Page 105 of Unbreakable
“Dad, I just wanted to be cool like you,” Grey said through sobs. “My hockey season is over now.”
Dylan couldn’t meet my gaze, but he had to feel the daggers I was staring into him.
“You are cool, Greyson. All on your own. And hockey will always be there. It’s not going anywhere.”
The ambulance pulled in and we had to decide who was going with Greyson and who would stay with the girls.
Before we could fight over it, Grey chose for us. “I want Mom.”
Dylan kissed Greyson’s forehead. “That’s a good choice. Mom’s really good with doctor stuff. Me and the girls will be down to see you as soon as we can, okay? I love you, buddy.”
At that point, Grey was on a gurney and being loaded into the ambulance. They had a few things to check before we took off for the hospital. One of the EMTs was making Grey laugh while he cut his sleeve open.
Dylan’s hand slid down my arm. “I’m so sorry, Jeannie.”
I felt like the skin under my hat was boiling. “You should be apologizing to our son.”
Dylan nodded. “I know. Keep me posted, okay?”
I looked back to make sure Greyson was distracted. “What if he needs surgery, Dylan? Did you think about that when you were showing our son how to be unsafe? You are the reason our son is potentially getting surgery in a rural fucking hospital.”
Dylan chewed his lip with tears in his eyes, nodding. “I know.” He wiped over his mouth. “I feel awful. This was supposed to be fun and I . . . I ruined it. I just . . . I love him so much.”
He turned his face the other way and sniffed, and for a moment, I felt bad for him. I put my hand on his arm. I wanted to hug him, but I knew we were both trying to keep Grey from spinning out.
Dylan was trying to be a better husband and dad, and he got carried away.
But sometimes being the fun parent comes back to bite you. Or in this case, it bit our son.
FORTY
DYLAN
THEN
Jeanine greetedme at the door when I got home from being away on the first round of playoff play. She basically leapt on me when I crossed the threshold.
“Well, this is nice,” I hummed, crossing my arms behind her back to wrap her up as tight as I could. “You do okay while I was gone?”
“Uh-huh,” she said. “I have a present for you.”
“A present, huh?” I grinned into a kiss. “You don’t have to get me anything, babe.”
“Well, sometimes I do. Come on.”
She dragged me in, and I dropped my bag by the door. We were still in my apartment, staying until the perfect house for us came on the market. She sat me down on the couch and handed me a small box, kind of the shape of a bracelet box.
“Thanks, babe. What is it?”
“Open it!” she cried. “You’re killing me.”
I peeled back the paper, looking at her for any clue as to what it might be. She held a smile, eyes wide and excited.
I got the paper off, hearing something rattling around inside. I gave it a gentle shake and she flapped her hands.
“Dyl!”
I laughed as I lifted the lid, then gasped. My face got warm as my eyes took in the sight: a pregnancy test with two lines on it.
