The Christmas Catch

Chapter 15

Chapter FIFTEEN

Winter vacation had officially started. Bebe smiled as she parked in front of her carport. Hope jumped out of the car, excitement on her face. She skipped to the front door.

“Can we make hot chocolate with marshmallows, Mama?”

“Sure, pumpkin.” She unlocked the door. “But go put your backpack up and change out of your school clothes first.”

Jay was supposed to come over so they could resume their holiday movie watching. Up tonight were The Polar Express and Elf.

“Okay.” Hope skipped down the hall to her bedroom.

Bebe chuckled and set her bag on the kitchen counter. Her cell rang, and she shifted, pulling it out of her purse. Texas? Who did she know there?

“Hello?”

“May I speak to Lucille Gordon?”

She winced. “Speaking.”

“Ms. Gordon, this is Judy Simpson from the San Antonio Independent School District Human Resources Department. I’m calling regarding your application.”

Bebe’s stomach lurched as if a flock of geese had just taken off.

“You currently reside in Peachwood Bay, Georgia, correct?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Will you be in San Antonio over the holidays?”

“Uh, no.”

“Then would you be able to do an interview via a video call?”

“Yes. I’d be happy to.”

“Great. Would you be available Monday at two?”

She gulped. “I would.” Was this really happening? What were the odds of actually getting called for an interview for the first job she applied for? You mean the only job you applied for.

“Fantastic. One last question. Would you be able to move over the holiday vacation and start work the day after the New Year?”

Bebe’s legs wobbled, and she grabbed the counter to steady herself. Should she say yes when she hadn’t even had a chance to talk to Jay about a possible move yet? Then again, she couldn’t make Ms. Simpson wait for her to have a conversation with her boyfriend.

“As long as I’m able to give appropriate notice to my current job, I don’t see how that would be a problem.” But could she pack and do all the other things required before then?

“Great. The kindergarten teacher you’d be replacing if you got the job is going on maternity leave for the rest of the school year. Although there’s an assistant, the class is quite large and does so much better with a two-man team.”

“That makes sense. Does that mean this is a temporary job?”

Could she move out to Texas knowing she’d be job hunting in the summer? It’s one interview. It’s not like you can’t apply to more than one place.

“The teacher has until the end of the school year to inform us if she is indeed coming back for the next term. Then we’d be able to tell you for sure if it was temporary or yours.”

“Thank you for letting me know.”

“Misty Baker will be the one conducting the interview. I’ll let her know you’re able to speak to her Monday.”

“Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Have a good holiday.”

“You too.”

Bebe set her cell on the counter. They wanted to interview her? Monday? And have her move at the beginning of the year? What would Jahleel think?

“I want us to be together .”

Jahleel had sweetly told her multiple times that he wanted them to be together. That the long distance shouldn’t be a factor, that God would work out the details. If Bebe got this job, that was a very necessary detail. Despite not making any declarations of love, she knew she loved Jay. It was just too scary to admit, even to herself. But he deserved her courage. After all, he’d shown her daily that he would always show up. He wasn’t like Will by a long shot.

Still, she’d need to find some way to see how Jahleel felt about her going to Texas. And she needed to make a decision about Will wanting to sever his parental rights. Her divorce decree said she couldn’t take Hope out of the state without Will’s permission. But if she signed that paper, her movements would be a nonfactor. Still, if she told Hope, would that ruin the holidays for her little one?

Lord, so much to think about. So much I want to hide from.

“ At least I tried.” May’s words repeated in her mind. Did Bebe want to live life wondering what if ? What if she didn’t follow Jay to Texas?

She dialed her principal.

“Bebe, you miss school already?”

She let out a shaky laugh. “I have a hypothetical question for you.”

“O-kay.” Andrea drew out. “Shoot.”

“If I were to quit, would you be able to find a replacement in time for the New Year?”

There was a pause. “Interesting you should ask.”

“Oh?” She sank onto a barstool. “Why?”

“There’s a local teacher interested in teaching kindergarten. Obviously, all positions are filled. This teacher is willing to leave their current position and move to another district but wishes to stay at Peachwood.”

Is this Your doing, Lord?

“Are you thinking of leaving?” Andrea asked. “I know how to keep a confidence.”

“I am,” Bebe blurted. “I have an interview Monday.”

“This wouldn’t have anything to do with a certain football player?”

Bebe grinned. “Is nothing sacred?”

“You know how small Peachwood Bay is.” Andrea laughed.

“I do,” she sighed. She and Jay had been getting looks wherever they went. Some because he was Jahleel Walker, the famous football player, and others from former classmates who had watched them date in high school.

“Well, rest assured, if you wish to leave, we’d have no problem filling the spot.”

“Thanks, Andrea.”

“Good luck.” Andrea hung up.

“What’s an interview?” Hope asked.

Bebe gasped, placing a hand on her heart. “Where did you come from, pumpkin?” She scooped Hope into her arms and tickled her belly.

