Page 62 of Rocking Player
I knew I cried, and I didn’t care as I asked, “Did you just say 'Dad'?”
His eyebrows narrowed as he looked at me and asked, “Is that okay? I thought since we were a family, and you both had your honeymoon, that I’d like to call you Dad.”
Michael had a small tear in his eye as he nodded.
I swallowed and hugged him and then Michael, bringing them all together. Michael kissed his son’s head and as the hug ended, he said, “Yes. So, your mom and I talked.”
Jeremy stared at us with eyes open and unblinking. “And?”
I saw my sister coming down the stairs. She must be wanting to leave, but I stayed with Michael and told my son, “We’re going to wait till Christmas break but then we’re moving to my house in Tulsa.”
Olivia stood with her bag and Michael left my side to help her as Jeremy asked, “Does that mean I get two Christmas trees and double the presents?”
“Jeremy,” I said and crossed my arms.
No way was this move about him getting whatever he wanted.
His face turned red like mine when I blushed and he said, “I’m joking. I’m happy we’re a family. Will my grandparents come and visit again?”
“Yes, and your aunts, hopefully,” I said and stared at Olivia.
Olivia hugged Jeremy goodbye as she said, “Yeah.”
She started to leave but I called out, “One more thing.”
“What?” Olivia asked as she stood next to my son.
I stared more at my little sister as I said, “We’re going to fly to London for the New Year to see Stephanie and all of my sisters are invited.”
This hadn’t been planned, so they could all be busy.
Olivia stopped and said, “Wait. What?”
I took my sister’s hand and said, “I know you don’t get much time off because of school and I’m hoping you and whoever can come, will. We’ll pay your way.”
Olivia hugged me and said, “Thanks. I’ll be there. Happy you’re here, but I have to go. Call soon.”
Michael helped her to the car next to mine in the garage. I heard the doors open, and I waited till he and Jeremy came back. My son immediately picked up his tablet again.
I heard the doors close, and Michael came back, hugged me, and said, “Now it’s just the three of us.”
“Two. I have homework to do, Dad.” Jeremy showed us the audiobook he’d been listening to on phonetics.
Michael called out, “Want to toss the ball later?”
Jeremy’s face was glowing when he stared back into his father’s blue eyes and said, “Sure, Dad. When do you go to your next game?”
Michael’s chin fell as he said, “Tuesday. Baseball season is back and forth, but at least when you’re in Tulsa, I’ll get to come home to you and your mom.”
“Bye, Dad,” Jeremy said and took to the stairs.
Michael kissed my cheek and said, “He called me 'Dad'.”
“You were so good with him.” I squeezed his chin to get him to look at me and not let me go.
“I want to be a good dad.” His phone rang at that moment. He showed me the caller ID and said, “Phil, is the deal final?”
He put the call on speaker, so I heard Phil. “I’ll need you to sign the new contract today.”
