“Do you know what’s going to happen to him when he’s strong enough to get out of the hospital?”
This was a question that plagued me more and more as the baby grew stronger. I honestly didn’t know what would happen to him, but I could only assume he would go into the state’s care.
“I’m not certain. But there are a lot of adoptive parents out there that would love to have a newborn baby. Just don’t know what kind of long term effects he will have from everything his mother was on. So it could be a tricky case.”
Turner touched the small of my back. He was giving me comfort when I didn’t even realize I needed it.
“So, yeah, great dinner time convo,” Macie piped in, clearly not wanting to talk about this any longer. Thank God, I could hug her. “Donna, I’m going to start cleaning up, is that okay?”
All of the attention that was on me, shifted to her.
“Sure, darlin’. I’ll help.”
Macie shook her head. “No, it’s okay, I don’t mind. You made a fabulous dinner, you deserve to relax and enjoy your boys.” She stood up and grabbed the plates nearest to her. When she walked out, Dodger stood up and followed. I knew I wasn’t the only one that would like to know what was going on with those two.
“So, are we having dessert first or are we heading out to the field?” Wrigley asked, stretching his arms above his head.
“I vote field,” Paul said.
“I second that,” Camden replied. “What do you want to do. babe?”
Keegan put her hand on his. “I’m fine either way.”
Paul rubbed his hands together. “Looks like it’s game time.”
We all got up from the table and made our way to the garage.
The guys packed everything up, and Keegan went back into the house to get Macie and Dodger. Turner led me to one of the golf carts and sat down next to me.
“You going to play on my team?”
I raised my brow. “I don’t know. Are you any good?”
“You’ve seen me play before, Annabelle.”
“I wasn’t paying that close attention.”
He rubbed his chest with his fist. “Ouch! My ego has been struck.”
I playfully shoved him. “No, it hasn’t, hush.”
“And here I thought you were staring at me the whole time.”
I leaned in close to him. His eyes watched me like a hawk. “I’ll let you in on a little secret, though.” I spoke even quieter, “I did watch you during dinner.” I winked and faced forward, hoping we would leave soon.
Keegan stepped outside looking frustrated and ready to hit something. “Macie isn’t coming. She said she isn’t feeling well and is going home.”
Donna started to get off the golf cart. “Does she need someone to take her home?”
“Dodger is telling her he’d take her, but you know her. She’s fighting him tooth and nail and is refusing to be near him.”
Speaking of, Dodger came out of the house, slamming the door behind him. He ignored all he looks we were throwing his way, grabbed a bat bag, and walked out of the garage without a word.
“Well, alright,” Turner said. “Looks like trouble in Love Land.”
“Stop it,” I scolded.
“I’m sure if Macie needs something she will let someone know.” Paul redirected the family’s attention. “Let’s head over.”
Nothing more needed to be said. The patriarch of the family spoke and that was the end of it. We all took off in our carts and drove down the road to the empty baseball field the family owned and was very familiar with. I’d only been out here one time, but that one time was all it took. I felt comfortable, like this was something I’d done regularly with them. I couldn’t pinpoint why this family was so welcoming and warm. They all had that way about them that invited you in, made you feel at ease. I doubt they ever met a stranger, and a stranger never felt out of place with them. It must be their gift.
Unloading everything, Dodger was standing in front of a fence, throwing a baseball as hard as he could. It bounced back and he’d catch it with his bare hands. Clearly, he was letting off some steam. He didn’t even turn to look at us when we rolled up.
“Teams,” Wrigley said rubbing his hands together. “Me, Mom, Camden, and Annabelle.”
“What? No way, she’s on my team asshole,.” Turner retorted.
“Dad, Turner, Keegan, and Dodger.” He nodded, proud of himself and ignoring his brother.
“No, teams need to be broken up differently. We will take Annabelle, y’all can have Dodger.”
“Don’t be crazy, big brother. You know I gave you the better team.”
“Hey,” Camden piped in. “Need I remind you who was picked up by the number one college in the nation?”
“Dude, you say that every time we come out here. We know . . . it’s old news,” Wrigley grumbled.
I got the distinct impression it was a sore spot for him. Wonder if it was some friendly brotherly competition.
“We good with the teams?” Paul said, stepping between the brothers.
Both boys nodded.
It was determined that I was with Turner, which I was somewhat disappointed about. I wanted to test my abilities at kicking his ass, but couldn’t very well do that when we were both trying to score a run. We played the game, having five innings. There was so much laugher and banter. Best part, I managed to stay on two feet this time. Couldn’t say as much for Paul. He felt it was necessary to slide into third base, effectively taking out his youngest, and giving poor Donna a heart attack in the process. She yelled at him while checking out his ripped pants, saying he wasn’t twenty years old anymore and couldn’t play rough or someone was going to get hurt. You know, typical mom stuff.
Donna ended up sitting out after Paul’s little spill. It frazzled her. When I stood off to the side waiting for my turn to bat, she came over to me.
“So sad about the baby.”
I glanced down at her. Oh God, did we have to talk about this again?
“Yes, it is.”
“Are you okay?”
I tilted my head to the side. “Yes. Why?”
She gave me a gentle smile. “Because, honey, I read people. No, not like that psychic crap you see on TV. But I can sense when someone is holding back and not letting their feelings through. Kind of like Macie and Dodger. I know those two, and I know how much she loves him. She has her issues she is sorting through and they will eventually come together. And when we were sitting at dinner, I saw your hands twisting together and your eyes got glassy.” She paused and let me take in what she was saying. “That baby means something to you.”
I gulped. “Sure I care about him. He’s an innocent child.”