Page 36 of Home for Nathan
“She didn’t want you to worry. She knew you had enough on your plate and, while it was exciting, she wasn’t sure if she would be able to finish it for a while because of the money.”
“But now she’s going to be able to be what, a level bladdy-blah teacher,” Nathan teased. He thought it was level four.
“Very funny, son.” Mom sat down on the other side of Dad. “But yes, I’m going to be like a level-four teacher, which is really exciting.”
“Itisreally exciting. You should look into teaching in Secret Springs.” Did he just say that? Did he really want his parents to move here? Maybe they could move closer, someplace like Montrose or somewhere that wasn’t Denver. He really didn’t like the idea of his parents living where they did in the city.
“We’ve actually thought about someplace like maybe Delta or Telluride.”
His eyes widened. “Seriously? You might move?”
“Yeah. You know our neighborhood is on the cusp of becoming one of those gentrified neighborhoods where we can’t pay the taxes. Now, that doesn’t mean we could afford to live in Telluride, but if we looked at some of the smaller towns around Delta or someplace like that, at least over that direction, I bet we could afford something. It would be nice to be close to you. You know, slow down a little bit. Your dad can work anywhere, after all.”
“I know.” Nathan chewed his lip. “In fact, I was going to see if Dad wanted to work for Zion’s company, if that wouldn’t be too weird. He needs really good marketing people right now, and he has the money.”
“Oh, that’s sweet, kiddo.” His dad smiled. “But I’m not sure I want to work for your hubby. Let’s give it a little time and see. I’m not worried about you two staying together, but you’re just now getting married. I don’t want to add parental stress to all of that at the same time.” He winked. “Your mom and I know how that goes. Her folks tried to interfere all the time when we first got together.”
Mom rolled her eyes but smiled. “It’s true. They did, but I’d like to be close enough to pick my granddaughter up for the afternoon, to come to school plays, and see her first Halloween costumes, you know?”
“I do.” He sniffled, his eyes watering. “I want that too. Seriously.”
“Well, then we’ll work on that.” Dad patted his knee. “Now, do you need a nap before pie?”
“I might need a nap.” He might need Zion to hold him, but that was hard in the recliner, and his eyes were so heavy, the blanket that appeared over him was so warm and heavy.
Just what he needed—a pre-pie nap, then maybe he’d stop crying.
Chapter
Thirteen
Kaleb and Charlie’s house looked super-dope.
Stunning. Flowers and greenery filled the big hall, a wild arch set up at the end where it met the grand staircase, where he and Nathan would be saying their vows.
Butterflies filled his belly. Zion swallowed hard. God, he was getting married. To Nathan, who was the most amazing person on earth. But then they were going to start off married life by having a baby, which was nuts…
“Are you all right, son?” Mom’s hand landed on his arm, and Zion jumped about a mile into the air.
“What? Yes, of course I’m fine. Why? Do I not look fine?”
“You look terrified.” Mom winked at him. “I know you’re aware, but you do know you don’t have to do this, right?”
He stared at her. “Mom!”
“What? It’s true. You are not required by law to marry this man. So if this is just an I feel sorry for him thing?—”
“It’s not, and I don’t feel sorry for him. I love him. I’m in love with him. Jesus! We named our baby together, Mom.” How could she say that?
“Okay, breathe. I just wanted to make sure.” She gave him a quick hug, and he forced himself to relax.
“I appreciate it, but this is normal nervous, not petrified I’m making a mistake nervous. This is like the same nerves any person feels when they’re getting married, I assume. Surely you had some anxiety?”
Her eyes went comically wide. “I was terrified.”
He grinned at her. “Now, are you trying to suggest that you didn’t know, without a shadow of a doubt, that Dad was perfect for you?”
“To be honest, I have to tell you, I think I was more worried about me being wrong for him. We’re both so competitive. You know, neither one of us had different hobbies; at least you and Nathan have totally opposite interests. And he has a career that is not involved in yours, which I think is amazing, for him to have something that isn’t attached to what you do.”
