Worth the Risk (Carolina Rebels 5)

Henry is now on the ice and holding on to the boards. He glances over at Jackson with surprise. “What?”

“Kiddo,” Jackson spits the name like it tastes disgusting. “My name is Jackson.” He pauses and then adds, “Well, Momma calls me baby sometimes and Mr. EJ calls me J-man. But I don’t like kiddo.” His nose wrinkles.

“Okay,” Henry says with a nod. “I won’t call you that anymore.”

Jackson nods curtly in satisfaction. He holds out his hand to Henry, which he takes. I listen as Jackson repeats the instructions I gave him when I first brought him. Pride swells my chest that he remembered so clearly. At the end of the day, though, I hope this will make him more comfortable around Henry. I’ve noticed Jackson has yet to refer to Henry as dad, Henry, Mr. Henry, or any sort of name. Raelynn and I always refer to him as ‘your dad’ when we talk to Jackson, but he’s not calling Henry anything yet.

We slowly skate around the rink, Henry more wobbly than Jackson. Henry talks to Jackson about school, learning about his teacher and the things he likes and dislikes. I worry my plan is going to shit when Jackson very obviously pulls his hand away from Henry’s. He looks up at me.

“Can I try skating on my own like last time?” he asks.

“Sure thing, J-man.” I move in front of him and crouch. He holds both his arms out in front of him and my hands hover under his so I can grab them if needed. He moves his feet, but he’s more hesitant this time. I wonder if Henry makes him nervous. “Be confident, Jackson,” I tell him. “You can do it.”

“Yep,” he says more to himself than to anyone else. Jackson pumps his legs, wanting to go faster. I don’t think he’s ready for that. I skate backward to give him room and the moment I do, he loses his concentration and his balance. My hands clasp around his before he can think about falling.

“Why are you frowning?” I ask him.

“I almost fell. That didn’t happen last time.”

“You’re still learning, J-man. And falling is okay. It means you’re trying. Plus, you know what?”

“What?” He looks at me with big hopeful eyes.

“You went further this time.”

His eyes light up. “Really?”

I nod and release one of his hands so he can fist bump me. He turns to Henry. “Did you hear that? I went further this time!”

Henry smiles, but I can’t tell if it’s forced or not. “I heard. That’s awesome, Jackson.”

The rink begins to crowd and I have to crush Jackson’s spirits. “Time to go, J-man.”

“Already?” He frowns. “When can we come back?”

“Maybe next week. I’ll have to look at my schedule.”

Jackson nods and I help the both of them off the ice. Outside, I get Jackson into his booster seat and close the door once Henry has said his goodbye.

“How old do you have to be to start lessons?”

My heart stutters. No. Skating gear and lessons is supposed to be my gift to Jackson for Christmas. Henry can’t usurp me. “He’s old enough, if that’s what you’re asking.”

He nods. “Do you think Raelynn would let him?”

No. Not from you. Damn it. This is killing me more than I thought it would. I decide to be honest with him. “I don’t know. I’m planning to surprise him with skates and lessons for Christmas.” Henry’s shoulders fall with defeat. “But maybe we can split it? One of us gets him the skates, the other pays for the lessons.”

“You’d do that?”

“Yeah.” It was my idea first, but Henry is Jackson’s father and he needs to build a relationship with him more than I do. This might help.

“You get the skates then. Do we need to ask Raelynn?”

“Are you willing to help her take him to the lessons?” I ask. If he isn’t, then I’m about to rethink this.

He nods. “Of course.”

“I wasn’t planning to ask her, but that’s because I thought she might say it’s too much from me and say no. If you’re halving it with me, then she probably won’t protest too much. Plus, Jackson’s going to love this. I’ll test the waters with her and if she doesn’t object too much, then don’t worry about it.”