Page 25 of Choosing My Happiness
Baby James Paul Lovelace
Called home too soon.
Ride high
I reached out and touched the metal.
“You look like you need a hug,” Jim said, standing beside me.
“I do,” I whispered, “but you can’t give it to me without causing a riot, or giving my father a heart attack.”
“Probably not.” He sighed. “Even if I don’t think I’ve finished the job yet.”
I glanced at him. His lips twitched.
“I was told to look after you, and make sure you’re okay. You’re not okay yet, so the job’s still ongoing.”
“I’ll be okay soon.” I snorted, turning to look at him properly. He raised his eyebrow slightly.
I caught a movement behind Jim as I saw Blaze enter and sit down with the rest of the old boys. He was sitting next to Dad, who was pleased to see him.
“I somehow need to stay away from him.” I jutted my chin out, indicating Blaze. Jim looked around.
“Might be hard, considering it’s his birthday party.” He thought for a minute. “I’ll see if I can send Eric over. Blazedoesn’t seem to like him or Trey for some reason. Stay here until reinforcements arrive.” He gave me a wink and walked away. I watched him go over to the playground. I looked back at the plaque. I love that they called him Baby James. It felt respectful to me.
16
Chapter 16: Blaze
Dylan and I drove to the clubhouse, past the house that Daisy and I had lived in. I still dropped in when I could and did the garden so it still looked good, but I hadn’t lived there since Daisy left. Inside is exactly the same, other than the flowers. I’ll replace those when she agrees to come home. But all the jewelry was still in their boxes on the counter. I’d added to the pile with a few other presents I’d bought her over the years. I’d missed her. I was excited to see her again and get things moving. Last night was just a blip. I’d spent 4 years waiting for her to come back, and I wasn’t going to waste the opportunity. She would be moving back in as soon as I could make it happen.
I looked over at Dylan who was wriggling in the back seat. I hoped that he’d love Daisy as much as I do. I had no doubt that she’d accept him. Although there were times when I wasn’t sure. She was forgiving, and he was my son from another woman. Buthe was almost the age that Junior would have been, and that might be an issue for her. Hopefully, she might see him as a straight replacement for our son, and he could take that place. It was up to her.
He and I lived with my parents nowadays, and I wouldn’t move back into the house until Daisy said so. That house was Daisy’s, and she’d decide when Dylan moved in and which room. It would be a bonding experience for both of them. Although there was the possibility that she wouldn’t accept him. If that happened, I knew I’d have to find someone else to take him. I’d miss the little guy, but Daisy comes first.
I pulled into the car park of the clubhouse. There were a few bikes out the front, but a lot of cars. It looks like all the ol’ladies and kids were here. I got Dylan down.
“Hurry up Dad,” Dylan shouted in excitement. “I can hear D2!”
I grabbed his hand so he didn’t run in front of anyone, groaning slightly. I wasn’t happy about that friendship. Hopefully, when he does grow up, he’ll find himself a nice white girl to be his ol’lady. Oh well, at least D2 was Bull’s adopted daughter. Better than a normal black girl.
I walked out of the clubhouse and saw her. I smiled at the sight of Daisy walking across the garden to Junior’s willow tree. I recognized her now. She still had that light stride that reminded me of a fairy. I liked the changes in her body. She didn’t look like she’d put weight on, more shifted it to her breasts and hips. It looked delicious. I couldn’t wait to have her back in my bed.
She’d still have to grow her hair back long. The short haircut she had made her look too hard. My Daisy wasn’t hard. She was tough but soft. I almost groaned, remembering her softness, and imagining how soft she’d feel now.
I looked down at Dylan, who was eager to run and play.
“Off you go, my boy. Don’t get too dirty.”
“Yay! D2, I’m here, what are we doing?”
The noise announced my arrival, and I caught sight of the club members congregating under the large porch extending from the house. They cheered and waved me over. I saw Daisy’s father sitting in a wheelchair, knees covered in blankets.
“Matchstick! Wow, who did you suck up to to get released? Glad you can make it.” I leaned down to give my father-in-law a hug. This man was my mentor and biggest motivator to become a firefighter. He looked better than he had been at my last visit, but still a shadow of himself. His beard was now wispy, and he had breathing tubes wrapped around him. I’m guessing Molly had worked something out with the hospital for day release.
“Ahh, Daisy worked something out with the nurses. She certainly put them in their place. I have no idea what she does at that hospital in the city, but she’s got some pull,” Matchstick said proudly.
I frowned slightly. Daisy worked at a hospital in the city? Is that where she’d been all these years? That was only 2 to 3 hours away. I could have visited her on my off days. I had some catching up on information to do.
