Page 174 of Straight Dad
“Can I tell you something? Each of my kids found the perfect partner. And not one of them is alike. Willa is artsy and creative. She colors outside the lines. Hell, I bet she doesn’t know what lines are. And I’m sure you’re learning that Exton is all lines. He’s not bouncing off those borders. He’s playing within them.”
“I noticed that.”
“Layton is calm, cool, and collected. He’s also always been on the outside a bit.”
“Really? He seems to move in that circle so easily.”
“Oh, he fits. You’re right about that. But he never rushes. Things happen when he arrives; he doesn’t arrive so things can happen.”
I pause, trying to get my brain around that.
“And?”
“And are you home yet?”
“Just pulling up.”
“Keep me in your car. I’ll be right here. Go get your boy.”
“Scarecrow, I think I love you most of all,” I whisper and run for the door. “Kyle, come on. Let’s go to Pop’s.”
It isn’t a minute later that I’m back in the driver’s seat.
“Okay. I’m back. Now what?”
“Head our way.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice.”
“I’m going to make a phone call and dial you right back, okay?”
My knee is bouncing. “What’s the speed limit on this road?”
“Slower than you’re going, probably. You won’t miss it. You won’t miss him. Be safe coming.” He disconnects, and I look in the rearview. “Pop says you can stay with the horses. And Luna and Sola.”
Kyle’s tail starts whipping, and I worry about the glass in Layton’s windows. Note to self: don’t mention anything like that inside the SUV.
The phone rings, and Willa’s name flashes on the screen.
“Hey.”
She growls in return. “Do you have some ideas on ways to reduce the pain I’m feeling?”
“Not the baby exiting part, but the muscle part? Maybe.”
“Tell me all the things. Better yet, can you come over?”
“Are you not on your way to the hospital?”
“My contractions aren’t close enough together for that. It’s such bullshit. Seriously… they want me to suffer longer here with no drugs and then suffer there, too. This whole thing is messed up.” Her voice drops. “No more sex for you.” One huge inhale and exhale later, she continues, “That wasn’t for you.”
“God, I hope not!”
“Can you come?”
“Sure. I need to drop Kyle off at Pop’s first, unless you want a beast trying to help.”
She yelps in pain, and I stomp on the gas. “I’ll do whichever you want.”