Page 89 of Ghost

George faced me. “You’re sure about this?”

“Right now? Sitting here? I’m worried about leaving her at home. I want to take care of her. Hell, she’s not even sick, she just feels crappy. And, I can’t think of leaving her alone.” I laughed. “Yeah, I’m sure.”

He pursed his lips and studied me for a few seconds. “So, you’re asking my permission?”

“Kind of. She says she has two fathers, you and her dad. I’m asking you first, and then I’m going to ask you if you know how to get ahold of him.”

He grinned. “She said that?”

“Said what?”

“That she has two dads?”

“She’s said it more than once.”

“I’m glad she looks at me like a dad, because I look at her as a daughter.” He exhaled a heavy breath and looked me in the eyes. “I can’t imagine her being with anyone but you, Porter. I remember the day she came in here telling me she loved you. I was pretty damned happy for both of you. Her wedding day will be a day that I’ll cherish for ever and ever, I can tell you that much. She’s like the daughter I’ll never have. If you’re seeking my blessing, you’ve got it. I’m convinced this can’t be anything but right. ”

“She thinks the world of you,” I said.

“You need help with money for the ring?” he asked.

“Appreciate it, but I’ve got it covered.”

“You sure?”

“Positive.”

“What are your thoughts about kids?” he asked.

I laughed. “Three months ago, I couldn’t imagine a life with kids in it. Now? Hell, it’s always on my mind. I want to have kids with her and give our children the family life that I never had a chance of having. A mother and a father, both at home, both taking part in everything. I lay in bed at night and think about it.”

“What about the club?”

I sighed. “I’m thinking when we decide to have kids that I’m going to walk away from it. There was a time and a place for it, and those men will always be brothers to me, but I can’t imagine having kids and staying in the club will be a good thing. I want our children to be my only focus other than her.”

“I like the way you think, Porter.”

“Do you know how to get ahold of her father?” I asked.

“I do.”

“Mind telling me?”

“For this occasion, I don’t mind at all.”

* * *

As nervous a virgin at a prison rodeo, I held the phone to my ear and hoped he answered. If he didn’t, I doubted I’d have the courage to call him again for some time. After losing count of how many times it rang, he answered.

“This is Anderson,” he said.

“Mister Northrop?”

“This is Anderson, yes.”

“Sir, my name is Porter Reeves. This might seem like an odd telephone call, but if you’ve got a moment, I’d like to talk to you.”

“Is Abby alright?”