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“We have a lawyer in charge of this case,” Dad explains. “He’ll be watching the kid and how things develop. His firm will contact us when Tucker’s parents are ready to reach out to us.”
“Tucker?” I say it out loud. “Is that his name?”
Dad nods, and I hug him tight.
Tucker.
He has a name and parents who love him. That’s exactly what I wanted for him, a family. My entire body feels lighter. Something changes the moment I know he’s safe. Maybe I can’t meet him, but I can send him a letter. Something for him to have when he’s ready to know the truth.
“Can you give the lawyer a letter?” Dad nods. “I just want him to know that I love him. That I let him go to protect him from me. But also, that I’m not her anymore. I can be a good mother, right?”
“The best, baby girl,” Dad assures me. “You’re loving, caring, and your kids are lucky to have you. We’re fortunate to have you.”
Like every other hour of the day, something happens, either small or big that touches my life and makes me cry. But I have Dad to make it better. Later, I know I’ll be in the arms of Mattie and Coop. My guys, who always think of ways to make everything better, brighter, happier for me.
Not sure what prompts Jelly Belly but for the first time I feel her kick—or him.
“I love you, baby,” I whisper, touching my belly.
I’ve never been to Texas, but I’ve always heard people complain about the hot weather. Which is why I dressed with a light tunic, a pair of capri jeans, and sandals. I regret my choice of wardrobe. It’s freaking freezing, and the hot cup of tea I’m holding isn’t warming me much. If we ever come to watch another game, I should be prepared with a few items. Like a cushion for the bleachers, they are uncomfortable and cold, and I should check the weather to dress accordingly.
“You okay?” Matt kisses my cheek, and Tristan helps me put on his jacket.
“Thank you.” I slide my arms inside it and zip it up.
“Mind if I sit next to my daughter?” Dad asks Tristan who moves to the other side of Matt without muttering a word. Sometimes I think he’s afraid of my father.
“Everything is going to be okay, Dad.” After almost two years, I can predict my dad’s mood. The long face, narrow gaze, and nostril flare might be taken as upset. He’s not. He’s concerned, worried about the safety of whoever he’s in charge of, or just plain worried. Because that’s what we Bradleys do, worry. The only part of his life I have yet to decipher is his friendship with my in-laws. Mainly Chris Decker.
“Why do you like hanging out with this bunch, Dad?”
“Not sure. I thought I’d hate him when I started working for the band, but nope. He’s one of the most honest people I’ve ever met,” he mumbles. “He’s crazy and has the most outrageous ideas. But he’s sincere, and cares about others. Now, my two children are married to his family. It’s not like I have a choice. But if I did, I’d still choose hanging out with them, even when I don’t approve of their ideas.”
I laugh. Well, maybe he’s not happy about the latest Decker plan. Yes, they’re a wild bunch I agree, but now I belong to them.
By far this one is the craziest idea Mattie has had since we married. Crash one of Tucker’s baseball games since no one will notice us. I didn’t want to, but Matt has trouble understanding what the words ‘no’ or ‘limit’ mean.
Coop, our husband, is the voice of reason, but some days—like today—he encourages our man. Yes, he began to research schedules with the help of my brother, who wanted to join. Ainsley learned about it from Mason and included herself, and if she’s joining us, Pria should too.
Chris and Gabe wanted to see Tucker from afar at least, and by the time we left the house to catch one of Tucker’s games I realized the entire family was coming with.
“Do you think Tucker’s family will notice us?” I question Dad.
“As long as they don’t see me, I don’t think so. We’re in the visitor stands, and everyone is behaving.”
“They’re going to serve us with a restraining order,” Jacob, who sits on the bleachers below us, warns me one more time. “I know what I’m talking about.”
“Don’t worry, I can bail them out, and I know a lawyer with experience in cases like this one.” Pria glares at him. “This is the first and only time we’re seeing our nephew. Be supportive.”
Mattie slaps Jacob on the back of the head. “Shut up. You’re going to jinx it.”
“Children, children,” Chris, who is beside Pria, whisper-shouts. “Stop, or I’ll take you two back to the car, and you won’t get dessert after dinner.”
Pria and I roll our eyes, laughing at our father-in-law. We have the best, yet most immature husbands. She fears her twins are going to be like or worse than Jacob and Matthew. For the sanity of the entire family, I hope not. The stories I’ve heard are pretty scary. Of course, they won’t have Ainsley or someone like her to help them destroy everything around them.
“There he is.” Dad points toward the field where the kids start lining up before the game starts. “Number eleven.”
Coop hands me the binoculars. He’s smiling at a tall, middle-aged man who ruffles his hair and kisses the top of his head before helping him put his cap back on. Patting his shoulders, he rests his hand on the top of his cap and then heads back to the stands.
