Jillian
We watched Blake walk outside behind Connie. Hank stood at the window with his arms crossed. I watched him scratch his beard and grunt then head back into the kitchen. Sadie frowned and went to her room. I looked at Clay and raised my eyebrows at him.
“Why don’t I take him, and you go check on Sadie?” Clay suggested. He sat down on the floor, and I put Teddy down beside him along with a couple of his toys. My husband looked so sweet playing with the baby. I couldn’t wait to see him play with our baby. I smiled and went to find Sadie in her room lying on her bed. I went and sat down beside her.
“Hey Sadie bug, what’s wrong?” I asked gently as I ran my hand down her hair. She shook her head. “You know you can talk to me about anything.”
Sadie sat up and crossed her legs. She looked down and pulled her stuffed horse into her arms.
“I don’t want Blake to take Connie and little Teddy away with him.” She whispered as a tear ran down her face. “I know they have only been here a week, but I really like her. She is nice, easy to talk to and she makes my dad smile.”
“You know, just because Blake is Teddy’s father doesn’t mean they are going to leave with him. Things happen and there are all kinds of families. Connie works for your dad, and she wants a home for her son. Blake isn’t really in a good position to provide that right now. Let’s not get ahead of ourselves, okay?”
“Ok, thanks Aunt Jilly.” She leaned over and hugged me. I stood up and offered my hand to her. We walked back into the living room to find Blake and Connie back inside. Connie was setting the table and very quiet. Blake was sitting in the floor with Teddy absolutely enthralled with his son. I walked over to Connie and gave her a hug.
“Hey so how did he take it?” I asked her quietly. “He looks like he is bonding with him.”
Connie looked over at her son playing with his father and then looked at Hank who was bringing the food to the table.
“He wants to be a part of his life, but he isn’t ready to settle down. I told him that I’m staying here with Hank and Sadie. I won’t cart my son around the country to rodeo’s. If he wants to spend time with him, he can visit him here.” she said firmly. “I have a good job and a great living situation here. I’m not screwing that up. I like it here.”
“Good, because they need you. Blake isn’t a bad guy, but he has always had a wandering nature. Hank is as steady as they come, and Sadie adores you both.” I told her with a smile.
“Dinner’s ready.” Hank announced as he went and picked up Teddy and put him in his highchair. Slipping a bib over his head he rubbed the boy on his head and Teddy smiled up at him. I saw Blake watching the interaction. He didn’t look mad, just thoughtful. Sadie came in and sat down next to Teddy’s highchair. Hank was at one end and Clay at the other Connie sat down beside Hank, so I sat beside her leaving the seat next to Sadie for Blake. Dinner was fairly quiet, except for Blake talking about the last couple of rodeos and how he placed in the bull riding events. Teddy wasn’t on solid foods yet, so he had an animal cracker to gum while we had dinner. He had been fed a bottle earlier but was a little wired.
“Papa, I’m done can I go out to see Buttercup before I shower and get ready for bed?” Sadie asked. I could tell she wanted to get away from the tension at the table.
“Sure pumpkin, that’s fine.” Hank said as she kissed her dad on the cheek and took her plate to the kitchen. I figured we should probably leave soon after dinner. We heard the door close, and Hank looked at Connie. “So, are you staying?”
“Yes, we are staying. I assume I still have a job?” Connie said quietly. We were done eating, so Connie picked up her plate and Hanks and I grabbed Clay’s, Blakes and my own to take to help wash dishes. I looked at Clay and then over to Blake. He nodded at me. I walked into the kitchen to see Connie standing at the sink with her shoulders shaking.
“Why don’t you let me do these and you go get Teddy bathed, fed and ready for bed. It will give you some time to collect your thoughts.” I suggested. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes and hugged me.
“Thank you, it’s just been a highly emotional day. I’m not in love with Blake or anything, I just want Teddy to have a father in his life.” Connie explained as she wiped her eyes and took a deep breath. “I’m pretty sure Blake is planning to leave in a week.”
“Ya’ll will figure out an arrangement, but Connie, you have a home here.” I told her as I smiled at her. “We are your family now.”
“Thank you.” She said as she went to get Teddy.