Page 104 of The Game Plan
“I learned from the best.”
His lips twitch. “Maybe so, but you’re already doing a better job than I ever did. You love that girl undeniably. And you’re stepping up to raise a daughter whose own father wouldn’t step up. She’s going to grow up knowing how a father is supposed to treat his daughter.”
My eyes sting, and I glance away. No one prepares you to hear words that raw and honest. You hope the people you love the most admire you, but hearing it from your father? It’s like being awarded the highest medal in the world.
“I love you, Son.”
“Love you, too, Dad.”
Movement from the window draws my attention. I watch as my mom brings Savannah in for a hug. When they pull away, I can see the redness in their eyes. They’ve both been crying, and the sight guts me.
Dad slaps my leg. “C’mon, let’s go help the ladies. I want to hold my girl before you two take off.”
As we stand and he walks toward the door, I take a deep breath, letting the sincerity of our conversation sink in.
The drive home is quiet.
Sav’s head leans against the window, lost in thought. Our daughter is out cold in her car seat. There’s a new CTU onesie on the seat beside her, a gift from my dad. My parents are going tohave to make room at their house for the three of us to move in. I don’t think Lennon’s closet will be able to hold all the clothes they keep buying her.
Maybe that’s what I need to start looking for, a house for us to call home. We can’t stay in the apartment forever. Besides, I’m ready to settle down with a mortgage and a place to call our own.
As we pull into the apartment complex, the lights from the streetlamps cast long shadows across the lot. My wife’s expression has shifted into a numbed state, and I hate it. She reaches for her seat belt, and I place a gentle touch on her hand.
“I’ll feed Lennon and get her down. Why don’t you go take a long, hot shower?”
She nods.
“You okay, Peach?”
She nods again.
By the time I get Lennon out, Sav’s ahead of us in a zombie-like state. I watch her shoulders droop and how she crosses her arms tightly across her chest, almost as if she’s anchoring herself.
Savannah heads straight to the bathroom without a word. I place the car seat on the island countertop and quickly make a bottle. Then I go through Lennon’s nighttime routine—fresh diaper, clean pajamas, a warm bottle, singing a lullaby before laying her in her bassinet. With Lennon down, I look for my wife.
The shower is still running, raising my hackles. Something is off. I crack the door quietly and push it open, not wanting to startle her. But the sounds coming from the shower halt my movements. Heart aching, I follow her sobs and push open the curtain. She’s sitting on the shower floor, knees pulled to her chest, water cascading down on her as her shoulders shake.
The sight of my wife hurting nearly brings me to my knees. I dig out my phone, wallet, and keys, tossing them aside as I take off my shoes. Without hesitating, I climb into the shower. Coldwater hits my back, and I shudder. Savannah has been on the floor for so long that the water has run cold and is drenching her body. I flick the water off and wrap my arms around her.
She startles at the contact, completely unaware of my presence.
“Peach, baby, talk to me.”
“Sorry.” Her voice breaks. “I just…needed a minute.”
Holding her in my arms, I reach for the folded towel she left on the floor. I wrap the fluffy material around her shivering body. “C’mere,” I murmur.
Her body doesn’t have the will to fight me as I lift her into my arms and carry her to our bedroom. I lay her down on the comforter, drying her off slowly before sliding one of my sweatshirts over her head.
“You don’t have to fuss over me,” she mumbles as I strip out of my wet clothes.
“I’m not fussing. I’m worried.” I slip on a pair of dry boxers.
She scoots higher up the bed, bringing her knees to her chest like I found her in the shower. “I don’t even know why I’m crying.” She wipes her tears. “I’m fine.”
“Baby, stop lying to me. You don’t have to be strong in front of me.”
“I just…” Emotionless, red-rimmed blue eyes stare at me. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me. I can’t explain this feeling. It’s like I’m being buried alive and gasping for air. It doesn’t make sense, though. I should feel lucky. Lennon is perfect, and you’re amazing. I keep trying to put on a smile so I don’t ruin this for you.”
