Page 91 of The Cannon
“Jude. Look me in the eye.”
The boy is embarrassed, but I think he’s also excited to know his hero is going to speak about him.
“It’s impossible for me to give you Little Thanks.”
For a split-second Jude’s face falls.
“Because everything you are to me is big.”
Now a wide smile stretches across Jude’s face. He runs a tongue around the inside of his cheek.
“You have made my life better and richer. I feel deeply connected to you and I promise to always be here for you.”
Shit, everyone is wiping a tear or sniffing or clearing their throats.
Instead of a thank you or a handshake. the boy takes the man in his arms and rests his head on a shoulder. Neither lets go for a while. God! I’m going to dissolve in a puddle of emotions.
Finally they part and Jude turns toward me. His eyes are misty and so are mine.
“As soon as we started this game, I knew what I was going to say to you,” Jude says with assurance.
“What, son?”
“I want to Little Thank you for the tuck.”
I’m not the only one who’s confused.
“What’s the tuck?”
“When I stay at Sawyer’s place you always tuck me in bed. I’ve never had that before.”
That’s it. Everyone here has just felt the power of love.
Chapter 23
Sawyer
I’m sitting in the truck next to Bristol, but in my mind I’m far away. Luckily, she’s texting her friend and I have a minute or two to get it together.
What did I forget? Ice rink reserved, check. Everyone ready with their costumes and instructions, check. The ring, check.
Thankfully the Swifts and Jude have helped me with it all. Tonight is one of the most important of my life. Of our lives, Bristol, Jude and I.
I’ve only been a foster dad for two weeks now, but he and I have become buds. It’s kind of been effortless. The process of becoming a foster family was simple. I passed with flying colors. It surprised me how relaxed Jude is in this new role. He says it isn’t like the other times. And I believe him.
Next week’s New Year’s trip to Texas will be the final piece of the fractured puzzle. My sister and niece are as excited as we are. We will ring in the new year together. I want Jude to meet his aunt and cousin. Fill in the family tree.
It makes me kind of teary sometimes. I’ve been waiting my whole life. So has he.
But going over what comes tonight for us three turns my stomach. Feels like there’s two cats fighting in there. What if it’s a no? What if both players aren’t into my plans for the future? It could happen. But it would ruin me.
Quit overthinking.
I needed to make sure Bristol wore the appropriate clothes, so Lucinda helped hatch the plan. She called us and said the family was going caroling on Christmas Eve. We were instructed to wear something red, and casual. Something warm. The snow we got three days ago is still on the ground. Perfect.
Now the setting will be romantic and kind of like a fairytale, with all the twinkling lights Bristol is so crazy about. I had a company string them this morning.
The champagne…
