Suddenly, Nick had the sensation of a thousand-pound weight sitting on top of his chest. How was he going to find the words so Miles would understand?
“This is really heavy stuff. To be honest, I hate that I even have to bring it up, but you’re a bit older now. I don’t want you to find out from someone else at school. That wouldn’t be right.” Nick let out a ragged sigh. “Frank Baker went to jail for causing the car crash that took your mother from us. He shouldn’t have gotten behind the wheel that day and I can’t forgive him for being so selfish.” Nick winced at the shocked look radiating from his son’s eyes. Although he knew this moment had been inevitable, he couldn’t rid himself of the feeling that he was taking away his innocence. “So when I saw him handing out Halloween candy, I just reacted. Seeing him in the flesh made me sick to my stomach.”
“It’s not fair!” Miles said in a raised voice. Miles rubbed at his eyes, which looked suspiciously moist. “He took her away from us. He’s a bad man.”
“No, it’s not fair and it never will be,” Nick acknowledged. “But I know that we can get through this together, Miles. I refuse to be angry anymore, because I’ve wasted so much time feeling that way. I won’t give that to Frank Baker. And neither should you. We’ve already given him enough. I want to watch you play soccer and enjoy time with our family. I want to see you go to middle school and become the best version of yourself.”
“Am I not already the best version of myself?” Miles asked, making a goofy face.
Nick laughed and reached out to tweak his chin. “You’re pretty perfect, but there’s still room to grow. For both of us.”
“I know. I’m aiming to be taller and stronger than you and Uncle Luke,” he said matter-of-factly. Right at that moment, he resembled Kara so much, with his big brown eyes and expressive face, that it caused a hitch in his heart. Having her mini-me around reminded him that Kara lived on through their son. No one could ever take that away from him.
“What do you want to do today?” Nick asked, veering away from the topic of Frank Baker. He didn’t deserve to take up another moment of their time and attention. He’d told Miles the important stuff he wanted him to know. His son had handled it like a champ. For now, it was enough.
“Can we go over to Tess’s house? Her rabbit had a litter of baby bunnies.” Miles reached into the cabinet and pulled out a box of Cocoa Puffs and a big bowl before getting a carton of milk out of the fridge.
Nick held up his hands. “We just got Zeus.” Zeus perked up his ears upon hearing his name. “We’re not getting any bunnies. That’s not happening.” Just the thought of bringing a bunny into the household made him shudder.
Miles rolled his eyes. “I don’t want a bunny, Dad. I’ve got my hands full with Zeus.” Miles’s morning routine of getting up early to walk Zeus and feed him was proving to be a challenge, but Nick had to hand it to his son. So far he was being very responsible caring for Zeus.
“I just want to see the litter. There are ten babies,” Miles explained. “Can you believe that?”
“Ten!” Nick let out a whistle. “That’s a lot of bunnies. What is Tess going to do with all of those rabbits?” He couldn’t imagine having to find homes for ten bunnies.
“I have no idea.” Miles shrugged and busied himself with eating his Cocoa Puffs. Pretty soon, all Nick heard was the clink of his spoon banging against the bottom of the bowl. “So, can we go over? Tess invited me.”
Nick glanced at the clock on the wall. It wasn’t even nine o’clock. “I’m going to finish my breakfast, then hop in the shower. Then we can go take a look at the bunnies.”
Miles let out a celebratory shout. “Dad. I appreciate you,” Miles said in a solemn voice.
“Ditto,” Nick said, his heart melting. How lucky was he to have a son like Miles? One who could feel all the joy all around him and freely express his love without reservation. He often thought about the fact that life wasn’t fair, but having Miles as a son served as a great equalizer.
By the time they arrived at the Marshalls’home, it was ten o’clock. There were numerous other vehicles parked in front of the house. Miles led the way to the backyard, where several people were gathered by the shed. Tess came running over as soon as she spotted them.
“Miles! Come see my baby bunnies. They’re beautiful,” Tess said, waving him over.
As Miles ran off to join Tess, Nick called out to him. “Miles. Why don’t you find the perfect bunny for Uncle Luke?”
Miles turned back toward him and flashed him a thumbs-up. “Great idea.”
Just the thought of Luke having to take care of a bunny made Nick laugh out loud. That would teach his brother to dump a dog on him.
Nick caught a glimpse of dark curls and a curvy figure in a red sweater and dark jeans. Harlow was here! Nick hadn’t expected to run into her today.
Nick strolled over. “Hey, what are you doing here?” Harlow swung her gaze up, surprise registering on her face at the sight of him.
He leaned in to give Harlow a tight hug. His lips brushed against her cheek.
“I’m Vera’s vet,” Harlow answered. “The Marshalls called me when she went into labor and I’ve been checking in every day since then.”
“Vera? Is that the bunny who gave birth to a small village of rabbits?” he asked, wrinkling his nose.
“Yes. It’s a cute name, right?” Harlow asked. “I promised Tess I’d help her find families for the litter. Are you interested?”
Nick chuckled and held up his hands. “Absolutely not. We’ve got our hands full with Zeus.”
“How’s that going? Have you talked to Miles yet about his tumor?”
