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“What about seeing your brother?”
“Once he’s freed from jail, he can visit me. I’ll do whatever it takes to buy his ticket, but I’m never going back there. If I ever get called up to the Majors, maybe I’ll send some cash to Dad. But as far as I’m concerned, we’re done.”
I nod. I hope that someday they can resolve their issues, but it’s best to cut the toxicity for now. His sanity is worth more than trying to please a bitter old man.
“What about your mom? Has she ever reached out?”
“No one has heard from her in years.”
“I’m sorry you got dealt a bad hand when it comes to family.”
He grabs my hand and tugs me into him. Stopping along the sidewalk about ten feet from the car, he kisses the tip of my nose. “We’ll just have to make our own family.”
“Yeah? Just how big of a family are we talking about here?” I’m half-joking, knowing full well he’s only talking about us.
“Five,” he soundly states as if he’s given this some thought. “Well, seven if you include us.”
“Five!” My eyes widen, not expecting him to put an actual number on kids. I hadn’t even expected him to want kids. I step back and wave a hand over my petite frame. “Have you seen the size of me? I’ll be lucky to pop one out of this body.”
“I’ll take whatever you give me.” He erases the gap between us and plants his lips on mine. This kiss feels like a promise of spending a lifetime together. Hope bubbles inside me.
“Ah, I knew you two would get together.”
Dalton backs away. Face red. I stifle a chuckle.
“Hello, Ms. Willow. You out for a walk?”
“Enjoying the beautiful weather. I knew this handsome boy had his eye on you.” She winks. “Don’t let me stop you. Although, you may want to tone it down some.” She nudges her head toward the trio of church naysayers. “You’ll make them go into cardiac arrest.”
“You’ve got it.”
The spirited woman turns to Dalton. “I’m glad you got your head out of your ass. Your girl was nothing but mopey after you left.”
Now it’s my turn to grow red.
Dalton laughs. “I think the same can be said for me. I’ll take care of her. I promise.”
“I know you will, boy. Where are you heading?”
“I’m taking him to get ice cream.”
“Aw, showing him the finer things of Baytown.” She lowers her voice and directs her following comment to me. “Good plan.” Turning her attention back to Dalton, she says, “I better get moving. You take care of this girl.”
“I plan to.”
“Oh, I know you will.” She winks again. Holy cow, I didn’t know Ms. Willow was such a flirt.
Dalton grabs my hand, and we step toward the car. That’s when it hits me. Something is missing from his finger.
“Where’s your ring?”
He looks away. “I, uh, sold it.”
“Sold it?” My steps come to a complete stop. I shoot him an incredulous look. “Dalton, that was important to you. What could’ve been so important to sell it?”
He shoves his hands in his pockets, clearly not wanting to answer. “My ticket to come here.”
“Dalton!” I can’t believe he sold something so sentimental for me. I have to find a way to get that back for him.
