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"You what?" Kelsey gasped.
"That's right. Maybe never. I don't know. But I'm not putting out until I know you are capable of taking care of her."
"But we had an agreement! And just what do you mean, capable?"
"Agreements are meant to be broken. And yes, capable."
Kelsey sat up straight suddenly, realizing Nick was serious.
"I can sue you for breach of promise, you realize that don't you?"
"Go ahead. At this point I don't care if I lose the garage or not. This is more important. I've thought this through Kelsey, and I'm not putting out. Not yet anyway. Take my garage, take everything I own. This is my kid too. I have a few rights left. I aim to see this thing done right, Kelsey. No half measures for my kid."
When she said nothing but stared open mouthed at him, he smiled and asked, "So when can you start practicing with me?"
"Practicing?" Her voice raised an octave. His words seemed to have stunned her. "What are you talking about?"
"I'm talking about you learning to be a good mother."
"To be a good mother?" She repeated dully. Her eyes blazed with pure fury. Kelsey stood up now, and paced the floor in front of him. It no longer mattered that she wasn't dressed properly. "I can't believe what I'm hearing."
"I know, but we'll just have to start on a weekend, while you're not working."
"You're serious?" She glared at him her anger flashing at him.
"You thought I was joking?" He moved about her easily.
"Nick—"
"Saturday," He said standing and coming up close to her. He smelled the lilac. He inhaled slowly, savoring it for memory. "We'll start this Saturday, here." He announced, and suddenly pulled her into his arms, and kissed her fully on the lips. A kiss he would have liked to carry further, but didn't. Kelsey lips seemed to melt against his, despite her anger. But Nick wasn't wooing her. He broke the contact before it went too far. And he knew from her response, it could have gone a lot further. He liked that.
She looked astonished.
He had turned her loose and walked toward the door. "Don't forget, this Saturday, say twoish."
And then he was gone, just as quickly as he had arrived.
~~~
Later in the week, he came home early and found his mother watching his every move.
"Nicky?" Mama's voice broke his reverie.
"Yeah Mama?"
"Your home so early. Is something wrong?" His mother eyed him with perception.
How did she manage to pick up on his moods so easily? It was as if she had another sense that others didn't.
"No Mama, nothing is wrong. I just didn't go to the garage today. How was your day?" He asked grabbing a cold biscuit from the back of the stove and sitting at the kitchen table as he watched her prepare supper. It was a ritual he'd never tire of.
Although, he should be watching Kelsey prepare supper, his mind drifted as Mama went on and on about Mrs. Peabody. Nick listened with a third ear, as he glanced about the place and his mind wandered. Did Kelsey ever fix her own supper? Could she cook? She'd have to learn. Kids needed a good family atmosphere at mealtime, and nothing was as good as sitting around a table watching supper being prepared. He should know.
"Do you think so, Nicky?"
"Yes, Mama, of course." Nick answered, not knowing what he was agreeing with.
"I think some girl has you tied in knots, Nicky." Mama said, turning away from him as she placed bacon in the skillet.
