She lifts her face and looks at me. “You came to talk about Clark. We should do that.”
“Okay. I want joint custody.” For now. But that’ll all change after we’re together as a family. Family. I love the way that sounds.
“Every other weekend isn’t going to work. I’m still nursing him, and he doesn’t take a bottle at all. Ever. And I don’t want him to. I plan to exclusively breastfeed for as long as possible.” I can add determined to the long list of things I love about this woman.
“Every other weekend won’t work for me either. I need to see him more often than that. I’ve already missed too much.”
“Then what do you suggest?”
If she’s going to use nursing as a reason to keep him then I’ll use it as a reason for her to stay too. “If he were taking a bottle, you’d pack them up and send them. When he’s with me, you’ll pack you up and come along.”
“Beau. I’m engaged to Preston. He’ll have a shit fit. I see your logic, but there is no way he will agree with that.” She mumbles under her breath, “I’m not sure I agree with it either.”
“Would you prefer he have a shit fit or we go before a judge and have him or her decide our fate?” I’m sure she knows it won’t look very good that she kept Clark from me since birth.
“So you’re agreeing?” Come on, Peach. Say yes.
“I’m agreeing to try it. That’s all I’m committing to. How many days are reasonable?” Every day.
“What’s your schedule? Do you write full-time or what?”
“I try to write four days a week. Do you remember Emery Whitworth, the student who called me when we were in Jamaica? She and I grew quite close during our pregnancies. She comes over and keeps Clark for six hours those days. What I pay her helps with her tuition fees. But, not having any family support, she gave her baby up for adoption. Being in Clark’s life has helped her heal. Emotionally.”
After my experience with Caroline, I know how important it is for a young pregnant girl to have a supportive adult in her life.
“I want three days a week.” I have no idea if she’ll go for that or not. That means spending a lot of time with me.
“Three days is almost half the week.” I know. And it’s not near enough.
“Do I need to remind you that you’re getting all seven with him?”
“No. I’m aware but that’s going to disrupt my life a lot.”
“Then give me two. You can use your days with me to write. I’ll take care of him and you’ll nurse him when he’s hungry.” It’s really a great plan for both of us.
“Sheez, Preston is going to hate this.”
“Preston can kiss my ass.” I mean that from the bottom of my heart.
She laughs. “Okay. We’ll give it a try and see how it goes. But I’m making no promises. And no more of what just happened.”
I laugh. “I make no promises either, Peach.” I don’t need any of her false guarantees, because I already know how this is going to play out. I’m taking what’s mine.
“I’m serious, Beau. Hands off.”
Yeah . . . that’s not going to happen.
Chapter 15
Beau Emerson
We gather around my parents’ table for Sunday dinner. It’s a difficult feat to get the seven of us together, but my mother insists we do it once a month. No questions. Each of us knows the last Sunday of each month is reserved for family, per order of Darby Emerson.
I’ve been sitting on the news about Clark for two weeks. It’s nearly killed me, but I’ve held out because I want my parents and siblings in the same room when I tell them about him. With a family this size, it’s easier that way.
“I have some news to share.” I never make announcements so I easily gain everyone’s attention. “I’ve recently found out that I have a child––a five-month-old son.”
Everyone ceases eating and stares at me.
“Who’d you knock up?” Judd asks.
“Her name is Anna James Bennett. I met her in Montego Bay last year. We were inseparable for nine days.”
Hutch laughs. “Sounds like you really connected.”
“Aren’t you clever?” Smartass.
“It’s a gift.”
I need them to understand Anna James wasn’t just a piece of ass to me. I love her. “I can honestly say that the nine days we spent together were the best of my life. Ever.”
“I bet they were,” Wilder says.
Mom gives my brothers the motherly stare. It shuts them up every time. “I hear a but in there somewhere.” Typical mother intuition.
“We had a huge misunderstanding, and she left without saying goodbye. She came to me after discovering the pregnancy but saw me with Phoebe. She thought I was happy and didn’t want to ruin it.” I leave off the part about her seeing me with both of my lovers and the fact she refused to bring our child into a poly relationship.
“You sound unhappy about that.” Mom is baiting me. And I’m biting.
“I’m full of regrets. A series of unfortunate circumstances caused me to miss everything––going to the doctor with her, being there when he was born, the first five months of his life.” I’m sick about it.
“But you’re in his life now?”
“We’ve made an agreement about visitation. I get to see him two days a week.”
“That’s very generous.” I know. She probably could have pushed the envelope and given me much less.
“I asked for three but I was pleased when she agreed to two.”
“Is she the woman you introduced me to when we were FaceTiming?” Caroline asks.
I nod. “That’s her.”
“She’s lovely.”
Beautiful. Breathtaking. “She is that and so much more.”
“What is his name?” my mom asks.
“Clark Beauregard. They call him Clark.” Thank God. “You’re going to be shocked when you see how much he looks like me. Our baby pictures could pass for twins.” I consider showing her the pictures on my phone but seeing her grandson for the first time in person will be so much better.
