Page 107 of Unexpected Forever
Besides money, what do I really have to offer them?
Hell, I can’t even put a fucking crib together right. I don’t know a thing about being a real dad. My role models had been shit as dads. My father was no better than a sperm donor once he became an addict, and my uncle hated kids.
I have no idea what it’s like to be an actual dad.
I don’t even know if I can learn. And if not, I’ll be no better than the men I grew up with who were no more than figureheads as father figures.
Footsteps coming down the stairs have me shutting off my phone and dropping it on the island.
Charley enters the kitchen, looking fresh as a daisy with her hair in a ponytail, a burgundy form-fitting T-shirt with the Gold Mountain logo just above one breast, and white shorts that stop midthigh. The T-shirt hugs her boobs and belly in a way that makes my heart swell—instead of other parts of my body—with pride.
Whenever I see her and that belly, I think I can do it. Be what they need.
She’s mine.
Stepping onto the ballfields is the only other place I’ve ever had the feeling.
My stomach dips with the realization that I may already know my answer. I know I need to talk to Charley. She’s always listened before, so maybe she’ll listen now and we can figure this out together.
But she looks so happy, and I don’t want her to lose that spark in her eye. There’s still time.
“Good morning,” she chirps.
“Morning, Firefly. Feeling good this morning?”
“I feel great today. It’s gonna be a good day. There’s the town parade and then the cookout with family and friends. You know how we Reynolds love a good grill fest.”
“I get to man the grill today. My grill, my rules.”
Laughing, she comes around the island and steps between my legs. “Yes, honey. You’re the grill master today.”
My heart turns over in my chest. I love how that sentence sounded coming out of her mouth.
Grabbing my face, she kisses me. “How are you?”
Before I can answer, she frowns, pulling back to study my eyes. “You okay?”
I smile and pull her into me, wrapping my arms around her. “I’m good, baby. Listen, I have something to ask you.”
“Okay, shoot.”
“You know how Lou called me yesterday?”
“Yes.” Her voice betrays the slightest bit of nerves.
“The Bull Sharks contacted him, and they want to retire my number at the last home game of the season.”
Her smile lights up the room and my heart. “Nate, that’s amazing!”
“I want you to come with me.”
“Really? You want me there?”
Could this woman tug at my heartstrings any more than she already does?
“Yes, I can’t imagine you not being there. It won’t be until the beginning of October. I know it’s getting late in your pregnancy, but I googled it. It says you can still travel, but we should check with Dr. Miller just to be safe. They’re sending the team jet, so it will be an easy trip.”
“Wow, I’ve never been on a private jet before. And of course, I’ll clear it with the doctor.” She bounces on her toes and hugs me. “I’m so happy for you.”
