Perfect Bastard (Mason Creek)

When a knock came at the door, I rushed to open it, needing to do anything with the nervous energy that plagued me.

Two people stood on the other side. “Aiden,” I said, recognizing him from what felt like forever ago. “And you must be Emma.” The way his arm circled around her, there was no doubt it was his wife.

“You must be Avery,” Emma said. When I held out a hand, she stepped forward and instead enveloped me in a hug. “I’m so happy to meet you, but sad under the circumstances.”

I managed a watery smile when she pulled back. “Come in,” I offered.

“Sorry to barge in on you guys. We were at my parents’ and Mom insisted I drop off some food,” Aiden said, lifting the bag he held.

“I came along,” Emma said and leaned into her husband, teasing him for his gaffe.

Nate appeared and came over to put his arm around me. “Is there pie?”

Aiden nodded, and the two men drifted to the kitchen. Emma held back and came over and took my hand. “I want you to know Aiden is using his law enforcement background to get information about Haley. He has a friend in the FBI.”

Nate had told me the same, but there was comfort in hearing it again.

She squeezed my hand. “They will find her.”

Though I nodded, I felt miserable. “Nate said at this point it’s a waiting game, but I feel so guilty about flying to Florida to see my mom. Nate has to report to spring training in two days. This will be the only time he has to meet my mom so we can give her news about the baby and the wedding.”

“Oh, that’s right,” she said and gave me another hug. I might have clung onto her. “Congratulations. Nate is a great guy.” She pulled back and there was mirth in her expression. “I might not have thought so in high school, but believe me when I say he’s one of the good ones. And don’t feel guilty. They will find Haley and you will have a perfect wedding. And let me give you my number. Call me anytime if you need to talk. Whether it’s about Haley, Zoe, your baby, the wedding, or even if you just need a friend.”

“Thanks,” I said, appreciating it.

Then we joined the boys in the kitchen as Nate introduced them to Sunshine and Zoe. Nate’s father came in too and he and Aiden hugged like they were father and son. It was clear they’d all grown up close.

They didn’t stay long. Emma signaled to her husband.

“We need to get back to the twins before I embarrass myself. I either need to feed them or pump and we don’t have either with us.” To us, she said, “We are still expecting dinner with the two of you soon.”

I agreed, and they had been a nice distraction from my worry. I prayed not for my sake but for Zoe’s that we’d find her mom soon.

Nate

I kept my arm around Avery’s shoulder while we waved goodbye to Aiden and Emma. After they left, I checked the time on my phone. “I’m going to kill him,” I muttered.

Avery glanced at me. “Are we doing the right thing? Maybe I should stay.”

She’d suggested it a few times before. The timing sucked.

“Mitch will show up or he’s a dead man. He needs to spend time with his daughter. We are going to meet your mother. You can always come right back.”

“Maybe we should bring Zoe with us.”

I’d thought about that too. “She has school. We shouldn’t interrupt her routine. There is enough change going on in her life. She’s taken to Sunshine, and Dad is doting on her. And you’ll be back.”

The plan so far was for Avery to stay in Mason Creek while I was at spring training. When the season started, she’d be here when I had away games. She’d come to Chicago when I had home games or when she had doctor visits. The contract I signed meant I would be playing for years to come. Once our baby arrived, I might change my mind. But for now, that was the plan.

Dad still hadn’t admitted he’d been giving money to Haley for Zoe. That was between him and Mitch. And my brother hadn’t taken my calls since I’d broken the news. He’d only sent a text promising to be here before Avery and I left for Florida.

“I’m going to help Sunshine clean,” Avery said, sounding unsure, and I let her go.

She’d been keeping herself busy. And the kitchen where we’d just had beer and pie while catching up with Emma and Aiden was a distraction.

I stood at the front window, willing my brother to arrive. There was a tug on my hand. I glanced down to find my niece. The word was still foreign on my tongue. I crouched. “What’s up, honey?”