Page 94 of View With Your Heart

I shake my head, looking around Joe’s office until my eyes catch on a framed picture of a boy about middle school-aged in a baseball uniform. His son looks roughly Gee’s age, and he’s smiling like a goon in the standard baseball photo pose of kneeling on one knee, wearing a glove and holding a ball.

“They’re going to Cooperstown for a week,” I say for no reason.

Joe shifts to follow the direction of my stare. “Ah. I’ve been. My son’s team went last year when he was twelve. One of the best experiences.”

If I don’t move, I’ll miss them all. I don’t want just the highlighted version of fatherhood. I want day in and day out, and that means the good and the bad.

“He made the All-Star team.” Pride fills Joe’s voice before he turns back to me. “Rule number one of fatherhood. Don’t let the kid play Dad off Mom.”

I laugh as I can think of a handful of times Ethan and I did that very thing. Asking Dad, who said no, only to ask Mum, who said yes or vice versa. Britton had even told me Gee wasn’t allowed in that old boat alone, but I had been distracted.

“Let’s meet with Bigflixs as long as you’re here, but I’d suggest tomorrow you have somewhere else to be for a week.” Joe sits up. “And after that, we finally need to get some business done,” he teases.

Take 29

Scene: A Baseball Stadium

[Britton]

My heart hammers in my chest. The atmosphere is one of high-energy. Gee had the opening ceremony last night, and we’re all wrapped up in the excitement of the place. It’s been a good distraction after Gavin left us stumped on the dock, and Gee’s heart broke all over again, as did mine. The long drive to Cooperstown in Upstate New York was quiet as we enjoyed the changing scenery. I’d planned to take us to Niagara Falls on the trip back.

Gee stayed in the barracks with the team and the coaches, so I have the hotel room to myself. It’s nice to get away. It’s the first vacation of sorts I’ve had in nearly half a decade. Patrick and I did take Gee to Florida, but sometimes, I think he was too young to remember going. The room has also given me too much time to think and consider how I overreacted with Gavin. While I was upset he wasn’t paying attention to Gee, as he’d told me he wanted a father-son day with him, I also accept a child can’t be watched every second, especially a mischievous boy on the verge of being a teen.

I learned that Holden and Gee actually were guilty of paintball fighting in the trees near the library and hit the pristine white siding of the historical landmark. Both boys have plans to make amends when we return from this trip.

I’m standing on the fence line watching as the boys warm up. It’s the first game for his team although some played last night after the opening.

“How’s he doing?” A too-familiar male voice speaks behind me, and I stiffen, clutching the fence dividing spectators from the field. A ripple runs down my spine, and my heart moves from hammering to lightning speed. Slowly, I turn around.

“Gavin.” All the air inside me whooshes out, and I stare at the most beautiful man I’ve ever known. He slowly smiles, and that one dimple pops on the side of his mouth.

“What did I miss? Did he bat yet?”

Still disbelieving he’s there in the flesh, I watch him with my mouth hanging open as he slips up to the fence next to me. My eyes can’t pull away from his face.

“This is his first game,” I say, my voice expressing my shock. Gavin turns to me, nodding once.

“I got here as soon as I could.” I notice the leather bag over his arm, and he lowers it to rest between his feet.

“What are you doing here?” It’s a silly question. I’m thrilled he’s here for Gee.

“Watching my kid play baseball,” he says, turning his head to look out for Gee. I’m still clutching the metal fencing, but he crosses his arms over the top, looking casual and collected while my heart wants to beat out of my chest.

“I’m so sorry,” I blurt, my voice cracking on the words, and tears fill my eyes. I’m so overwhelmed by his presence. He turns only his head, watching me, before his eyes narrow, pinching with thought. He reaches out to stroke my hair over one ear and rests his hand on my neck.

“Same. Let’s talk later, though.”

I nod to agree until I hear Gee. “Dad,” he calls out, and I’m almost torn in two. Gee’s face beams as he rushes to the fence line. Gavin’s still holding the side of my neck, and his hand tightens. He heard it, too.

“You came,” he blurts as he stands before us, his smile the brightest I’ve seen in years.

“I’m here, buddy,” Gavin says, and I hear the emotion in his voice as well.

“Are you staying all week?” Gee asks, the hope in his voice mixes with his fear that this is only temporary. Knowing Gavin came here from California also gives me hope he’s staying a few days.

“I’ll be here all week,” Gavin assures him. Gee’s smile stretches from ear to ear.

“Hey, did you hear the joke about seven days?” Gee says, looking up at Gavin, who shakes his head, knowing what’s coming.