The Christmas Catch

Chapter 13

Chapter THIRTEEN

Will’s ringtone sounded, and Bebe groaned. She was not ready for any kind of conversation with Will. Are you ever? But maybe he’d called to speak to Hope.

“Hello?”

“Lucille.”

She rolled her eyes. “What’s up?”

“I need to talk to you.”

Yeah, she’d figured that out from the phone call. Chill, don’t let him rile you up already. “I’m listening.”

“Actually, could we meet at Sam’s?”

Wait, he was at the diner? “You’re here?” she whispered. Will hadn’t visited Peachwood Bay since he met her parents when they were dating. Her breath caught. Was he finally going to take an interest in Hope?

“Yes. But could you come alone?”

She frowned. Why didn’t he want to see Hope? “I’m not sure I can find a babysitter on such short notice. Besides, don’t you want to see your daughter?”

“If you know what’s good for you, you’ll find someone to watch her. We have to talk.”

She straightened in her seat. “Are you threatening me?”

“No, Lucille.” Exasperation tinged his voice. “Just get down here.”

“Fine. Give me ten minutes.” She hung up and immediately texted May.

Bebe

You busy?

MAY

I’m in Atlanta with Ryan. Y? What’s up?

Bebe

Never mind. I’ll ttyl.

MAY

K.

Rosa and her family had gone on a cruise for their winter vacation. Who could she ask to watch over her daughter? Jahleel? She bit her lip and opened a text to him.

Bebe

Are you home?

JAY

Where else would I be? Everything ok?

Bebe

I have to meet Will for some mysterious reason. Can you watch Hope?

Jahleel’s picture flashed as an incoming call.

“Hey,” she said in greeting.

“What does he want?” Concern etched his words.

Bebe leaned back against the couch, staring mindlessly at the Christmas tree. “I have no idea.” She shrugged. “He told me to come alone. He’s acting really strange.”

“Do you think you’ll be safe with him?”

She frowned. Should she mention the threat? Well, it wasn’t really one. Was it? “He’s never hurt me before.” Not physically, at least.

“I don’t like this, Bebe.”

“I don’t either, but maybe he’s ready to step into his role as a dad.” That spark of hope hadn’t been doused yet.

A sigh met her ears. “God willing. Do you want me to come over there?”

“No way. I can bring her by so you can rest your knee.”

“I can walk, Bebe.”

She smirked at the irritation in his voice. It reminded her of when they were younger and how he always tried to present his best front, then got frustrated when life happened. “I know, but you’re still recovering. We’ll be over in five.”

“See you then.”

“Hope!” Bebe yelled as soon as the call ended.

A few moments later, the footsteps sounded. Hope walked into the living room. “Yes, Mama?”

“I have to go somewhere real fast. Mr. Walker’s going to watch you until I get back, okay?”

Hope nodded. “Am I going over to his house?”

“Yes.”

“Can I bring Bunny with me?”

“Sure, pumpkin.”

Bebe gathered her things and then escorted Hope next door. As soon as she stepped onto the porch, the Walkers’ front door opened. Jay stood there in a gray sweater, looking gorgeous. She inhaled, wondering why his looks got to her in this moment.

He smiled. “Hey, Hope. The Grinch is on.”

“Cartoon or humans?”

“Cartoon.”

“Oh goodie!” Hope grinned and dashed inside.

Jay stepped closer to Bebe, his brow furrowed. “Are you sure you’ll be okay by yourself? My mama is home, and we can leave Hope with her. I can be there as a just-in-case.”

Her heart melted at the offer. “I really appreciate that, but I think I’ll be okay. You could say a prayer.”

“Already done.”

The strength emanating from him made her want to lean against him and enjoy the safety of his arms. But she didn’t want to fall apart before meeting Will. Instead, she took a step back and gave him a soft smile. “Thanks, Jahleel.”

“Hurry back.”

Her pulse fluttered. With a small wave, she headed for her car. Ten minutes later, she pulled up to Sam’s Shack, the smell of fried seafood greeting her. Too bad meeting Will had ruined any appetite she had for Sam’s food.

Bebe walked into the wood building that resembled a beach shack. The dimness made it a little difficult to see, but Will stuck out like a sore thumb. He was the only one wearing a suit. She snorted and headed toward the table way in the back. His eyes widened a little when he noticed her.

He stood. “Lucille.” He slid his hands down his slacks.

Something was very wrong. She swallowed. “Will.” She pulled out one of the wooden chairs to sit on.

“Thanks for meeting me.”

“Mm-hmm.”

“I’m sure you’re wondering what this is all about.”

Yes, because every alarm in her body was sounding. She didn’t know whether she needed to fight or flee. “I am.”

He gulped. “It’s like this. Angie’s pregnant.”

Of course. For some reason, the news didn’t faze her. She’d figured it would happen sooner or later. The fact that they managed to be together this long and not have a child was the real surprise. Unease snaked through her gut. “Congrats.”

Thank goodness she didn’t feel heartache or bitterness. Maybe she was finally over the trauma that was Will Gordon.

