The Christmas Catch

Chapter 12

Chapter TWELVE

For once, Bebe didn’t mind the early flag football game. Not when Jay sat next to her on the bleachers. He shouted enthusiastically every time Hope made a run. The little flutters that had been dancing in her heart seemed to morph into heart emojis in her eyes. His support of Hope was like a balm to her soul.

And so very dangerous.

How could she keep her heart guarded around a man who would spend his Saturday morning watching a bunch of second-graders play flag football? Not a single kid belonged to him, yet he showed up and cheered with the enthusiasm of a parent of multiple children. She peeked at him from under her Atlanta Falcons hat. A wide grin stretched on his face, emphasizing the crinkles that fanned out from his brown eyes. His cheeks were slightly red from the cold wind that blew.

He turned and caught her stare. “What?” He blew on his hands, then stuffed them into his jacket pockets.

“You really like football, huh?”

“You do too.” He tapped the bill of her hat.

“But it’s so early,” she whined. Not that she minded the early day. Something about connecting with Jay over football had her grinning after the dramatic whine.

He chuckled. “Yeah, but your girl is good. She’s the best player out here.”

“That’s bias talking.” Still, pleasure filled her heart at the words.

“Nah, truth. I bet the coach has already told you that.”

“Of course not. This is an equal-opportunity league.” She pointed to the kid who seemed to be looking at insects versus the active play on the field. “Every kid gets an equal amount of playing time.”

Jahleel rolled his eyes. “Well, take it from me. She’s a natural.”

“She’s just having fun.” It wasn’t like Hope could become a professional player. Bebe just wanted her daughter to enjoy life, and football was part of that.

“That’s the best part.” He bumped her shoulder. “Come on. I know your football-lovin’ self enjoys this.”

“It’s nine fifteen on a Saturday. There’s a bed calling me and a Christmas movie waiting for me.” But yes, she loved the game, even if all they did was pull a flag to end the play.

“How about this—after the game, we’ll go to your place and watch all the Christmas movies you can stand.”

“Deal.” She shook the hand Jay offered and stilled. The warmth seemed to seep right into her heart. Suddenly the cold was no longer a factor. When had hanging out with Jay become an instinct and not even a question in her mind?

His gaze darkened and drifted down to her lips. Bebe gulped as her pulse picked up speed. Even though she’d been thinking more and more about the romantic feelings brewing between them, a flag football game was no place for a first kiss. Gently, she tugged at her hand.

Jay looked down and then guided her hand to his mouth. She inhaled sharply as his lips pressed gently against the back of it. Good thing you didn’t wear gloves. He let go and turned back to the game. As if he hadn’t just wrecked her and turned her into a jumbled ball of emotion.

Bebe stared across the field, trying to locate Hope and get her brain back on football. But her thoughts refused to switch gears. It was like every nerve in her hand had felt his soft touch. Her hand tingled, and goose bumps gleefully peppered her arm.

He hadn’t kissed her on their date. She wasn’t sure what had stopped him, because the evening had been absolutely perfect. Santa had driven them to an open field surrounded by oak trees covered in Spanish moss. A fire pit had been in the center of the field, enclosed by plush seating. How Jahleel had even coordinated something to that magnitude was beyond her. There had been food resting in a foil package on a grate above the fire pit and a cooler with the makings for s’mores.

Afterward, they had ridden back to the farm and arranged for Santa to come to the Christmas ball. Bebe had tried to get Mr. Hammond to show up as himself instead of as Santa, but Jay thought the kids would enjoy it. She just prayed Reverend Walker wouldn’t be too upset by the jolly man’s presence.

She jolted to attention as Hope ran past two defensive players. Her little legs pumped as she headed for the end zone. Bebe shot to her feet and began cheering. “Go, Hope!” The defensive players tried to catch her, but she had too much of a lead. She ran into the end zone and stopped, looking for the referee.

“See, I told you she has natural talent.” Jay beamed with pride as Hope ran to the sidelines. “Way to go, Hope,” he yelled, giving her two thumbs-up.

She waved enthusiastically and then guzzled down some water.

“Thank you for coming to her game.” Bebe smiled at him. “Since my parents moved to Florida, I’m the only one cheering her on. They would be here if they could, but it’s just too far for weekend visits.”

“Her father doesn’t come visit at all?”

She shook her head.

Jay’s jaw clenched, and he looked away. After a moment, he said, “I’m glad I could come.” His hand reached for hers, squeezing it tightly. “Don’t let her think it’s her fault, Bebe.”

“I won’t.” She gulped. “She knows she has a perfect Heavenly Father.”

“I pray she remembers that.”

“Me too.”

