Page 86 of Husband of the Year
I can’t wait to see you. Hold you. Kiss you. And I can’t wait for you to experience Greggie’s magic. It’s been a tumultuous few days and I still have a few items to cross off my list before I return, but I’m confident in the decisions and plans I’m setting in place before my departure.
Liam’s team at the center has planned his next steps. That’s a highly promising sign. I visit him daily and we pray before attending a meeting together. My first step in bringing Greggie home was talking to Liam. Marvin, he cried when I told him. Hetold me it was what he wanted, but was afraid to ask. It’s not that our folks aren’t capable or willing, but they’ve had their turn raising kids and he, like me, was worried about their stamina and ability to keep up with a soon-to-be toddler. He knows how well Illona is thriving and he wants that for his son. This decision has me positively elated.
Right now, Liam doesn’t want contact. I think it’s too painful. Greggie reminds him of Abby and what happened. His guilt is overwhelming and it will take him time in therapy to come to terms with what happened. I’ve worked with his team here to line up a bed in a recovery residence. It’s about forty-five minutes from Mom and Dad’s and he’ll reside in a structured and supportive environment as he transitions from rehab to independent sober living.
We’ve talked about a few of his wishes for Greggie. He’d like him to call us both “uncle”—so get ready, Uncle Marvin. Liam is and always will be his father. We’re going to modify the way those roles are traditionally viewed in our family for Greggie.
My parents were deeply emotional when I broke the news. I’m fairly certain it was a mix of disappointment and relief. They were gearing up to take on this massive responsibility, but I know in my heart it was a considerable ask. My parents would do anything for their children or grandchildren, but they agreed we’re better suited to take him.
Dad has come with me to visit Liam. He’s in a better place than Mom with everything, but of course, he doesn’t have the same baggage she does. I’m optimistic she’ll be able to visit him soon, if not here, then in the sober house.
I’ve scheduled a chat with Illona this weekend when she’s with Isabella. I’m confident she’ll be over the moon to have a babynephew around, but I think she should be with her mom for questions and any big emotions afterward. If you don’t mind, I would greatly appreciate it if both of them could accompany you to the airport on Monday evening. Isabella is excited to help in any way she can. When I told her she said, “Olan, we once said for better or worse to each other. We’ve been through a lot, but even if we’re not married, I meant it. Even now.”
We’ve worked hard to be a team raising Illona, and she is excited to include Greggie in that equation now. I’m profoundly grateful for her and for the effort both of you have invested in building a friendship. It means the world to me.
One thing I know is, if nothing else, you and I are an amazing team. There’s nothing we can’t do together. You’ve proven what a wonderful parent you are with Illona and now your nephew will get to experience the same Marvin Block charm. There are lots of details to figure out. We’ll need to think about making the home safe for Greggie. I’ve talked with my team at GreenSpace and they’re letting me take six weeks of paternity leave and will be flexible with my work-from-home vs. in-office schedule. All details we’ll figure out in time. Right now, Greggie and I are coming home.
Before I sign off, your lesson. Did you think I forgot?
“Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” might be my favorite Motown song. It also happens to have a very interesting recording history, so buckle up!
The track was written by Ashford and Simpson. Before they broke out as recording artists, they were extremely successful songwriters. Originally recorded by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell in 1967, the song was a modest hit but didn’t quite reachthe heights of Marvin’s solo work. The playful back and forth between the singers, the joyous jubilation of the chorus, and the yearning in Marvin’s voice approach musical perfection in my book.
A year later, Diana Ross & the Supremes recorded a duet version with The Temptations, which was quite faithful to the original version. That version was an album track on the superstar combination albumDiana Ross & the Supremes Join the Temptations. Here’s where it becomes really interesting.
Two years later, after Diana left the Supremes and found success as a solo artist, Ashford and Simpson convinced her to rerecord the song on her own. This version was a complete reworking of the track with a more gospel style and elements of classical music with strings and horns. Even though the new version was a massive number-one hit for Diana, the original Marvin and Tammi version will always hold a special place in my heart.
You’ve been so patient and understanding while I’ve been away. My love for you has only grown while we’re apart. The day I become your husband will be one I’ll never forget. I can’t wait to be married to you. Parent with you. Grow old with you.
Nothing can keep me from you now, Marvin.
All my love (and see you soon),
Olan
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
“What. Did. You. Do?”
With the April sun shining on her, Jill stands at my front door, shopping bags in both hands, mouth agape. The gentle ocean breeze blows her hair, but she has no time to be distracted by the strands blowing in her face.
Sheldon appears behind her, followed by Theo, who carries a large toolbox in one hand and a small cooler in the other. Walter, Theo’s service dog, sits at his feet, waiting for his owner to move.
“Oh. My. Gaga.” Sheldon pauses after each word for an extra dramatic effect.
“What?” I run my hand over my head. Except for the tiniest hint of one trying to return near the front, my curls are gone. I’m like a shorn sheep.
“What did you do?” Jill repeats, this time shaking her head.
“I got a trim.”
“Trim?” Sheldon joins Jill, slicing his head sharply to the left and then to the right.
“Wait, what are you all doing here?” I ask.
“Babyproofing. Remember?” Jill lifts the cluster of bags.
I look at Sheldon and cock an eyebrow.
