Clay
“So how long has she been here and why haven’t I heard about this sooner?” Blake asked us, looking pissed. She must not have told him about mistaking me for him.
“Well seems that we still favor enough that she got us mixed up. You told her where you were working, and she came to find you for help and saw me. She assumed I was the one she had been with and proceeded to get me kicked out of my house for over a month.” I told him with a scowl on my face. I was still not happy about that. Especially since neither myself nor Jillian slept much during that time.
“Damn man, Jillian believed her?” Blake was shocked and glanced toward the kitchen. “You worship the ground the woman walks on.”
“Hello, I mean look at him. Jillian took one look at Teddy and then back at me and started yelling.” I told him in disgust. “Thankfully she admitted before the paternity tests came back that she knew he couldn’t be mine and that she was sorry. When Connie saw the picture on the mantle of us together, she about died.”
Blake looked up as Connie came into the room and went to pick up Teddy. She didn’t say anything, she just plucked him out of his highchair and left the room. He shook his head and ran his hand down his face.
“I’m sorry, it really was just a one-night stand. There were no numbers exchanged or promised made. Connie and I are going to have to decide how to handle this because she made it clear she isn’t leaving, and we aren’t looking to have a relationship other than as coparents.” Blake looked up as Jillian came into the room.
“Baby, should we share our news with them?” I asked Jillian as she sat beside me. She smiled and nodded. “So, as it happens, we are going to have one of our own in about six months.”
Hank looked at us and a huge smile broke across his face. He got up and pulled Jillian into a huge hug. He knew we had been trying for years to have a baby.
“Hey now, that’s my woman. Hands off, get your own.” I teased as he pulled me into a huge bear hug. “Guess Sadie is going to have her choice of babysitting duties.”
“I’m so happy for the two of you. You will be amazing parents. Both of you have been great with Sadie.” Hank looked at Blake and his smile dimmed a bit. “Blake, how long are you planning on hanging around.”
“I’m not really ready to settle down and be a father. I’d like to be a part of his life, but I can’t be a daily part.” Blake glanced to where Connie had taken Teddy to get him ready for bed. “We are going to see how this plays out. If she doesn’t want him to know I’m his father that’s fine. I’ll just be a cool uncle. I will send money and try to help where I can.”
Hank bristled at that. I cringed because I could feel the anger coming from my brother. He was a bit traditional. You take care of your responsibilities. The thing is, he seems smitten with Connie, so I know he doesn’t want her to end up with Blake.
“I think Jillian and I are going to head home.” I said as I stood up and waited for my wife. She stood up and leaned over to kiss Hank on the cheek and whispered something to him. He visibly relaxed and smiled at her.
“I’m going to go let Connie know we are leaving.” Jillian said as she walked to the back of the house. Blake got up and walked out. I looked over at my brother. He looked thoughtful.
“You really like her don’t you.” I stated. Hank got up and jerked his head toward the back porch. I got up and followed him out. He sat on the railing.
“She picked up on the system the first day, we work well together. Sadie adores her and the kid. I really don’t want to have to hire someone else.” Hank said staring at the sliding doors. I glanced over and saw Connie talking to Jillian.
“You know that’s not what I meant. I know you haven’t known her long, but I can feel the tension when the two of you are in the same room. She watches you and you watch her as well. You also seem fond of the baby. Sadie adores both of them.” I said as I watched him stare at her. “Hank, you know better than most of us that time is not guaranteed. If you think you have feelings for her and that there is a chance they might be reciprocated, you need to act on it. Start courting her and let her know that she has options.”
“I haven’t been on a date since Miranda. I never thought I would be able to feel like this about another woman. What if she wants nothing to do with me.” Hank looked at his leg. I knew he was a bit insecure about the way walked and the fact that he was still recovering from his accident.
“Take your stubborn ass to rehab. You are a strong man in your prime. She stares at you like she wants to take a bite out of you. You are a great father, provider and when you want to be you are a fun guy to be around. Give the woman a chance to see the brother I grew up with.” I told him as Jillian popped her head out the door.
“You ready baby?” Jillian asked as she glanced at Hank and back at me. “Blake went out to the bunkhouse.”
“Yep, talk to you guys tomorrow.” I said as I put my arm around my wife, and we left. Driving home we were pretty quiet. I was very excited about the baby, and I know Clay is as well. I must have fallen asleep on the way because suddenly I’m being carried into our house. Hey, lays me down on our bed pulls off my shoes and socks, then removes the rest of my clothing.
“Stay here, I’m just going to lock up the house.” Clay headed back to the other room, and I closed my eyes.