Page 28 of Can't Get Over You
Relief softened the man’s features. “Take care of him while I’m away.”
“I just take him home with me? That’s it?”
“I think that’s best. I can’t look after him right now. Will you stay here, though?”
“I can stay in town, but you don’t expect me to move into the club, do you?”
“Trust me, if I could live independently, I sure wouldn’t be raising Cody in a bike club,” Carlo said. “But what can I do? I can barely walk to the bathroom.”
“You don’t mind if I take him to my dad’s? We can give him a nice Christmas.” The idea of his dad, brothers, and Ava helping made the prospect of looking after a kid much more doable. He could hire a sitter or a nanny. Cody might get a kick out of doing Snowfest with them.
“That’s good.” Carlo smiled. “That’s real good. I’ve already written up a schedule, though I didn’t think anyone here would keep it. It’s just preschool, but it means a lot to him.” His gaze cut away. “The guys here don’t always take him.”
“Is this legal? I feel like people would call the cops if they saw me with a kid.”
“I’ve been looking into this,” Carlo said. “Got a lawyer who’s gonna file a petition for emergency temporary guardianship. It’ll last ninety days, but like I said, I should be back in six weeks. The judge’ll likely set the hearing for Monday morning. Now, I can’t be there in person, but I’ll write up my reasons for wanting you. It shouldn’t be a problem.”
“All right, then. You’ve got my number, so let me know if you need anything. And feel free to call him any time you want. I’m sure he’ll want to know you’re okay.”
“I’ll do that.” He clutched the arms of his chair, his fingers turning white from the effort. Jude wanted to tell him to stay seated, but he could see the concentration, the determination, so he kept his mouth shut. By the time Carlo rose, perspiration gleamed on his skin. He reached out a hand. “Thank you, Jude. This gives me real peace of mind.”
The gravity of the situation sank like a stone in his stomach. This commitment, along with its longer-term implications, made him want to cut and run. Wash his hands of the whole thing.
Not because he didn’t care about Marco, Carlo, or the boy, but because it was a big fucking deal to be responsible for a little boy. How could he be slinging drinks one day, and the next, agreeing to take on the role of guardian for a kid he’d never met before?
Yet, at the same time, he knew he was making the right—no, the only—choice he could live with. “You’re welcome.”
The door creaked open, and Finlay came in, the boy still clinging to her.
Sensing the man didn’t want his grandson to see him in pain, Jude helped Carlo back to his chair.
The grandfather patted his leg. “Come here.”
The boy wriggled free, and Finlay set him down. He approached his grandpa. “Mister’s gonna get me a bike so I can go to school.”
“That’s right.” The tenderness in Carlo’s eyes, the way that gnarled hand cupped the back of the little boy’s head, made Jude’s chest ache. “Now, you know I’ve been sick, right?”
The boy nodded, so sincere, so trusting.
“And, thanks to Jude, I get to see a doctor who’ll make me better. You’re going to stay with him for a few weeks, and Jude’s going to take you to school every day. Sound good?”
The boy swiveled around and looked at Jude, hesitant and a little fearful.
While Jude stood there like a tree trunk, unsure what to do, Finlay said, “Did you know that Jude was your dad’s best friend? They knew each other from the time they were little boys. There’s no one else your dad would’ve chosen to take care of you but him.”
Jude felt pretty stupid. He should’ve been the one to say that. Should’ve gotten down on a knee and talked to the boy at eye level.
But he’d learn. He’d have to.
“Do I still get the bike?” Cody asked.
Carlo laughed. “Yeah. You still get it.”
“You’ll be with Jude for Christmas,” Finlay said. “He’s got a big family, so that’ll be a lot of fun.”
“There’s a backpack over there.” Carlo pointed at the corner. “And his things are in the top drawer of that dresser.”
“All right. Let’s get you packed for a fun adventure.” She reached for Cody’s hand. “Come help me so I don’t forget the important stuff.”
