Page 4 of Mine to Love
Miles nodded. “I suppose you’re right.”
“Enough of the heavy stuff. How’s Gabriel working out at the shop?” Emmerson asked.
Miles smiled. He adored that young man. Gabriel would light up like a lightning storm offshore when something clicked in his brain while he was working on a vehicle. It took him a little longer to get there, but sometimes that was half the fun. “He’s great when he’s under the hood of a car, but struggles when customers come in. I get it. And he’ll probably always be like that. He’s gotten pretty comfortable with me and everyone else who works for me, so we’ve devised a system. Anytime he’s in the garage, and someone rolls in, he makes a beeline for one of us, instead of letting the customer approach him, because that doesn’t always work out well and he ends up feeling horrible. I don’t want that for him, and neither do any of my customers, who have been so kind to him.”
“I’m glad people are treating him well. He can’t help being on the spectrum.”
“The thing is, once he’s used to you, he’s fine. I think something else happened to him along the way, but I don’t know that for sure.”
“You’re a good man for taking him under your wing. Most people wouldn’t.” Emmerson smiled. “Speaking of which. I need to bring my personal car in for service. Can I do that tomorrow?”
“Of course,” Miles said. “But aren’t you and Rumor going to take any kind of a honeymoon?”
“I got us a room tonight at Melinda’s B and B. In a couple of weeks, we’re going down to Key West for a long weekend, if she’s feeling up to it. Idiot me thought her getting sick this morning was her having cold feet, not morning sickness. She’s still notfeeling too great and it’s been going on all week. So, we’ll have to see how that plays out.”
“I sure hope you can go, but having a baby kind of trumps a honeymoon.”
“No truer words have been spoken.” Emmerson smiled. “I also need to sell my motorcycle.”
“No.” Miles glared. “Rumor’s making you get rid of it?”
“I wouldn’t say making me, but she did make some strong arguments about us being parents and I thought it might be time. Besides, I drive it so rarely these days anyway. So, if you want it, I’ll give it to you. Otherwise, I thought maybe you could find someone to purchase it.”
“My bike riding days ended a few years ago when I crashed mine.” Miles laughed, rubbing his knee. That accident had scared the crap out of him. Talk about seeing your life flash before your eyes. “But I’m happy to put a for sale sign on it at the shop. I’m sure it will sell quickly.”
“Thanks, man. I appreciate it.”
“Anytime.” Miles pointed. “Here comes your beautiful bride.”
“Hey, babe.” Emmerson patted his legs.
Rumor smiled as she wrapped her arm around Emmerson’s shoulders and eased onto his lap. “Well, your mother thinks we should name our baby, Emmerson Stephen Dalton Kirby if it’s a boy and if it’s a girl?—”
“Rebecca Alison Maxwell Kirby,” Emmerson and Miles both said at the same time and burst out laughing.
“I don’t think it’s funny. I’m not naming my child either of those things. First, I don’t think your father would appreciate his name taking a back seat to Steve. Second, that’s too fucking long and no offense, honey, but we’re not having a junior. And third. Really? Rebecca? I love your mom, but has she always been thisself-centered and I just missed it? Oh, where does Alison and Maxwell come from? She didn’t say.”
“Alison is her middle name and Maxwell is her maiden name.” Miles waggled his brows. “Welcome to the family, sister-in-law.”
“No. Just no.” Rumor shook her head.
“I agree.” Emmerson kissed his wife’s hand. “To all of it. But I do have one request that I’d like to make right here.”
“What’s that?” Rumor planted a kiss on her husband’s cheek.
“That Miles is our child’s godfather,” Emmerson said proudly.
Miles opened his mouth, but nothing came out. He had eleven nieces and nephews but was not a godfather to any of them. He didn’t resent that fact. There were seven brothers. And some of his brothers’ wives had other family to consider.
“I love that idea,” Rumor said. “What do you say, Miles?”
“I’d be honored.” He waggled his finger. “As long as that doesn’t require dirty diaper changing.”
“Oh. It does. And lots of babysitting.” Rumor stood. “Come on, Mr. Saucy. Let’s go cut that cake so we can get out of here and head to Melinda’s place. I’ve got some handcuffs with your name on them.”
Miles burst out laughing. “If you ever get him in those, this family is going to need pictures as proof.”
“Not going to happen.” Emmerson took his wife by the hand and meandered toward the other side of the pool.
