Page 103 of Falling Together

“Really? That’s great.”

“You think Dad will let me go?”

I nod, grabbing my water bottle and sucking down a sip. “Of course he will. And if he doesn’t, I’ll let you go.”

Luke laughs. “Is this what it’s going to be like with the two of you and the baby? One of you says no and the other says yes?”

“Hanging out with friends is always approved. Did you meet him at school?”

“You’re sounding like Dad now.”

“Sorry.” I throw my hands up. “But if you are going, we at least need to know where.”

He smiles at me. He looks so much like Grant when his face lights up. “You’re starting to sound like a mom.”

“Good thing. This baby will be here before you know it.”

“Dad’s up next,” Luke says, pointing back to the game.

Grant is in the on-deck circle, swinging the bat. The baseball shirt clings to his biceps in the most delicious way. And somehow those pants make his ass look even better.

Get it together, Georgia.

“Let’s go, Grant!” I cheer, clapping as he steps up to home plate.

The pitcher takes his stance, lining up before throwing the ball. It cracks against the bat as it sails into the outfield. It keeps going, and going, and⁠—

“Home run!” Luke shouts, jumping up and down next to me. “Way to go, Dad!”

“Woo!”

I’m high-fiving everyone around us, watching as Grant runs the bases. He gives us a nod, letting us know he sees us.

Damn. Watching him play baseball is hot. He said he didn’t have the athletic ability to keep going and moved into coaching, but he’s good.

Again, my bar for knowing what’s good is low, but Grant makes it look easy.

“Your dad is really good,” I say, retaking my seat as the next batter comes up.

“I know he wishes I loved it like he does, but eh.” He shrugs a shoulder.

“Anything you like more?”

“I like going riding with you,” he says.

“You do?”

“I mean, it’s cool.”

“I’m glad you enjoy it.”

I now know the feeling that Grant gets when he’s around Luke. He wants to encourage him when he likes something, but I don’t want to act too interested and make him hate it.

Is this what being a parent is really like?

I still have a lot of learning to do, but I like having Luke around. Even though he’s not my kid, he’ll always be a part of my life. Grant and I will always be linked through this baby.

He’s shown me what it’s like when someone shows up for you. When they care for you. When they love you.