Page 24

24

CADE

I ’d probably feel more exhausted if I weren’t on my way to pick up Georgia and August. We got in late last night after three series of away games. Traffic is a little congested as I try to merge.

My phone rings. “Hey, Mom.”

“You’re home. I never hear from you lately.”

“Got in late last night. Haven’t had time to call. What’s up?”

“What are you up to?”

“I’m on my way to pick up Georgia and Auggie. We’re heading to the zoo.”

“That’s wonderful, but when do your father and I get to spend time with him?”

“Soon. It won’t be long and August will be comfortable enough to be alone with me.”

“And Georgia’s approved all this?”

“Not yet but she will.”

“Hm. Well, I’d certainly like to meet him while you’re home for this stretch. Just bring Georgia if you have to.”

“Gee, that’s a great sales pitch.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Unfortunately, I do. I’ll see what I can arrange. No promises. We’re taking our time. I don’t want to push anything.”

“Oh, for heaven’s sake! He’s not made of glass.”

“Never said he was.”

“I’ve got an idea!” she exclaims. “I’d like to invite Georgia and her family over for dinner. You have two days off next week between series, right?”

I squeeze the tense muscles at the back of my neck. I am not ready for this. “Mom, it’s too soon.”

“Says who? Georgia? You have rights. So do your father and I! As a matter of fact, I think I’ve been more than patient.”

“You have. I know you’re anxious to meet him.”

“So are your brother and sister-in-law… and your niece and nephew. Doesn’t your family matter to you anymore?”

“You know better,” I say, but she hit a nerve. I haven’t been considering their feelings in all of this. “I’ll see what I can do. So, you’d have the gang over next week? Say on Monday?”

“Yes. I’ll have Chef Thomas prepare all the side dishes and your father and Quinn can grill the steaks, so we can visit.”

“Mom, nothing too fancy. That wouldn’t go over well.”

“What? I have to serve biscuits and gravy now?”

I snort. “Mom, you’re terrible.”

She laughs. “At least you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

“It’s hanging by a thread. I’ll run it by Georgia today.”

“Sounds good. I’ll call Thomas and set it up.”

“Better wait for confirmation.”

“I’m warning you, you had better stand up for yourself and your family now or you’ll regret it later.”

“Gotta go, I’m pulling down her drive now.”

“Ciao ciao!”

“Bye, Mom.”

“Love you, sweetie.”

G eorgia is a sight for sore eyes in her floral sundress. She is so fine. The spaghetti straps leave her shoulders and arms bare while the fitted bodice with a scooped neckline hugs her curves, making it hard to look away. Once again, I have the pleasure of admiring her gorgeous bare legs, and I’m all here for it. August is wearing a Cutters onesie… not the one I bought.

I give her a low wolf whistle when I climb out of the car and her lips tilt up in a sweet smile. “Hello Geege,” I say.

“Hi Cade,” she says. “Look Auggie, it’s your daddy.”

“Da da,” he squeals.

I scoop him up and hug him close. It has been way too long.

“Hey little buddy. I missed you,” I say.

“Miff me.”

“Yeah, I missed you, ” I say pointing and lightly poking his belly with my finger.

He grins and starts babbling then points to where the bouncy house used to be. I nod like I’m understanding every word. “I see that. Bouncy house all gone.”

“Bowfie bye bye.”

“Do you miss bouncy house?” I ask to reinforce the concept.

His brow furrows in concentration then he grins like the sunshine breaking through clouds, “Me miff bowfie.”

“And I missed you,” I say. He giggles then shyly burrows his head against my neck.

“Are you all set then?” I ask Georgia.

Georgia is studying us with a soft dreamy expression. “What?”

“Are you ready to rock and roll?”

“Oh, yeah, the tote is all packed,” she says holding up the diaper bag.

“Let’s head out then.” We all turn when we hear tires crunching on gravel. It’s Loretta in her old Ford pick-up. She jumps out and slams the door. Great. Two seconds too late.

She eyes me up and down like I’m a bug on her windshield. Despite that, I plaster a smile on my face and greet her. “Loretta! Great to see you again.”

“How are you, Cade?”

“Pretty good. Yourself?”

“Could be better. I hear you’re taking my daughter and grandbaby off to the zoo today.”

“Yep. Looking forward to spending time with my son ,” I say pointedly. I’m all for trying but I won’t let her walk over me either.

“R-i-g-h-t,” she drawls.

“By the way, now’s as good a time as any. My mom would like to invite your family over for dinner next Monday. It’s one of my few days off this month. You and Doyle… Ava, Darla if she’s available. I’m sure Asher won’t be able to make it but he’s welcome. My mom, dad, brother and his family will be there. Give us all a chance to get reacquainted.”

Loretta shoots a dirty look at Georgia who shrugs.

“Not sure that will work for us,” Loretta says stiffly.

“You’re already booked then?” I press.

“Not necessarily.”

“Look my family hasn’t even met my son yet and we thought this could be an excellent opportunity to introduce August to everyone, surrounded by the people he knows and loves.”

She sniffs. “I’ll think about it.”

“Mama,” Georgia warns. “That’s a lovely invite and we’d be happy to accept. Right, Mama?”

She huffs, “I reckon.”

“Great! I’ll let Mom know.”

“Give your grams a kiss,” Loretta coos to August presenting her cheek. I hold August tight as he leans over and smacks his lips against her cheek. Loretta looks at him her green eyes shimmering with warmth and affection. “You be a good boy,” she says stroking his cheek. I guess she does have a soft side. Who knew?

“Let’s go,” Georgia says. “Bye, Mama. I’ll call you tonight.”

“Be careful.” She stares me down. “Don’t be driving fast and reckless in that fancy car of yours.”

“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I say with a slight smirk. I can’t help it that she brings out my inner asshole. She turns and stomps towards her house.

“Wave goodbye to Grams, August,” Georgia says and he waves at her back as the screen door slams behind her.

I strap Auggie in while Georgia buckles herself into the passenger seat. “This is a vroom vroom car,” I say to August and make engine noises which he is quick to mimic. After I climb in and start the car, I rev the engine and say, “Vroom vroom. Now let’s go see the giraffes and elephants.”

“Drafs.”

“That’s right. Like that book I read to you last night, Giraffes Can’t Dance . Remember?” Georgia says.

“Yesh, book… draf,” he says.

I reach over and squeeze Georgia’s knee. I want to let it rest there so bad but I don’t want to push my luck. There is a definite thaw in the air and I’m not about to blow it.