”

“I knew I could count on you,” he says.

And damn if his words don’t make my eyes get a little misty.

17

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