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“Look, darling, they’re here. Have you congratulated them already? It was about time we had another baby in this family. I feel for Gabe, you know?” She told us quietly. “He’s so full of life, but without a little cousin or brother or sister, it breaks my heart how lonely and sad he is.” Mrs. Bryant was on a roll and seemingly oblivious to Mia trying to hold back her grin, a single brown raised.
Right on cue, Gabe squealed in delight at whatever he was doing.
“I think it’s courageous how he pushes through his pain,” Mia stated dryly.
Ignoring her, Mrs. Bryant went on. “He needs a companion, someone to play with him, to be his best friend. Of course, he might have friends in school, but it’s different when your best friend is family. Look at Zach, Ben, and Mia, they were inseparable. It’s heartbreaking seeing Gabe so despondent.”
Yet again, his laugh was heard, loud, and infectious, the kind of child’s laugh that warms your heart and makes you smile without noticing.
With faux reverence, Mia pointed to the back. “You hear that? That’s the sound of bravery.”
“I have half a mind to leave you without dessert,” Mrs. Bryant turned to Mia, who wasn’t at all affected by her mother’s attempt at scolding.
She just laughed and hugged her sideways, kissing her mother’s cheek. “It’s sweet that you think you can follow through with that threat.”
“Come on, Mia. Give your mother a break,” Jackson intervened. “It’s clear that little guy is in pain.” A small smile trembled out of his mouth.
Mia snorted, then schooled her features. “I’ll be more mindful about that. Thank you for keeping me grounded, Dad. I should probably rescue him from Zach’s vicious claws.” At this point, Mrs. Bryant was rolling her eyes, and I learned where Mia got that from.
“While you’re at it, take him away from that fury beast. That thing is dangerous.”
Mia turned to Ben, fire in her eyes. “Don’t call Hugo that.”
“That little shit is a predator.”
“He’s the goodest boy, yet you always had a problem with him.”
“He steals my food, he picks up my clothes and shoes, he—”
“He’s trying to call your attention, he’s seeking your love, and all you do is ignore and badmouth him. If you don’t want him to grab your things, don’t leave them scattered around.”
“Are you blaming me?”
As they went on with their...argument, Jackson whispered to me smiling, “Every Sunday.”
When we finally reached the wraparound porch in the back—Ben and Mia were still arguing, somehow their discussion went to the time he took her books without asking—we saw the origin of Gabe’s laughter.
He was running around dressed in Brazilian soccer gear, playing with Zach and Hugo, who was trying to grab the ball. Haley filmed everything from the side, love pouring from her happy eyes.
Zach faked going for the ball, the thing too big for the kid, who ran excitedly and kicked it with all his might, not making that much difference. Even being on the opposite team, Zach encouraged Gabe to kick it again and again, until he could kick it into the goal.
Zach celebrated loudly as Gabe ran to him. “You see that? I kick so hardnikeyou tell me. You see me?”
“I sure did, kiddo. You kicked so hard, right into the goal, I could never stand a chance.” Zach hugged him tightly before throwing him in the air, grabbing him again and kissing his puffy cheek. His golden, wavy hair was plastered to his sweaty forehead, and his whole face was red with excitement and exertion.
Haley was clapping and rooting for her son while she walked toward them. “Way to go, Gabe!” Without letting go of Zach’s neck, Gabe leaned down to give his momma a wet kiss on her cheek, forcing Zach and Haley’s heads closer. Zach had no other choice but to close his eyes and smell her hair deeply.
When I glanced around, everyone was looking at that intimate scene but didn’t intrude. All I heard was Mia’s mumbled words. “My God, they’re taking their sweet time.”
Haley realized they weren’t alone, and her cheeks turned scarlet when she saw us.
“That was one mighty kick, Gabe.” Jackson was the first one to talk, letting Haley and Zach off the hook. The kid smiled proudly and shimmied down Zach’s strong arms, running to Jackson.
“I’m sostwong, Pawpaw.” Midway, Gabe looked at us and proceeded to run as fast as his little legs would let him. “UnkowBee!”
Ben squatted in front of the kid, a big grin on his face. “Hey, Gabe-boy. Whoa, what a strong hug! What have you been eating?” Gabe giggled and hugged him tighter, showing all his little boy strength. “I missed you, Buddy.”
“I missed you, too,” Gabe took a step back and put his pudgy little hands on Ben’s face, a serious look in his eyes, “UnkowBen?”