He tapped his fingers against the table. “I can’t afford to make the same mistakes with Angie that I did with you.”

“You mean like cheating on her with your secretary?”

He winced. “No, I was thinking about Hope.”

“Wait, what? Did you cheat on Angie and get another woman pregnant as well?”

“No!” he said loudly, then lowered his voice again. “Good grief, Lucille. I’ve learned my lesson, all right?”

A server approached their table. Will waved him off, so Bebe kept her desire for a tall glass of water to herself.

“Then what is this all about? You just want me to know she’s pregnant? Prepare Hope?” Now that she thought about it, Bebe had no idea how her daughter would respond to this bit of news.

“Um, no. I, uh...” He blew out a breath. “Angie’s not like you, Lucille. She needs me more, and I ... I don’t want to mess this up.”

He kept saying that. What did he mean? He’d already married Angie and claimed he hadn’t cheated. He was already doing better in his second marriage than when they’d been together.

“What does this have to do with me? With Hope?” Then it dawned on her. “Do you want her for Christmas after all?” Dread and hope mixed within her. Her darling girl would love to spend time with him, but Bebe would be miserable without her.

“Uh...” His Adam’s apple bobbed. “Not exactly.”

“New Year’s?”

“No. I don’t want her.” He raked a hand over his hair.

“But you just said...” He didn’t want to repeat his mistakes, right?

He rubbed the back of his neck. “I’m making a mess of things.” He met her gaze head on. “I’m turning over my rights.” He leaned down and pulled some papers out of his briefcase.

Her heart thudded in her chest. “I don’t understand.”

“Like I was saying, I need to devote my time to Angie. She needs me. So I am signing over my parental rights.” He pushed the papers toward her.

Bebe stared down in confusion, skimming the paperwork. She gasped and looked up. “You don’t want to be Hope’s father anymore?” Was he serious?

He winced. “It’s not like that. She has you, and I’m sure you’ll marry again someday. If you do, he can adopt Hope, and she can have a real family. Angie ... well, Angie needs me to devote all my time to our family.”

“You can not be serious. You don’t just get to check some box and stop being Hope’s father, Will. After all, she has half of your DNA!” She drew in a breath, placing her hands against the tabletop. “You can’t just give up your rights, Will.” He can’t.

“I actually can. I’ve already talked to a lawyer. All you have to do is sign in agreement, and it’ll be a done deal.” He gulped. “Um, it will also stop child support.”

Of course it would.

“But I’d be willing to set up an account for her.” He shrugged. “I could still give you some money if you aren’t doing so well.”

“Why? That’s something a father would do.” She folded her arms across her chest.

“Look, Lucille, I’m married and have to take into account my wife’s wishes. Surely you understand that.”

This was rich. This ... bozo cheated on her, and now he was appealing to her for understanding so he could abdicate the responsibility of being a father to Hope? To parent some unborn child like her precious baby hadn’t existed for seven years already?

“You’ll follow Angie’s wishes to the detriment of your child?”

Sorrow filled his eyes. “Please just sign the papers.”

An ache filled her throat as hot tears welled against her eyes. Time seemed to stop as she stared at the paperwork. How could she do this? Sign papers agreeing that he would no longer be her child’s father? It was just ... wrong.

“It would make this easier, Bebe, please.”

Her eyes shot to his.

“I’ll make sure she won’t want for anything,” he said.

“Except the presence of her father.”

Will remained silent.

“You know what?” She scooted her chair back. “I can’t do this. I can’t look her in the eye and say I agreed to this. Let the courts solve it.”

She walked away, heart breaking for her precious child.

The next day, Jahleel stood next to Bebe in Wal-Mart, staring at the karaoke machines. “You really think this is a good idea? I can’t see many people wanting to do karaoke.”

The idea of karaoke at a Christmas ball was a little weird to him. But that was the last thing on his mind. He wanted to know what had happened with Will and erase the sadness that clung to Bebe like tinsel on a Christmas tree.

“Why not? The whole point of this is to come together and enjoy ourselves. What’s better than singing Christmas songs for karaoke? The congregation will probably join in. Even your dad can’t argue with some heavenly worship.”

He laughed, throwing his head back. “Obadiah Walker can argue about everything. But you might be right.”

“Good. Then let’s test this out.” She nudged him with a wink, but still the smile didn’t reach her eyes.

“You got jokes, girl. I am not doing karaoke.” He didn’t want to hear his voice or do some kind of song and dance.

“Come on, Jay. It’ll be fun. You can sing the song with the hippo.”

His heart stuttered. It wasn’t fair that she could bat those eyes and he’d willingly do her bidding. “Bebe,” he groaned.

“You’ll love it. I promise.” She grinned and picked the machine off the shelf.

“Let me get that for you.”

She stared at him pointedly. “Yeah, because I’m the one holding a cane.” She shook her head. “It’s not that heavy.”

“Fine.” Maybe they should’ve grabbed a cart to lug that around. “Is there anything else we need?”

“Yes. We need to head to the craft section next. We need items for the kids to make ornaments, and this year we’ll also do a reindeer hot chocolate craft.”

