A small smile begins to creep onto her face that has radiance that was missing the other day. “I’ve been walking around a lot to think. Did you know the park has reindeer right now? I’m not sure they are really happy since they are in a kind of pen, but an elf feeds them hay and kids watch.” I grimace at her because she’s rambling, and she shakes her head when she realizes. “Anyhow, on my walks Ijust kept thinking only one thing… I want this. Completely not planned, but no other thought has entered my brain.”
Placing my hand on her thigh to help assure her, I feel the side of my mouth stretch. “I can relate. I needed to adjust to the news. Becoming a dad most definitely was not on my bingo card for the year—or two or five.Butapparently, the universe wants this to happen now.”
“I haven’t told anyone.”
“Me neither. I’m not exactly sure what happens now.”
She shrugs. “Neither do I, but maybe we’ll wait to tell anyone. It’s early, and everyone is occupied with the holidays anyhow.”
“Agreed. Don’t you need to see a doctor?”
She adjusts her scarf again. “Not yet. Those tests are very accurate these days, especially when you take eight. I’ll call the doctor’s office tomorrow.”
“Okay. Good… good, good.” I grow quiet, and my fingers thrum on her leg. She touches my wrist, and the tiny smirk on her face is because she’s maybe amused by me.
“We can figure out other things as we go. We have time. I mean, biology says probably thirty-four weeks, but…” She throws her arms in the air. “Who’s counting?”
“The baby is your belly probably is,” I reply dryly.
We both seem to be relaxing. We’re attempting humor, and that’s a start.
I shift on the bench and blow out a whistle. “Your dad is going to kill me.”
“He might.” Her face turns serious before then she bursts out laughing. “Your parents? What will they think?”
Scratching the back of my head, I think about it for a second. It hasn't crossed my mind since I’m an adult. Lucky for me they are them, warm and always accepting. “Surprised but pretty relaxed. Ignore my mom if she asks if shecan take photos during labor, she sometimes forgets boundaries.”
Her forehead creases. “As induringlabor?”
“She’s a photographer and loves finding new subjects.”
She laughs, and it’s good to see a glow returning to her face. “Duly noted. My mom will probably be thrilled. She was pregnant with me before they got married. Actually, my dad arranged a judge to marry them the following week and didn’t tell my mom.”
My eyes bug out. “Whoa, ballsy…” And traditional. Which kind of brings on the other thought that has been dancing in my head… Gracie and I. “Speaking of which, uh…” There is strain in my voice.
Her hand rushes to touch my arm to calm me. “Oh my God, I didn’t bring that up because I think we should… you know… No. We don’t need to… Blah, I am not sure what I’m saying, but you don’t need to marry me or something like that. We don’t know one another that well.”
A flood of relief escapes. “Phew, I was a little worried there.”
She smiles wryly. “We’ll have to get to know one another, I’m the mom and you’re the dad.”
“That is how biology works, yes.” I extend my hand, offering a handshake. Her eyes squinch at my gesture, but then it vanishes when she takes my hand. Her touch gives me an instant zing. “Hi, I’m Asher Tate, the father of your child.”
She doesn’t let my hand go and grants me an easy smile. “Hi, I’m Gracie Arrows, the mother of your child.”
Our eyes are tied just like a ribbon on a Christmas present. Maybe one day I’ll figure out if Gracie is the present that my life needed.
Stopping myself from thinking further, I release her hand and feel the absence immediately. Still, I manage tosnicker a laugh. “Oh man, this is going to be an adventure, isn’t it?” This woman gets me to smile more times than I can count for a conversation that is probably the most serious one of my life.
She sinks back and rests against the bench. “I guess it is.”
“I’m sorry if I’m not around as much as I would like. We are about to head into mid-season. I’m not sure how to balance this.”
Her mouth slides side to side. “Players and coaches have done it before. So can you. I’m also aware that your schedule in all honesty is shit. But I’m not new to it. My dad was a coach when I was a kid.”
I chuckle under my breath. “No more mention of your dad because it freaks me out.”
“I shouldn’t tell you that he has access to farm tools because my brother works at the Blisswood Winery.” She’s messing with me again and taking pleasure in that.
