“What’s his name?” She couldn’t hold in her own smile. Who didn’t love news of a tiny baby being born?
“Caleb David Lamar. Eight pounds, three ounces.”
“That’s a strong name.” Her heart fluttered, announcing its own desire for a baby in the future. “Do you have any pictures?”
“Madison said she’d send one soon.” He sighed and reached for her.
She willingly went into his arms. “What a day.”
He rested his chin on her head and folded his arms around her. She could have stayed like that forever, but he moved his head and his gaze locked with hers.
A poignancy in his eyes told her not to move or say a word.
His hands rested on the small of her back, and he stared at her with unwavering strength. “I love you.”
Fifty different sentiments, all related to joy and love, welled within her and expressed themselves in a single tear. Of all the changes in her life, Landon was the one that kept her grounded. He brought her joy amid the darkest months of her life and breathed new life into her existence. He showed her how to persevere and show compassion, and how to swallow her pride to attain personal growth. Because of Landon, she’d become a better person. “I love you too.”
Chapter Thirteen
Easter came early this year, falling on the last Sunday in March. Landon paced through his apartment, searching for any speck of dust or anything out of place. He’d spent all evening Thursday cleaning, down to the corner of the bathroom behind the door which was often neglected. Jessa and her parents, along with Phoebe, would stay at Gran’s, but he assumed they’d come visit his home at some point during their time in Maryville.
He looked at this phone, disappointed to see only three minutes had passed since he’d last checked. Sighing, he decided to head to Gran’s house anyway. He’d rather wait there, hanging out with his family than alone in his place.
This weekend was a huge step in his relationship with Jessa. He’d made trips to Jasper Lake almost every weekend to spend time with her—Mrs. Addy stopped charging him for a room and said he’d become family—but she’d yet to see his stomping grounds. He understood she didn’t want to leave her parents right now.
He’d seen for himself how they worried incessantly when not able to get in touch with Jessa or Phoebe, and if one left Jasper Lake for any reason, even to the other side of the lake, their parents would call every half hour on the dot. He imagined that’s how it would be until Trixie came home, which he prayed would be soon. Every time he saw the pain in Jessa’s eyes and the worry in her parents’, he wished he could do more.
Inviting her parents to come visit with her was the least he could do. He loved Jessa, and if making concessions for her family is what it took for them to have a healthy relationship, then that’s what he would do.
The drive to Gran’s saw little traffic. Most people were already at the ballfields, picnics, or wherever else a spring Saturday took them. He parked along the curb, leaving the empty spot in the driveway for Jessa. On the opposite side of the road, he spotted Tanya’s car and grinned. That meant a high chance his favorite little nephew was inside.
He jumped from the truck, grabbing the flowers he’d give Jessa when she arrived. As he strode to the door, he heard the cry of a baby with a healthy set of lungs.I don’t have to worry about waking him up with the doorbell.
Dad came to the door and welcomed him, and it struck Landon that he thought of his parents as Mom and Dad now without any acrimonious thoughts.
“We’re giving free earplugs to all visitors today.” Dad winked and gestured him in.
Landon stepped into the house, laughing. “Why’s the little guy crying?”
“Tanya said he’s tired and hasn’t slept since an hour-long nap at three this morning.” Dad pointed down the hall. “She set up his portable bassinet in there for the day, and Gran added a rocking chair.”
If he listened carefully, he could hear strains of Mozart coming from the room and Tanya whispering cooing words to her son. “Where are Scott and Lacy?”
“Scott had to work. It’s his first weekend at work since Caleb was born, and he’s not taking it well.” Dad grimaced. “He’s texted Tanya three times since she’s been here to check on the baby and that’s stressing her out. Mom said she needs to relax because the baby can sense it.”
His heart went out to his sister and brother-in-law. He knew Scott only had good intentions and missed his son, and he also remembered the many sleepless nights Tanya had when Lacy was an infant. “Where’s Mom?”
“Outside with Lacy picking flowers for a centerpiece.”
The crying subsided, and a minute later Gran tiptoed from the room. “Caleb is sleeping peacefully in his mama’s arms. Don’t make any loud noises to wake him up.”
Dad cupped Landon’s elbow. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”
“Sure.” He didn’t know what about—they’d had multiple conversations already to air their feelings and begin the process of moving forward—but Dad’s face didn’t register any emotion to warn Landon it would bring distress. If so, he’d have said no on the grounds his nerves were already shaky with Jessa’s impending visit.
He followed his dad into the study, where a sleeper sofa would be Jessa and Phoebe’s bed for the weekend. All the linens to prepare it and four pillows were neatly folded on a table against the wall.
Dad grabbed a plain white envelope off the desk and sat on the right side of the sofa. “Have a seat.”