“She named him after you although you were not together?” My mother is beaming, clearly happy to know Peach has carried on the Beauregard tradition.
“She loves that name. Don’t know why.”
“Because it belongs to you, but I’m guessing she didn’t give him your last name since you weren’t there when he was born?”
“He’s a Bennett, for now, but I’m going to talk to her about changing it to Emerson.” I need to give her time to let all of this sink in. I don’t want to push too hard, too fast.
“What is her situation?” I know where Judd is going with this. He’s asking if she’s a gold digger.
“She’s a former high school teacher turned author.” I look at my sister. “Her pen name is A.J. Clark. Ever heard of her?”
“Holy shit!” Caroline yelps. “You have a baby with A.J. Clark?”
“She wasn’t A.J. Clark when we met.”
“What is your status with her now that Phoebe is out of the picture?” I hear the optimism in Mom’s voice. She’s so hopeful I’ll find that special woman to marry and start a family. And I have.
“I love her.”
A fork drops onto someone’s plate, making a clanking noise, and a soft gasp leaves my mom. “Have you told her?”
“I did but she’s with another man. Engaged.” I despise admitting that.
“Beau, you can’t sit back and do nothing. You love her, and she’s the mother of your child. You have to fight for her and your son.” Mom’s not saying anything I don’t already realize.
“I know; I’m going to. I’m already making plans.”
“When do we get to meet Clark?” Mom is beaming.
“We’re still ironing out the details on what days since she has a book release on Tuesday. She’s asked me to wait until later in the week. I was hoping I could bring him then.”
“You already know you can bring him anytime. I wish yo
u could go get him right now.”
“Me, too, Mom. I miss that little guy like crazy.” And his mom, too.
* * *
Judd and Hutch are on their knees installing the new hand-scraped wood flooring in our latest flip. Definitely worth the extra money. Potential buyers are going to love it. “That looks really high end.”
“Well, here comes lover boy,” Judd says.
“Fuck you.” I knew I was going to catch shit from my brothers about my announcement last night.
Hutch moves from his hands and knees to a kneeling position and sits back on his feet. “Judd and I have been talking about your news, and we’re curious. How does one living your kind of lifestyle go to a hedonism resort in Jamaica and fall in love? We thought that place was only about kinky sex.”
“It is but it also happens to be where I found the right woman.” And had lots of sex, some of it a little on the kinky side.
“But she’s vanilla. And you’re not. How’s that gonna work out?” I’m a little surprised to hear Judd use the word vanilla. I didn’t know he used that in his vocabulary for anything other than ice cream.
“I’m willing to give up my lifestyle for Anna James. If I have her, I don’t need any of that shit.”
“You said she’s marrying another dude.” I don’t need Hutch to remind me.
“Not gonna happen.” Hide and watch if you don’t believe me.
“Judd, get the popcorn because I think we’re gonna get to see a free show.” This is my life, and they’re laughing about it.
I don't have time for this bullshit. “Dickheads.”
“Just kiddin’ with you, bro. I can see how much you love this woman. I hope it works out for you.”
I check the time. “I gotta run. Anna James and Clark are coming at three.”
“Tell me again what time we’re supposed to be at Mom and Dad’s.”
“We’re going over at six, but y’all come around seven.” I want Mom and Dad to have time with Peach and Clark without the whole gang. Plus, I don’t want her to be immediately overwhelmed. My family can be a little much at times.
“Hey, Beau,” Judd calls out. “Wanna come over to my place for some beers after the game tomorrow?”
“Sorry. Can’t.” I have a date with my son and his mother. “Maybe fishing next week?” I haven’t taken the boat out in a while.
“Sure. Just let me know.”
* * *
The slam of a car door alerts me to Peach and Clark’s arrival, so I sprint outside to offer help getting him out of the car, carrying his bag, whatever she needs me to do.
“It’s all right. I’ve got this.” Miss Independent.
“I know you’ve been doing this without my assistance, but I want to help.” I need her to see my eagerness to be a father to Clark.
“Thank you.” She holds out the carrier for me to take.
I sit on the sofa and place Clark’s carrier on the cocktail table in front of me. “Hey, little guy. I’m very happy to see you again.”
I look over at Peach. “And you, too.” I can’t believe how much I’ve missed them.
“The book release went well?”
“Oh, God. It’s been a crazy week for me. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to make it over sooner. I’m sure you’ve been anxious to see him.” Peach wants me in his life. She trusts me with our son. Now, I must convince her she can trust me with her heart as well.
“It’s okay. I know you couldn’t help it.”
“The book is getting great reviews, so I’m relieved.”
“Of course, it is. It’s a great story, Peach. It’s ours.” Does Preston know our hot sex inspired what she wrote about?
I haven’t read the new book yet. I hear it’s the second part of our story told from the male point of view. My view. “I plan to read the new book.”
She covers her face. “Oh, God, Beau. Don’t.”
She’s nuts if she thinks I’m not going to crack that puppy open as soon as I’m able. “It’s my point of view. I want to know how you think I saw us.”
