Page 127 of The Blessing

“Yeah, Trevor’s a pretty great guy.”

I pull Ronnie to my side, who’s carrying my very happy son in her arms, and introduce them both. Josie gives my girl a once-over before her face softens and she smiles. She compliments my girl’s outfit and they fall into an easy conversation. Is that a girl thing I don’t understand? Compliment each other and you’re like instant friends? While they chat, I introduce Jaxson to Eden and Quinton. They instantly hit it off, as well. Fuck, I feel like I’m on a family sitcom right now. I’ve never had things run so smoothly before. It’s like I’ve fallen into an episode of Full House.

Ronnie’s the perfect hostess, offering everyone drinks, handing out cupcakes, and making sure everyone’s having a great time. Grey, who was initially happy with all of the attention, now refuses to leave my arms. I guess the amount of people in one room is overwhelming him. He’s not used to having to share my attention with so many people.

Grey starts to tug on my shirt as I’m talking to Jaxson and Quinton. He then pulls at my cheek, until he finally gets my attention. “Dada! Dada!” he says as he tries to pull my face next to his.

“What’s up, buddy?” I smile at him, bringing him up to rest on my shoulder to pat his back.

“Dada! No!” he whines as he’s still tugging at the collar of my shirt.

“I don’t think he wants you to talk to us, man,” Jaxson jokes.

“I don’t think he’s used to being around so many people,” I explain just as there’s a knock at the door.

“I’ll answer it,” Ronnie tells me, walking toward the door with a big smile on her beautiful face.

turning out. She put so much fucking work into it; I would’ve hated to see anything go wrong. Fuck, I won’t let it all go to hell. I couldn’t bear to see my fiancée and son all upset.

My mom and dad walk in with a handful of presents. Dad looks tired, but he’s happier than the last time I saw him at Christmas. While he was thrilled to spend his first holiday as a grandfather, he was so… broken. I know every day must be hard for him. Hell, I couldn’t imagine losing Grey. I don’t know if I’d ever be able to get over it. The weight of losing Dean sometimes feels as if it’s too much to bear, but at least my dad and I can carry the weight of it together.

“Hey, Dad—Mom.” I give them both a hug. Well, as much of a hug as I can give them with Grey demanding my attention.

Ronnie takes their gifts and hugs them both, before walking off to add their gifts to the pile on the gift table she had setup.

“Want to say ‘hi’ to your granddad?” I ask Grey, who’s hiding his face against my neck. I rub his back until he loosens his grip on me and turns his head to look at our new guests. “He’s really overwhelmed,” I explain, then kiss his forehead to assure him I’m here and not going anywhere. Finally, he calms down and lets me pass him off to my dad.

“Happy birthday, Greyson,” he says quietly with a small, loving smile on his face. “I love you so much, buddy.”

Dad looks plummeted by his emotions, but he pulls himself together and smiles when Grey starts to giggle and play with his shirt. The baby’s laughter is infectious. It’s hard to be sad around a happy, bundle of energy like Grey. I need to make sure I give my dad more time with his grandson. I’ve been so busy lately I’ve neglected giving them time together; I know he really needs it.

“Thanks for inviting me, Trevor,” Mom says, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I?”

She shrugs and gives me a sheepish grin. “I don’t know… but, I’m happy to be here.”

I know she still feels uncertain of her place in my life. She’s my mother, but she wasn’t in my until recently. There’s bound to be some awkwardness now that she’s back, but I know it’ll fade away eventually. While shit is still uneasy, I just feel bad for her. I don’t want her to be unsure about anything. I want nothing more than to make up for the lost time now that we’re together.

“Happy birthday, Greyson,” Mom says, turning her attention to my son.

Grey’s smile brightens as soon as he sees her. Even though she’s a new face in his life, he reaches out to her and demands to be held. I offer them a drink and some food after Dad hands the baby over to my mom. Grey squeals excitedly as soon as he’s in my mother’s arms; he plays with her hair as he babbles to her. It’s as if he were trying to have an intense conversation with her. He’s such a fucking trip.

“He’s so cute, Trevor,” she says as they follow me into the kitchen.

“Thanks! I can’t believe he’s getting so big,” I chuckle as I pour them each a cup of punch. “It’s weird seeing all his old baby clothes he can’t fit into anymore. I can’t believe how small he used to be!”

Mom and Dad laugh as they take their drinks. “You were really small, too,” Mom says, staring down at my very happy son. “You were so little I worried about you. You were just over six pounds when you were born, and you were the cutest, little baby. Well, besides Greyson, of course, and the babies you and Ronnie will have together.”

Ronnie walks into the kitchen to join us just as the last sentence flies out of my mom’s mouth. She blushes and gives me a small smile but doesn’t comment on what my mother said. Although, I can see she’s definitely happy about that prospect. Ronnie wants a baby. Hell, Ronnie might want multiple babies! The more I think about this, the less frightened I become about the whole idea. I can’t say I’m excited to have more kids, but I no longer feel as if I’m going to pass out at the mere mention of them. That’s progress, right?

“Ronnie, I was just telling Trevor, I think you and he will have beautiful babies together,” my mom repeats.

Mom! Jesus, stop talking! What a “mom” thing to fucking say to my fiancée. “Beautiful babies”? Nice Mom, real nice.

My dad looks at me for a moment, then bursts out into laughter. “Trevor, having kids of your own would be a good thing.”

I can’t believe he’s suggesting this? Fuck, it wasn’t until recently that I could financially support Grey and myself. Plus, I’ve also just gotten my life together. Right now is not the time to have another child. However, I know Grey would love a little brother to play with…