Total pages in book: 26
Estimated words: 22971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22971 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 115(@200wpm)___ 92(@250wpm)___ 77(@300wpm)
Chapter Two
Ford
“Hello?” Amir’s sleepy voice sounded over the phone. I wasn’t surprised by his drowsiness, considering it was only six o’clock in the morning. I’d been awake for nearly two hours, but I waited as long as I could stand it.
“I need your help.”
“What’s wrong?” All the sleepiness snapped out of his voice. Maybe it was his police training, or just his care for family, but he was alert and ready.
“Nothing. Everything is so, so right.” I told him all about meeting Keegan, and how we spent hours playing cards and talking. I gushed about how beautiful he was, and how pleased I was that we had so much in common; we both loved sushi, riding bikes, and animated movies. I always took Henley to them when he was growing up, but I secretly enjoyed them as much as he did.
“That’s wonderful,” Amir offered. “I’m so happy for you, but what did you need help with?”
“Oh!” I was so wrapped up in talking about Keegan that I nearly forgot the reason I called. “I could have talked to Keegan all night long, but he was getting tired and I wanted to make sure he got home safely, so I walked him to his car and told him goodnight. He said he wanted to see him as soon as possible, and asked for a playdate today. I agreed, obviously, because I wanted to see him as soon as possible. I assumed he meant at his place, but then he asked for my address. He’ll be here at ten and I have nothing ready; no toys, no play area…I need help.”
“I’ll wake Henley up and we’ll be there as quickly as possible.” I was glad he was bringing my son; Henley would have great insight into what my boy would like. My boy. It was almost too good to believe. Everything happened so fast, and it couldn’t be more wonderful.
“Thank you so much.”
“Of course. See you soon.”
We ended the call and I got to work. I definitely needed help where Keegan was concerned, but there were things I could tackle on my own, like getting my place cleaned up. I always kept it tidy anyway, but I wanted everything to be perfect for Keegan’s visit. I loaded the dishwasher and dusted the furniture. Just as I finished running the vacuum, my front door opened and Henley and Amir entered without knocking, which was just the way I liked it.
“I’m so happy for you!” Henley exclaimed before slamming into me with a running hug. “Oh, this is so exciting! And you’re a Daddy?”
I assumed Amir had filled him in on everything. I hadn’t had the conversation with my son yet; I was waiting until I found someone special, because I didn’t want to get his hopes up. I was glad he didn’t hold my secrecy against me. He only had acceptance and excitement, which warmed my heart.
“You are going to be the best Daddy,” Henley continued, before scrunching up his nose and deciding, “Well, it will be a tie.” He released me from his grip and plastered himself to Amir instead, making his partner beam until he practically glowed. Love radiated off the pair, and I hoped I would experience the same…hopefully soon…and hopefully with a certain gorgeous young man.
“Do you want to show him what you brought?” Amir asked, shaking the plastic bag in his hand.
“Yes! I almost forgot.” Henley took the bag and opened it for me to see inside. “I brought some of my toys to share with Keegan.” My heart swelled as I inspected several Matchbox cars, a model train, and a coloring book with a box of crayons. “I only colored one picture in the book, and Daddy tore it out for me. So it’s basically brand new. Do you think he’ll like it?”
“I think he’ll love it.” During our talk the night before, I learned that Keegan loved creative things like coloring and finger painting. “I also think that this was very sweet of you.” Henley grinned and got an extra squeeze from Amir.
“Come on, we can get this stuff set up in my old bedroom,” he suggested. That had been my thought as well, but I wanted to check with my son before I made any big changes.
“Are you sure?”
“Of course! I have my own place with Daddy now. Besides, if it’s a playroom, I’ll get use out of it too when I come to visit Keegan! I get to meet him soon, right? What about at Sunday dinner tomorrow?”
I blinked in surprise; I hadn’t thought that far ahead, but apparently Henley had, even on the short drive between our houses. “I…I suppose,” I stuttered, while my son nodded.