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Me: It was lonely.
Stolen moments was all time afforded us as of late. Last week, Jaxson traveled to Birmingham for three days to see some therapy equipment demonstrations. Ty stayed with me in the guesthouse which had been fun. The ever-inquisitive mind of a five-year-old constantly asked about what was next for Jaxson and me. He was getting tired of the answer, we’re getting to know each other.
Jaxson: If you were in my bed it wouldn’t be.
I shook my head. That was something I didn’t budge on with Ty being in the house. With Ty already wondering how relationships worked, it would blur the line between me being the girlfriend and a wife.
Me: I know, but it’ll make it that much better someday.
Jaxson: Someday better come quick.
Me: Patience, my love. Patience. Breakfast will be ready in about forty minutes.
Jaxson: We’ll be there. And you know I don’t have any patience.
Me: I know. Love you.
Jaxson: Love you, too.
Smiling from ear to ear, I sat the phone down as I patted out the biscuits. “I take it that was Jaxson?”
I looked up at Dad with a slight heat gracing my cheeks. “Yes. I know it’s fast, Dad.”
He shook his head. “Your mom and I met and were married within five weeks. As long as you’re happy, that’s all I care about.”
“I am happy. Happier than I ever was with Charles.”
“I think so too.” With summer here, dad switched out his normal flannel long sleeves for short plaid button ups. “If you and Jaxson got married, you’d have a son. Are you ready for that? It’s a big responsibility.”
After placing the biscuits in the oven, I sat next to Dad. “I love that little boy. It would devastate me not to be a part of his life if something happened to Jaxson and me.”
“That’s how it should be if you love him. One can’t exist without the other.”
I leaned my head on Dad’s shoulder. “I do love them, daddy. I really do. Did something happen to make you concerned?”
“No, punkin’. Just checking up on you. I know we talk all the time on the phone, but I wanted to talk about it in person—make sure you’re following your heart.”
The doorbell stopped our conversation. “I promise I am. Let me get that. There’s no way it’s Ty, because he doesn’t know the meaning of knocking.”
We chuckled. Yesterday, Dad experienced Ty running into the guesthouse as soon as he got here. Ty was enthusiastic to question Dad. He wanted to know if Dad could make me marry Jaxson since he was my father and I had to listen to him. Opening the door, Ty stood there, which was odd. “London, can you come to Grama’s house. She needs help.”
“Is she okay? Why didn’t you come in with the keypad?”
He started bouncing and moving his hands. “I can’t say anything else. I’ve promised to keep my lips shut. She needs help. Are you coming?”
This was getting stranger. But sometimes a five-year-old never made sense. “Okay.” I called over my shoulder. “Dad, I’m going to help Pam real quick.”
“I’ll come too.” Dad slid off the stool and fell into step beside me.
Moseying to the main house, Ty was practically bursting at the seams. More so than normal. There was no telling what was going on. There was a chance Pam hadn’t asked for help, but nevertheless this child had stolen my heart.
Things became more awkward as we entered the kitchen with the entire family staring at me, including Sydney and Mallory in a line beside the counter. Sydney’s husband was currently deployed overseas and due home by Christmas. It was his last deployment before he retired from the marines.
All eyes were on me and I felt like I’d interrupted something. Tentatively, I said, “Good morning. Ty asked if I could help Pam.”
It was like a rehearsed speech as the group called out, cheerily. Too Cheerily. “Good morning!”
The room fell silent . . . again. I peered back at Dad who looked at everything but me. “Umm . . . Ty said you needed help. Am I interrupting? I can come back later.”