“Then I’m grabbing a cart.” He maneuvered around the store with his cane until he found an empty cart and returned to the spot where he’d left Bebe.

When Bebe had first suggested the reindeer hot chocolate, Jahleel thought she was slightly unhinged. But he had to admit, a pack of hot chocolate decorated as a reindeer was a cute gift and something the kids would enjoy.

“Ready now. Lead the way.” He gestured ahead of him.

Bebe placed the karaoke machine in the cart, then headed down the aisle. She looked adorable in her white sweater that fell to mid-thigh, where his eyes couldn’t help but follow the candy canes decorating her leggings. She looked festive, and he just wanted to wrap her in his arms.

It was official. He was a goner. What else made sense? Jahleel usually hated shopping, and now he was actually enjoying himself.

They hit the craft aisle, filling their basket with eyeballs, red felt balls, and material for reindeer ears. Fortunately, the store had lots of materials to make your own ornaments. Next, they hit one of the food aisles to grab hot chocolate. All the while, they laughed and joked.

He kissed Bebe’s forehead. “This has been a lot of fun.”

“You seem shocked.” Her green eyes twinkled with amusement.

“We are in a store.”

She grinned. “Still allergic to shopping?”

“Yes, ma’am. That’s why I have a personal shopper.”

“That is so sad. A grown man who can’t even shop for himself.”

He couldn’t tell if she was teasing him or something else. “What can I say? The comforts money will bring.”

“Do you think that’s true?” A V formed on her brow.

“What?” He stared at her. There seemed to be some downward shift, but he wasn’t sure why. Or what had caused the somber mood. Was it related to Will and their conversation yesterday?

“Do you truly think money brings comfort? That it’s a better substitute for presence?”

“Presents? Like those boxes under a tree?”

“No.” She huffed. “I think people believe they can throw money around instead of showing up. You see people who will chase after money until it consumes them. Never satisfied with the ‘comforts’ it brings.” She used air quotes on comforts .

Now they were getting somewhere. “ People or your ex-husband?” he asked softly.

Bebe swallowed. Ah-ha.

“I’m not like Will. Yes, I believe that money brings comfort. I was able to hire a limo for us on our date. I am funding everything for the Christmas ball. But I’m not absent. I’m active in the committee, and I think you know that.”

“I know.” She sniffed.

“Do you want to talk about it?”

A tear trailed down her face, and his gut twisted. Did he still need to prove himself to Bebe, or was there something more? Because here he was, shopping for Christmas crafts. If that didn’t tell her his commitment to the ball—to her —he didn’t know what would.

“Will doesn’t want to be Hope’s father anymore.”

He jerked backward. “What?”

“You heard me correctly.” She swiped at the tear on her face. “He wants to sign his rights over so that he can raise a new baby with his wife.”

“The woman he cheated on you with?”

She nodded.

He prayed for wisdom. “Are you still in love with him?”

“No.” Bebe shook her head vehemently. “I hate how he’s ignored Hope. I hate that he cheated on me. I absolutely do not want him back. But I don’t know how I can look my daughter in the face and tell her I agreed to let her dad escape responsibility.”

“I’m sure you prayed about it?”

She nodded.

“Then all you can do is let God lead you. You can’t make him be a parent, even if that’s exactly what he is.”

“I just don’t know how I could’ve been so wrong about him. It makes me question everything.”

“Like us?” he asked.

“Yes,” she whispered.

He tipped her chin up. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“But you are. You have to go back to Texas eventually.”

“True, but I’ll be back.” Because he wanted her in his life for the everyday activities like shopping and to be there to show Hope that she wasn’t fatherless. Whether that meant Bebe allowed him to step into that role or he continued to point her to their Heavenly Father. Regardless, he knew without a doubt that Bebe Gordon held his heart. “I’m not leaving us. But I do have a home there I just can’t abandon.”

“I know, Jahleel.” Her honeyed voice seemed to caress him.

“Then trust me when I say I’ll be back. I’m not leaving never to return. I just have to make sure my next steps lead me to a secure job.”

She gasped. “You’re not going back to the Stars?”

“No.” He slid his hands into his pockets, wishing the heartache away.

Her mouth dropped open. “But you love football.”

“Ryan doesn’t believe the knee will allow me to fulfill my contract. And now, I have other priorities. Much prettier ones.” He winked.

“Then what next?”

“Time will tell.”

She studied him, then nodded.

“What’s next on the list, boss?” He pushed the cart, thankful it could take his full weight, since his cane rested inside it.

“Door prizes.”

“All right.”

As she led the way once more, Jahleel sent a prayer upward.

Lord, please help her trust that I’m not leaving her . Help her know that I want to be with her and that nothing will change that.

Then tell her you love her.

He sighed. Was that really the best thing right now? Will had dealt a heavy blow. Jahleel didn’t want to add more weight to the worries already bogging her down. Besides, he didn’t want to say the words and then leave for Texas, even if he planned to return. It would probably cause unnecessary angst.

No. It was best to wait. Today’s business was making sure she could process Will’s decision. Tomorrow would worry about itself.