Nick didn’t look up but he could feel the weight of his dad’s stare.
“I won’t speak on what initially brought you together. I don’t condone what you did, but what’s done is done. It sounds like your lady is dealing with a lot of heartache right now. I can understand her fears about not being able to have children. It’s a little different for women, I think, but as a man, I can tell you my life wouldn’t be the same without you boys in it. The four of you are truly my greatest accomplishment. You are my gift and legacy to the world.”
“I didn’t think I’d feel this way. I thought of the baby as just a means to an end, a way to get Raina to agree to marry me. But I’m already attached to this baby. I can’t stand the thought of her leaving me and not seeing her or the baby. But we fought and now she thinks I’m immature. Too immature to be a good parent. I’ve screwed things up so badly and I can’t see how to fix the damage I’ve done.”
“Nothing is unfixable. If I could win your mother’s heart after making a sexist comment, then anything is possible.”
Nick sat forward, suddenly intrigued. “You did what?”
It was part of the family lore that his father had initially struck out with their mother after saying something stupid. He’d had to work long and hard that summer to regain her good opinion. Neither of his parents had ever said what the “stupid thing” was. He’d assumed it had been a dirty comment, so he’d never had any interest in hearing it.
But if his father had really said something sexist, he was definitely interested in how he’d atoned for it. Their mother had been a feminist for as long as Nick could remember. If his dad could change her mind after a strikeout of that magnitude, maybe there was hope for Nick after all.
Mark grumbled. “It wasn’t that bad. I was trying to make a joke and she took it the wrong way.”
Nick folded his arms and tried not to smile. “What exactly did you say?”
“We were talking about colleges and I may have said a pretty girl like her didn’t need to worry about it.”
Nick winced. “Nice, Dad. So she should have just gotten married and stayed barefoot and pregnant, huh?”
Mark hitched up his pants and circled the hood of the truck again. He wiped his hands on the old rag thrown over his shoulder. “It was a joke! I’m willing to admit it was a bad one.”
Nick finally gave in to laughter. “Um, I can see how you might have thought you were complimenting her, but knowing Mom, I’m sure she wasn’t amused.”
“She let me know in no uncertain terms what I could do with my attempts at flattery. After that, she didn’t even look at me when she visited Maria. No more flirtatious looks or conversations. She wasn’t rude—she’s far too classy for that. But I could see she thought I was an uncivilized oaf. She was pretty determined to keep me at arm’s length after that.”
The situation was eerily similar to where he found himself with Raina. She was unfailingly polite and she hadn’t asked for any more space. But she didn’t come seek him out when he got home anymore. She didn’t complain about her nausea or her random food cravings. There were no more late-night cuddle sessions and no more monster muffins with the bottoms burned off.
No more of those sweet smiles that made him feel like he’d just come in out of a storm.
“So, what happened? What did you say to change her mind?”
“I didn’t say anything. Her parents died and during the aftermath, I was there for her. I was willing to do whatever she needed. More importantly, I didn’t just offer my help; I gave it without her asking. In the midst of tragedy, people have the opportunity to show what they’re really made of. This is your chance to show your lady what you’re really made of, son. That you’ll be there for her no matter
what. In good times and in bad.”
Too keyed up to sit still any longer, Nick jumped up and paced. He might not be able to convince her that he was there for her, but he could show her. He was suddenly sure that everything would be okay. That was one of his favorite things about spending time with his parents. He always felt better after seeing them.
“Thanks, Dad. You’re never too busy for us. Even now, when I’m clearly keeping you from your work.”
Mark ruffled his hair. “I’ve always got time for you, Nicky. My own father used to say that the true measure of a man is how he treats the people he loves.”
“You fixing this old thing again?”
“Just changing the oil.” His dad stroked an affectionate hand over the hood of the truck “She’s got years of life left in her.”
“Well, I guess I’d better go. Thanks for the advice, Dad.”
“Anytime, kiddo.”
He hugged his father and walked back in the house. His mother stood next to the sink, washing a handful of berries.
“Nick! You’re still here.”
“Yeah, I was just hanging out with Dad.”
She smiled. “I’m so glad. It’s strange sometimes for us, having this big old place all to ourselves. You always think you’ll enjoy the peace and quiet after your kids are grown, but sometimes I miss all the noise. All the laughter.”