Page 111 of Daddy's Pride

“That would be a yes.”

After we ate, I got Jamie cleaned up and we thanked them for a lovely night. It was so hard to say goodbye as I tucked him inside his car and watched him drive away.

“He’s yours now. And you know as well as I do these relationships move quickly. Soon enough, you’ll have him tucked in beside you every night.” Jensen’s voice nearly made me jump, but somehow, I had felt his presence before he spoke.

“Very true and it’s still new. I probably shouldn’t feel this way but it’s like I started something that I didn’t get to finish. Not sure if that makes any sense.” Even to my ears that sounded crazy, but I couldn’t help how I felt.

“It does. I’m sure you’ve got a lot to think about and sort out. Just don’t wait too long. I get the impression that your boy is ready for a lot more than some would be. He hasn’t had a Daddy for a while and even the last one I’d seen him with, it was only a couple times. He’s unique, but he’s perfectly suited for you.”

“I hope so, but thank you. You and Mitchell both. It was an eye-opening weekend.” Likely an unlocking of a heart one as well, but I kept that revelation to myself.

Jensen laughed. “We’ll have you guys over again soon. Take care and drive safe.”

The drive wasn’t long, and I’d just pulled into the garage when my phone rang. “Is everything okay, Jamie?”

“No, Daddy, my car broke down and I don’t know what to do.”

Poor boy sounded on the verge of tears. “Not to worry, let me know where you are and I’ll come to you.”

Thankfully, he knew the location and was familiar with the area he was at which was about ten minutes away. Was it bad that I was happy to see him again when we’d only been apart for a few minutes? His distress didn’t make me happy but seeing his face and knowing he was all right would.

When I got there, he was pacing outside of his little champagne-colored four-door sedan that had seen better days. Duct tape held the bumper in place and the passenger side mirror was missing. This car didn’t scream safe to me. A conversation about vehicle safety would be had later.

“Sweetheart.” I wrapped my arms around him. “What happened?”

“I don’t know, Daddy. It started sputtering and then it stopped. Dead. Some nice people helped me push it into the parking lot so I wouldn’t get hit.”

“Well, I’m very thankful for them. Do you have towing on your car insurance?”

He stared down at the ground and rubbed the toe of his shoe against the rocks. “I don’t have insurance. I can’t afford it.”

“Jamie, that’s not good, nor is it safe. Is there anything in the car you need to grab before I take you home?” He nodded and reached in and grabbed his backpack. I noted the location so I could call a tow truck once we got him home. “Text me your address so I can use the GPS on my phone.” He could probably direct us there just as easily, but I felt better having the address for future reference. Plus, I’d have it to give to the tow truck driver.

“No, Daddy, Grandma always took care of this stuff for me, but now she’s gone.”

He was so sad when he said that I didn’t bother to pry. In time, he’d open up and I’d learn more about his family. Right now, the important thing was to get my boy taken care of.

As it turned out, we weren’t far from where he lived. His apartment wasn’t in the best area in Vegas, but I was sure he knew that. My pointing it out this soon in the game wasn’t wise. We walked up a flight of stairs and he unlocked the door that opened into a small studio apartment. It was clean at least. He only had a couple of toys, but then again, there wasn’t room for many more. A bed, dresser, small two-person dinette set and a kitchenette area. There was only one other door which I assumed led to the bathroom.

“I’ll call the tow truck driver, and have it taken to the mechanic I use. If that works for you.”

“Okay, Daddy, but do you know how long it’s gonna take him to fix it? I have to work tomorrow.” He nervously chewed his thumbnail.

I plucked it from his mouth. “That’s not good for you. Let’s get this sorted and then we’ll tackle transportation next.”

I could tell by looking around Jamie wasn’t used to having much, but what he did have, he appreciated, because it was taken care of. I won’t lie, it pained me, the simplicity of his life but at least he wasn’t out on the streets or living in his car. He was safe and warm with a roof over his head. But he would be the kind of boy who appreciated any gift he was given.

Chapter Five

How would I ever pay Daddy back for this? I didn’t have any real savings. Maybe two hundred dollars at most, which wouldn’t get me much. Surely not enough to get a car fixed, especially not that little piece of crap that I had. I mean, it had gotten me around for the last two years, thankfully, but I knew it wasn’t gonna last long and Grandma had it before me.

“What’s got you so worried over there, sweet boy?” Daddy had just finished talking to the tow truck people and slid his phone back in his pocket.

“I can’t afford this. I only have a little bit of money in my savings, and I’m sure it’s gonna cost more than that to fix it.” There, I was honest and didn’t talk too much. Go me!

“Well, I do have two vehicles. Both of which I would feel much better knowing that you’re driving because not only are they insured, but they’re well-maintained and safe.”

“But Daddy…”

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