When I learned Shaw was going to be a dad, a sense of panic took over, not only because of his stupid mistake, but because the thought of kids scares the shit out of me. But reconnecting with Grace has changed things.
Now, I know I want it, and it’s time I make my intentions known. I clear my throat a few times and sit up straight, inhaling deeply before looking at Roy. He observes me closely, doing the opposite. He sits back, planting his feet firmly on the ground, and crosses his arms.
Carl walks in and shakes a few hands before sitting at the empty seat at our table. He reaches into the bucket of beers, picks one up, and loosens his tie.
“I’m done for the day. Last contest judged. What’d I miss?” He tips his bottle to the screen.
“You’re just in time to watch pretty boy squirm,” Roy tells him with a sinister grin. “Been waiting for this since you drove up to my house.”
Carl whips his head to me, his expression changing. “How long are you going to play football?”
It seems like a weird question, considering I’m about to spill my guts about planning a future with Grace, but I answer honestly. “As long as I can. Barring injuries and the league, I think I have at least another ten years.”
Logan whistles low, shaking his head. “Mom’s not going to like that.”
“So ten years of Grace not coming home for Thanksgiving and Christmas?” Carl goes on.
It clicks then; my team schedule will always have me playing on these holidays. They’re thinking about the future, too. I swallow hard, careful of how I answer.
“Jesus Christ, you were laid out by a two-hundred-and-ninety-five-pound lineman the other night. Now, you look like a scared jackrabbit!” Roy fires off, clearly enjoying my discomfort.
“You can visit us. I’ll buy us a house big enough for everyone to stay as long as you want.”
“Do you want children?” Roy’s face remains stoic.
“Yes.”
“How many?”
“However many Grace will give me.”
“You know I shot at the last man Grace brought home. He was a piece of shit walking. He didn’t deserve to breathe her air. I know why she did it. It was clear she didn’t have any interest in him, so I took great pleasure in ushering him off my property with a few rounds.”
“Not to sound violent, but I’d have probably been in jail after knowing what he did to her. He’s a stupid dickhead. Lucky for me, he was long gone before I found her again. But if he wasn’t, it wouldn’t have stopped me.”
All three of them seem to like the response because the mood at the table lightens, Carl relaxing in his chair.
“That’s it?” I’m pretty sure these men have been practicing this since Grace was born.
“There’re a few things you need to promise me, boy, and I’ll take your word as your honor.”
“What’s that?”
“You’ll love her like she deserves. Never hurt her.”
“Easy, done.”
“There’s a peach tree in the back of the orchard. She and her grandma loved that tree. Grace wants to get married under that tree.”
Easy again. “Done.”
Roy shares a look with Carl, and the hair on my neck starts to pickle.
“Last thing, Grace has dreams, big dreams. I’m aware she gave up a lot to be here with me because she’s stubborn and insisted I needed her. She was right, I did, but I’ve regretted a lot since I lost Kayla. You need to promise me to make her follow those dreams.”
“I’m a little lost here. What am I missing?”
“Grace has talent, big talent. She’s been wanting to get into this elusive Art Program for most of her life. She’s got a good chance to get accepted. Don’t let her turn it down,” Logan explains.