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I smiled and nodded my agreement and he squeezed me again. "For now, Daddy's going to make you some breakfast, and then you can play with your cars. How does that sound?"
Playing would calm my nerves and relax my mind before the dinner and meeting later, which is exactly why I figured Daddy suggested it. He knew just what I needed.
I rested my head against him and sighed. "That sounds perfect."
Chapter Seven
Amir
I parked behind Henley at his dad's place. I followed him there, since we were going to be dropping off his SUV at the mechanic after dinner, and then I'd give him a ride home.
Even though his dad only lived across town and the drive was short, I missed having Henley in the seat next to me. I also worried about him during the trip, hoping that he wasn't getting too nervous about the meeting. He had played all afternoon, and I hoped it was enough to keep him relaxed for the evening.
I exited my car and hurried to open Henley's door for him. I helped him out onto the ground and, after noticing the uncertainty in his eyes, asked, “How are you feeling?”
“I'm okay.” I raised my eyebrows when his fingers wrapped around his long hair, and he added, “I just really want you to like each other.”
I put my hands on his shoulders and smiled at him. “Your dad has always taken great care of you. You two are close and he means a lot to you. So, I like him already.”
Henley gave me the biggest, most beautiful smile. “He's going to like you too, because you're the best.”
I chuckled at his sweetness. “Then there's nothing to worry about.” I dropped a kiss to the top of his head. “Everything is going to be great. Come on, sweetheart.” I laced our fingers together and led him up the walk and onto his dad's porch.
The house was cute and quaint; a white cottage with a light blue porch and matching front door. Henley took a deep breath before knocking, and just a moment later, the door opened to reveal a thickset middle-aged man with a gray beard, wearing jeans, a plaid shirt, and a ball cap.
“Hey guys,” he greeted with a smile. “What's with the knocking? Come on in.” He stepped to the side and waved us in the house. He gave Henley a hug when he passed, and then when I stepped in, he held out his hand and said, “It's nice to meet you, Amir.”
I clasped his hand and shook it. “Nice to meet you too, Mr. James.”
“Call me Ford,” he insisted with a smile. Ford seemed like a kind, easy going guy.
“Thank you for having me, Ford.”
“Of course. I wouldn't miss meeting the man this guy is so crazy about.” He patted Henley on the back as my boy's cheeks flushed. I knew Ford wasn't purposely embarrassing his son; thanks to my job, I was a good judge of character, and I could see that Ford was just happy that his kid was happy, and he wanted to be involved. I did wonder what Henley had told his dad about me, though. But I wouldn't ask and risk getting my sweet boy more flustered.
“Come into the kitchen,” Ford invited, “I just got dinner out of the oven.”
“It smells really good,” Henley gushed as we walked through the living room. Ford's house was cozy and clean, and obviously a bachelor pad. Besides a few photos of himself and Henley, there was no decor to be found; only furniture.
“Thanks. I made one of your favorites; homemade beef and noodles.” It was perfectly fitting for the man who seemed down to earth and rustic.
“Yesss!” Henley cheered, pumping his fist and making his dad and me both laugh.
“Will you set the table?” Ford asked when we stepped into his kitchen, and Henley nodded and hurried to collect plates from a cabinet. “Amir, could you grab some drinks out of the fridge?”
“Of course.” It warmed my heart at how welcoming and comfortable he was with me in his home. I opened the refrigerator and smiled at the large jug of sweet tea on the shelf. Though Ford and Henley had obvious differences, they shared similar tastes.
I took the jug, along with a can of soda, before retrieving two glasses from a nearby cupboard. Once I filled them with tea, I carried them and my drink to the table, where Henley was finishing up with the place settings.
Wanting to praise him but not draw attention to risk embarrassing him, I whispered, “Good job,” in his ear and received a gorgeous smile in return.
I pulled out Henley's chair and helped him settle in at the table. I took a seat next to him as Ford delivered a large casserole dish full of steaming noodles in front of us. Henley cheered again when his dad also retrieved a basket of rolls.