They sat in silence for the remainder of the game. Bebe wondered what was going on in his brain. It was obvious that Will’s behavior upset Jay, but he didn’t say anything more about it. In fact, he hadn’t spoken negatively about her ex at all. Still, he maintained a death grip on her hand until the referees blew the game whistle.

Hope ran over to the bleachers. “I made a touchdown! Did you see?”

“Sure did, pumpkin.”

“You did awesome, Hope.” Jay high-fived her. “I think you’re my favorite player.”

“Silly. You don’t know anyone else here.” Her cheeks puffed as if laughing at his comment.

“Yes, but I’m an expert when it comes to good football players.”

A shy smile crossed her face. “You think I’m good?”

“The best one out there.”

Hope threw her arms around his legs. “Thank you.”

Jahleel patted her head while Bebe looked on.

The way her insides melted at the sight proved how much danger she was in of losing her heart to Jay once more. Bebe didn’t know if that was a good thing or something to guard against. He’d apologized for the past and was so different from Will. Should she give in to her heart’s desire or continue holding herself back?

Jahleel laughed along with Hope and Bebe. They were watching Home Alone2 while eating snacks. So far, they’d watched three movies, had lunch, and now ate popcorn. He couldn’t remember when he’d had such a good time that didn’t require a ton of money.

He frowned. Had he gotten pretentious? Was he throwing his money around instead of showing up and living? He stared at the TV, heart pounding. Every year he sent money home for his parents’ birthdays, anniversary, and Christmas. Never once did he cross state lines to join them in celebration. Staying in Texas had been all about him. His need to maintain distance from his father. He’d always told himself that his mother didn’t mind. That she understood their family dynamics.

How utterly selfish. His lip curled as he straightened up against the couch. Seeing Bebe parent Hope alone showed him how important it was to show up for the people you loved.

Lord, I messed up big time. Please forgive me for ignoring my mother just because my dad makes life difficult. Please help me know how to truly honor my parents and protect myself from the condemnation that my dad doles out. Amen.

Jahleel peeked at Bebe. They’d entered into some kind of relationship. What was he supposed to do about her? He couldn’t leave her, but he needed a job. His savings wouldn’t last forever. Should he go through with his business idea or not? Was he still being selfish by entering a relationship when he had no idea how it would work? He rubbed a hand across his face. If he left her now, he’d be a jerk of epic proportions.

Unease fluttered in his chest. He couldn’t mess this up. Bebe meant too much to him, and Hope deserved someone who would cheer her on every day, not just at random. Jahleel gulped. What do I do, Lord?

“You okay?” Bebe whispered.

He nodded, not sure what to say.

Her eyes searched his. Slowly, she shook her head. “You’re not.”

“We can talk later.” He made a point of glancing toward Hope, who lay on the floor with her blanket.

“You want to leave, don’t you?” Bebe tensed.

“No.” I don’t want to hurt you.

She stared at him, steel and determination stiffening her expression. She didn’t believe him.

Jahleel leaned toward her, his lips by her ear. “I don’t want to hurt you. I’m sitting here realizing I haven’t been the best son, and I’m afraid I won’t be the best boyfriend either.”

She turned, her lips impossibly close to his. “Is that all?”

“Isn’t that enough?” He snorted.

“What matters is how you act now that you’ve realized your faults.” She cupped his cheek. “I don’t need perfect. I just need you to be here.”

“What happens when I go back to Texas?” His breath suspended as he waited for her answer.

“What do you want to happen?”

“I want us to be together.”

Yearning darkened her eyes. “Really?”

“Really.”

She bit her lip. “I’ve been praying, and I’ve been thinking about us, like you suggested. I think we should continue to take it one day at a time. Let’s see where God leads us.”

That almost seemed too easy. In the past, not being able to commit right then and there was a point of contention. But y’all have matured. Still ... “Just like that?”

“If we both want to see where this goes, we’ll eventually figure out all the details.”

“Okay.” He blew out a breath. He could live with that. He’d been telling her God would give them the details. Now it was Jahleel’s turn to remember that and lean on God’s understanding.

Bebe caressed his cheek, then dropped her hand. He captured it, placing a kiss on her palm. Lacing his fingers with hers, he turned his attention back to the movie.

He sat there, holding her hand in his, watching Hope crack up at the robbers’ antics. This could be his life permanently. Sitting with the woman who captured his heart and the little girl who earned her own spot there. He wanted to be the best man possible for their sakes.

He wasn’t yet sure what role he would fill in Hope’s world. She didn’t have a father present, but he didn’t want to step on another man’s toes. Who knew the reason Will kept his distance? Granted, Jahleel wanted to punch the man in the face every time he thought of him, but maybe one day Will would be a good father to Hope.

Until then...

Well, he’d keep praying for God’s guidance.