“I need to calm down before heading back outside…talk to me.”
“About what?” I straighten my clothes and reach for two bottles of water.
Passing one to Jace, I unscrew the lid of mine and take a long, slow drink. Jace does the same and my mind hits the gutter again as I watch him; his head thrown back as he guzzles the water down.
He suddenly looks at me from the corner of his eye and a grin starts to spread across his face.
I’m so busted!
Clearing my throat, I bring him up to date, “I had my interview the other day with the family court about getting guardianship of Tammy.”
He stops drinking. “That’s amazing, and quick?”
“My uncle has contacts and someone had asked for their hearing to be put back so my request was slipped in. I’m really nervous, regardless of everyone telling me it will all work out in my favor.”
“Hey, I have no doubt that you will make a great mom for Tammy…I also meant everything I said before, that I’m here to help you if you want me to.”
I smile. “That means a lot, Jace, and I’ll remember that.”
“I promised to bake some cakes and take them to Golden Circle tomorrow morning… Do you want to come with me?” I ask, knowing the children are going to be thrilled to see Jace with me. Catcher has talked everyone’s ear off about softball. Thank God, there’s another lesson planned in a few days.
After a few moments of silence, he replies, “I’d love to go with you…on one condition.” He meets my gaze. “You’ll come to have dinner with my family tomorrow night.”
My heart beats frantically inside my chest at his invitation. “I’d love to.”
“I’ll pick you up in the morning—what time?”
I try to ignore the pang of regret that he won’t be staying with me, again, tonight, and answer.
Chapter Seventeen
Jace
The noise level in Golden Circle is going to be giving me a headache soon. The children were so excited to see Savannah and me that they haven’t stopped with their enthusiasm. They’re kids so I get it, but geez, they could burst eardrums.
“Don’t you just love them?” Karen shouts into my ear, having joined me amidst the chaos.
I chuckle. “It’s fun to be a kid, and they’re certainly having a good time.”
“This is a small house we have here, which helps to give the children a feeling of home. For the most part, they are happy.” She shrugs. “We do what we can, and the live in staff help get them settled and into a routine, but it’s difficult, especially for the older ones who remember why they’re here or remember more about their upbringing.”
“From what I’ve seen, they’re lucky to have Golden Circle, which brings me to the softball game I’ve been asked to arrange. It’s taking place two weeks from Sunday at Green Fields, two in the afternoon.” I smile. “Do you want to rally everyone around to come and cheer for us?”
“Ah,” she leans against the wall beside me, “the one that Ned called about with the money coming into the home. I already have it in my planner so you can count on us all being there. The kids will love it.”
“Should be a good game,” I comment, and hope that Savannah’s ex doesn’t plan on ruining it for everybody by being a dick.
“I used to play softball as a girl,” she laughs. “A very young girl.”
I grin. “I bet you gave the opposite team a run for their money.”
“Oh, I did that…and then some. Played all through college on an all-girls team. Those were the days...” Her words fade as she becomes lost in thought.
“Jace.” I feel a tug at the bottom of my T-shirt, and looking down, smile in delight when I see Catcher looking up at me.
“Hey, buddy.” I tug his baseball cap down over his eyes, and receive a joyful laugh in return.
“Will you come outside with me and play ball?”