She heard a sound and saw Deacon standing in the doorway. Violet smiled and motioned him over.
“Do you want to snuggle a little, or do you want some breakfast?” she asked.
Deacon didn’t say anything but climbed into the recliner with her and snuggled against her side under the afghan.
“Mommy didn’t come home,” Deacon said softly.
Violet would give just about anything to not be having this conversation with Deacon. No child should have to experience the loss of their parent.
“I know and I’m so sorry. But you have a home now with your dad,” Violet said.
“Wish I could have both,” Deacon replied.
“I know, honey. Me too.”
She snuggled Deacon and Tessie, hoping that she could help Deacon heal and be happy with Speedy. She shoved down that little part of her that wanted to be a part of this family too.
Chapter Six
Speedy had checked on the kids and then decided to take a quick shower when he found Violet, Deacon, and Tessie snuggled in the recliner under a blanket watching cartoons.
The shower had given him too much time to think about what he wanted for his kids. And Tessie was his, even though it was impossible for him to have fathered her. He wanted stability and love for them. His parents had given him a wonderful childhood, and it was what he wanted for his kids.
He’d already made the decision to stay at Bluff Creek, and this cemented it. Deacon and Tessie would grow up with friends on the compound. The fact that Regina and Baron, along with all the older couples, treated all the kids on the compound as their grandkids, whether they were or not, was a bonus. His kids would have grandparents. He was sad that his parents hadn’t been able to meet Deacon, but Anita hadn’t been a bad woman. He needed to figure out where he’d put the envelope to see if there was anything he should be worried about. There had to bea reason that he was listed as Tessie’s dad and not the biological father.
He slid his cut on over his long-sleeve henley and headed out to his first full day of fatherhood. He was a tad worried he’d screw something up, but hopefully with his Bluff Creek family, they’d help him fix whatever he did wrong.
“I’m hungry,” Deacon said.
Speedy walked into the front room. “Well, we need to take care of that. We could fix something here, or we could go to the diner, get breakfast along with some clothing items. We’ll have lunch with everyone in the clubhouse, but that’s four hours away. I’m hungry too. What do you think?” Speedy asked.
“Can I get pancakes?” Deacon asked.
“Of course. Violet, how long would it take you to get ready?” Speedy asked.
The surprise on Violet’s face was quickly replaced with pleasure. “Umm, I showered last night. I just need to get ready. Maybe fifteen minutes?” she said.
“All right. Deacon, you and I can get you and Tessie ready while Violet gets ready. I think we need to take a bag, so let’s see if we can find something manly. I don’t think the pink diaper bag you guys brought matches my outfit,” Speedy said, making goofy eyes at his kid.
Deacon laughed. “Okay,” he said, staring at Speedy.
“Do you have a question?” Speedy asked.
“Do I get to call you Dad?” Deacon asked.
Speedy lifted Deacon off Violet’s lap so she could get up but also to make sure Deacon knew Speedy was serious.
“Deacon, you and Tessie are mine. I’m your dad, and I’m going to love you forever. You can call me Dad, Daddy, or if there’s another name you want. I called my dad Papa growing up, but a lot of the grandparents here are called Papa,” Speedy said,holding Deacon close as Deacon’s arms squeezed around his neck.
“Do I get grandparents?” Deacon asked.
“Yes, you do,” Speedy said, inhaling the little boy scent of Deacon. Speedy had gotten a crash course last night on how messy bathtime could be, but seeing Deacon giggle as he splashed Speedy was worth every drop of water he had to mop off the floor.
“Okay, Daddy, I’m ready to get dressed,” Deacon said.
Speedy kissed his forehead and put him down. Deacon immediately ran toward his room. Speedy turned and took Tessie from Violet.
“Thanks for taking the kids this morning. If you think of anything we need for the kids, could you write it down? I’m guessing that even with all the things people brought, we’ll still need some other items,” he said.
