“Like you have your office?”
Daddy laughed, “Kind of, but your room is way more fun than my office is.”
“Can we get more pull-ups, Daddy.” I’d meant to ask a few times but forgot and I’d been out for a while. Sometimes I was too tired and didn’t feel like using the big boy potty, but Daddy and I hadn’t ever talked about me actually using them before. Blurting it out now was just sorta how I did things. Jobe called it without a brain-mouth filter.
“Absolutely, sweetheart. Why don’t you play while daddy gets our laundry done and our bags repacked for our trip tomorrow.”
I ran over and hugged him. “Thank you, Daddy. I love it and I love you.”
“Ditto, little Bunny. Now, go play and have fun.”
Chapter Eight
Crispin
We’d just stopped at the gas station so Beck could load up on what he called road trip food. Basically, it was a bag of junk food with way too much sugar in it. But who was I to deny him these firsts. Besides, mom had a meal plan in place to counteract the bad carbs.
I had a conversation with my parents, glazing over Beck’s past and subsequent insecurities without going into too much detail. It wasn’t my story to tell, but given recent tear-filled outbursts, I felt the need to give them a heads-up at the very least.
My sister Karlie planned to drive up from San Diego for the weekend too, which was great. I was thrilled to have the family together, especially given the surprise I had planned. Having everyone I loved most in one room to bear witness to themonumental moment meant so much to me, and I knew it would to Beck too.
Beck merrily sang along to the tunes he’d chosen for our trip. He even made a special playlist called First Road Trip. Occasionally, a bite of beef jerky and random chocolate was shoved into my mouth as he ‘shared with daddy’ while I drove. He insisted he feed me, so my eyes would remain on the road. While excited about the trip, he was clearly nervous about being in the vehicle for this long.
He was more himself today, the nerves somewhat subsided, but the closer we got to their house the more he fidgeted.
“Sweet Bunny,” I patted his lap. “Deep breath. I promise it will all be fine.”
My parents bounded out of the house the second we pulled into the drive. When my sister and I moved away after college, Karlie to San Diego and me to Vegas, they sold the house in Anaheim and moved to Yucca Valley. More affordable and close to halfway between Karlie and I both.
“Where is that boy? I’ve waited far too long to properly hug him,” Mom’s voice came through the windows loud and clear.
“We better get out sweetheart before she finds her way in here.” That got a giggle from my nervous boy, so we were off to a good start.
As soon as Beck’s door opened and he popped out, mom’s arms wound around him. “Beck, it’s so wonderful to finally meet you in person. You’re even more adorable than the pictures Crispin sent.”
Beck blushed. “It’s nice to meet you, Mrs. Knight.”
“Mrs. Knight? How old do you think I am? It’s Carissa or mom, to you.”
My poor Bunny was at a loss. His mouth opened and closed much like his beloved fish Goldie’s did. Beck was so cutewhispering sweet words to her after he put the weekend feeder in her tank, promising her we’d be right back.
“Woman, you’re gonna squeeze the life out of the poor boy,” Dad teased. “Do I get to meet him too?” I missed them more than I thought. Their playful banter, while in my youth I’d deemed embarrassing, as an adult I envied it. They loved each other just as much, if not more, than they did when they married forty years ago.
“Nope, he’s my new son,” she protested and dad shook his head.
“Beck, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Nick, this bossy woman’s husband and your boyfriend’s father.” Karlie came flying up the driveway, nearly rear ending my SUV. “And that fearless driver is our other offspring, Karlie.”
My sister was something else. “Hey big brother,” she hugged me hard. For such a petite woman she had a grip like the Hulk. “This must be the new boy.” Beck let out aneepwhen she squeezed him.
“Karlie, don’t break him,” mom protested. “Nick and Crispin, bring the bags inside.”
“See,” dad hooked a thumb at mom. “Bossy.” When mom flipped him off, we lost it.
“God, how I missed you guys.”
“We’re only a short drive away, son and you and Beck are always welcome here.”
“Thanks, Dad. I appreciate it. With the new merger it’s gonna be busy for a while, but I promise, we’ll visit more often.”
