Page 14 of His for the Taking

“Love you, JoJo. So much,” I tell her.

“How much?”

“This much.” I spread my arms out as much as I can, and her frown is turned upside down.

“Love you lots.” She gives me another hug, and I stand from my crouched position. “I go pway,” Josephine tells me and her Nan the plans she has before her little feet take her into the den.

“Hopefully? Jameson Michael Evans, what did you do?” Mom reads me like a fucking book. There’s no hiding from her, except I’ll be damned if I spill every single thing.

“I’ve been a dick, I know that, you know it, hell, Kody knows that. Words aren’t my strong suit, and last night was probably the worst. So, I’m going to meet her for coffee, try and apologize, schmooze her with one of her favorites, and come up with an agreement in the terms of her babysitting Josephine as well as a price.” Matthew came in clutch when I told him I was hoping to meet Kody. He snickered. I asked if he had any insider information since he and Shaun are fucking closer than close. His words to me were‘I fucking knew it,’then he texted me her order, where she likes to hang out after she grabs her coffee, and how she’s going to need help this weekend for her photography stand. I knew about the last part. What I didn’t know was the latter. Josephine is going to be there, but so will I, bright and early to help set things up, and hopefully, Mom can bring JoJo when it’s time.

“You better fix it. My granddaughter loves her, we love her, and that’s what matters. I don’t know why you have to be such a grump ass like your father, but it’s going to shoot you in the foot one day. There aren’t a lot of women out there who are willing to put up with your shit. I know that for certain. Good grief, you Evans men are going to drive me to drink,” Mom grumbles as she moves around the kitchen, closing cabinets harder than normal, dumping utensils in the sink with a loud thud, and she won’t stand still. Fuck, the way she is laying it out on me, I’m guessing she and Dad got into it today. I just so happen to be taking the brunt of it since he’s nowhere in sight.

“I’m going to, promise. Thank you for watching Josephine for me. Would you mind watching her this Saturday while I help setting up her booth, and then bring JoJo so Kody can do her thing?” I’m trying to sugar her up, and from the way she slows down on her tirade, I’d say it’s working. There’s nothing my mom would love more than to see me settled down and Matthew and Lacey with a child or three of their own.

“That’s not a problem. I was planning on going either way. I’ll keep Josephine here Friday night instead of Saturday night. That way, she doesn’t have to wake up early.” I nod in agreement.

“Thanks. Now I’m outta here. Anything I should tell Dad if I happen to see him in town?” I ask, trying to figure out what the hell happened.

“As a matter of fact, will you drop off his lunch? He was grumbling and groaning about teenagers not showing up to work, so he was called in at the last minute. Why can’t he go down to part-time or retire already? We’ve worked hard enough. I’d like to go on a vacation every once in a while.” Ah, that would do it. Dad and I just talked about him slowing down, and clearly, he’s not up to it just yet.

“I can do that. Is it by the front door?” When Dad would forget his lunch growing up, it was always in the same spot. Mom always placed it there for him on days she didn’t work, and depending on what was going on, you can count on Dad leaving it at least once a month.

“Yes. I’m going to book our vacation. That way, everyone knows we won’t be here, and they can’t call begging him to work. Shit, I can’t do that until you know for sure if Kody can watch Josephine.”

“Book the vacation. I’ll take JoJo to work with me. Lacey might be available, too. I have a feeling that Kody will watch her even though she’s not happy with me and my damn penchant for being an asshole.” I grab Dad’s lunchbox so it’s in my hand and I don’t forget it as well.

“Well, they say the first step is admitting you have a problem. At least you’re further along than your father ever has been.” I make my way back to the kitchen. She’s puttering around. Probably pulling out stuff to bake with Josephine.

“You love him the way he is, and you’ve got no problem putting him in his place. Are you baking pumpkin muffins?”

“That depends. You got a hug for your mom before you leave.” That’s not a question; it’s a statement. In this house, you didn’t leave or so much as get out of the car without a hug and an ‘I love you.’

“Sure do. Josephine, I’m leaving. Come give me a hug.” I didn’t get it back then when I was younger and thought it was stupid to always show your parents affection. Now I get it. Boy, do I ever.

“I watch toons!” she groans, but I hear her stomp her little feet out of the den as I give my mom a hug.

“Up?” I meet her at the mouth of the hallway, already ahead of her question. She wraps her arms around my neck, and I soak up as much time as I can with her. When I turn around, I see Mom shaking her head, mouthing, ‘Been there, done that. It sucks huh?’

“Love you. Be good for Nan and convince her to make pumpkin muffins for me, eh?” I kiss her forehead. Her eyes light up at muffins.

“I cook wif Kody,” she tells me for the third time today.

“Yeah, and now you’re gonna bake with Nan,” I reply.

“Chowcolate chwips, Nan?” JoJo kicks her feet. I set her down, and she runs to the chair.

“You betcha. Get out of here, Jameson. Don’t forget your dad's lunch.” I stand and watch my mother help Josephine scoot the chair across the tile floor. The two of them go about their day. I may as well not be here when it comes to their time together.

“Bye bye!” Josephine says one last time.

“Later, gator.” She throws me a kiss. I catch it with my hand and smack it on my cheek. Josephine’s giggles follow me out of the house, helping me feel lighter than I should. Hell, I’d be a fool to hope Kody would forgive me, and I have a sinking suspicion she’s going to make me work for it, too. That’s alright with me because I’ve got Josephine, and I’m not above using my daughter if it means I’ll get the girl in the end.

18

KODY

I’m a glutton for punishment, but also, an iced coffee won’t hurt. As long as Jameson doesn’t open his big, fat mouth and make me want to throw it in his face, that is. Those are my thoughts as I open the door to The Java Hut. The noise of beans being ground, the scent of the strong-smelling nectar of the caffeine gods, and I am hustling to the counter to place my order.

---