“It’s fictitious, Beau.” It’s not. She wrote the story through my eyes. I want to know what she believed.
“Don’t be surprised if Caroline pulls out a copy for you to sign. She and her friends are huge fans. In fact, she’s the reason I discovered Hede.”
“Has she put it together, that Ben’s character is based on you?”
“I hope not. That would mean she had figured out I used to be poly. As in, past tense.”
Clark fusses so I take him out of his car seat. I’ve been dying to get my hands on him all week.
I recognize the offensive odor the moment it hits my nose. “Uh oh.”
“What?”
I turn him around, and we make the discovery together. “Oh, dear, Lord. He’s never done anything like that,” Peach yelps.
Clark’s covered in shit halfway up his back. “That, by God, is the worst case of Hershey squirts I’ve ever seen.”
“Ah, poor thing. He’s on antibiotics. The doctor warned me this might happen.”
I’m alarmed at once. “Clark’s sick?” She didn’t call and tell me anything about him not being well or a visit to the pediatrician.
“Just an ear infection.”
“He’s my son. I want to know these things. I would have gone to the appointment with you had I been told.” I don’t mean to sound like an ass, but I am annoyed she didn’t tell me.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t consider that.” She hasn’t had to answer to anyone about Clark for five months. I guess I shouldn’t be too upset with her.
“If you’re truly remorseful, I think you should volunteer to clean him up.”
“Sorry, Daddy. You’re not getting off that easy.” I love the way she just called me that.
“I’m already holding him so go run a bath while I take his clothes off. Second door on the left.” He’s covered so badly in shit I’m convinced I’ll need a shower when we’re done.
I pass his little naked butt off to Peach, and she places him in the water. “I have an emergency bag in the car. There’s baby wash in it.”
“Caroline brought over a basket of baby supplies. I’m sure there’s some in there.”
Lotion. Baby powder. Butt paste. “Found some.”
“I bought that outfit especially for tonight. I wanted him dressed well when he meets your family. I’m not sure I have anything decent in his bag. It’s probably just an emergency onesie.” She sounds so deflated.
“This qualifies as an emergency.” A code brown.
“I know but he should look his best. I don’t want your family to think I don’t take pride in the way I dress him.”
She’s worried about what my family thinks of her. Caring about them is an extension of her caring for me. Right?
“I have something he can wear.” And my family will absolutely love it.
“You’ve been baby shopping?”
“Don’t get too excited. I was in the campus bookstore with Caroline and couldn’t resist getting him some Georgia Bulldogs stuff.”
She laughs. “I should have known you’d put him in something like that as soon as you could.”
“I was saving it for game day.”
“Which is when?”
I had planned to discuss that with her tonight. “Tomorrow.”
“At least you’re not in a hurry.”
“I’d really love it if you and Clark would come to the game with me and my family tomorrow.”
“You want a five-and-a-half-month-old at a football game?”
It’s about so much more than that. “Game day is family time for the Emersons. And Clark is an Emerson.”
She doesn’t argue he’s a Bennett so I take that as a sign it could be okay to bring up his last name. “I wasn’t around when he was born. If I had been, he would have taken my name.”
“I know.” Her initial reaction isn’t to argue. Thank, God.
“I want him to be an Emerson. Legally.”
>
“I knew you would. You’re his father so he should have your name. But you probably ought to know Preston isn’t okay with it.” Again, Preston can kiss my ass.
That prick probably thought he was going to adopt my son as his own. Wrong. “He doesn’t get to have a say about my son’s name.”
“I wish you could be a little less difficult when it comes to him. He’s going to be my husband and Clark’s stepfather. It’ll be easier on all of us if you can get along.”
My attitude is upsetting her, so I’ll keep my opinion to myself about Preston’s future status in our lives.
“Will you come to the game with us?” Tomorrow is my day with Clark. We’ve already agreed.
“Sure.”
She takes Clark out of the bath once he’s spick and span and wraps him in a towel. “I must confess I’m a little embarrassed about meeting your family.”
What does that mean? “Why?”
“I only knew you a few days when I got pregnant.”
“You didn’t do it by yourself. I was right there with you, happily going along. They know that.”
“It doesn’t say a lot about my virtue. And then I kept Clark from you. They can’t think I’m a very nice person.”
“Don’t worry, Peach. My family is going to love you and Clark as much as I do.” I didn’t really intend on saying anything about loving her. But it’s the truth.
“You can’t say that kind of stuff to me.”
“Why can’t I if I’m being honest?”
Peach sighs. “I’m marrying someone else. There shouldn’t be another man saying he loves me.”
“But I do and I’m not going to stop telling you until you hear me.”
“I do hear you.”
I don’t think she does. But she will.
My parents are waiting at the front door to greet us when we arrive at their house. “This is my mother, Darby, and my father, Will.”
Peach is nervous. I hear it in her voice when she speaks. “Very nice to meet you. I’m Anna James.”
I take Clark from Peach and turn him so my parents can see him. “And this is your grandson, Clark.”
My mother puts out her hands to take him. “My God, Beau. It’s like looking at you as an infant all over again.”