“Stop it,” Hope giggled.

Bebe placed a kiss on her daughter’s cheek and sat her back down.

“You didn’t answer my question.” Hope placed her hands on her hips.

Bebe held in a chuckle. “I’m sorry, I didn’t realize you were my mother.” She winked at Hope.

“Mama,” she whined.

“An interview is when someone asks you questions to see if you would be good at a job or not.”

“You already have a job.”

Bebe bit her lip. Should she tell her? “Come sit next to me.”

“Is something wrong, Mama?” Hope asked as she obeyed.

“No, pumpkin. I wanted to ask you a question.”

“What?” Curiosity filled the green eyes just like hers.

“What would you think if we moved to Texas?”

Hope’s eyes grew wide. “Texas? Why? Who do we know that lives there?”

“Jahleel lives there.”

“No, he doesn’t.” Her nose wrinkled. “He lives with Reverend Walker.”

“Actually, he doesn’t. Since he hurt his leg, he’s been staying with them so he can get better. But his home is in Texas.”

“Would we live with him?”

Bebe’s brain stalled. They weren’t married, so of course not. But she’d be lying if she didn’t admit that was her wish. But how did you explain all of that to a seven-year-old? Help me, Lord.

“We’d probably get our own place.”

“But I thought you were going to marry him.”

Bebe bit her lip. “Jay has never asked me, but I would love for him to.” She blinked. The words seemed to blossom with hope inside of her. She would be happy to call herself Mrs. Jahleel Walker. She loved him so much. Bebe rushed on. “I like him. One day I would like to marry him. But right now, we’re just dating. If we move to Texas, we would get to see him a lot more, and maybe one day that will happen.”

“Would he come to all of my football games?”

“I’m sure he would.” She hoped. Prayed. Wished. “But don’t say anything to him. I need to have a grown-up conversation with him. Okay?”

“All right. Will Grandma and Grandpa know where to find us to come visit?”

Bebe nodded.

“Okay.” Hope hopped off the couch. “Can I have the hot chocolate now?”

Bebe stared at her. That was it? No more questions? Hope looked at her expectantly. “I’ll go make it right now.”

“Thanks, Mama.”

Jay knocked on Bebe’s door. In no time, it swung open and Hope grinned up at him.

“Mama made hot chocolate, and she’s making Christmas popcorn now.”

“Christmas popcorn?” He closed the door behind him.

Bebe looked up from setting a bowl of popcorn on the coffee table. “Yep. It’s got M&Ms, pretzels, sprinkles, and melted marshmallows.”

“Wow, that sounds amazing.”

She patted a couch cushion. “Come sit and elevate your leg.”

He loved how she fussed over him. He sat down as she pressed play on the movie. Hope had a smaller bowl of popcorn and curled up in the recliner as she watched the movie from underneath a blanket.

“Happy the holiday break started?” he murmured to Bebe.

She sighed and leaned her head against him. “Blissfully happy.”

“Good.” He tucked an arm around her and pulled her close.

They said nothing as the movie started. Hope made comments from time to time—there hadn’t been a movie they watched where she didn’t commentate—but it was silent otherwise. Jay wanted to think that it was because they were all enjoying themselves, but he could feel stress coming from Bebe in waves.

What was bothering her? Before he could ask, the doorbell chimed.

Hope sat up. “Can I answer it, Mama?”

“That’s fine.”

Bebe turned to look at the door. Jahleel was glad they had a good view from here. He didn’t really like the idea of Hope answering the door alone, but this was Peachwood Bay. Nothing bad happened here.

“Grandma!” Hope squealed.

“What?” Bebe stared in shock as her parents entered the house. “I thought you weren’t coming until next week!”

“Surprise!” Mrs. Willabee said.

Bebe stood and hugged her mom, then her dad. “I can’t believe y’all are here. I’ve missed you.”

“How you doing, son?” Mr. Willabee asked Jay.

He stood and shook the older man’s hand. “Getting better each day.”

“Glad to hear it. Glad to hear it. Will you be back on the field?” he asked quietly.

Jay shook his head. “No.”

“Sorry to hear that.”

“It’s okay, sir. I’ve got a bright future ahead.”

Mr. Willabee looked behind him at Hope and Bebe, then back to Jay. “That you do.”

“Look at you, Jahleel Walker,” Mrs. Willabee interrupted. She held out her hands. “Give me a hug, young man.”

“It’s good to see you, Mrs. Willabee.”

“Yes, it’s been a long time.” She stepped back and looked him over. “I hope that knee is treating you right.”

“It’s getting better.” He held up the cane. “And I have help.”

“Good, good.”

Bebe motioned to the couch. “Sit. We’re watching The Polar Express and eating a snack. Join us?”

“That’s what we came up here to do. We couldn’t let another day pass now that Hope is on break.”

“So you’ll be here the whole time?” Bebe asked.

“Yes. Do you have everything finished with the ball?” Mrs. Willabee asked.

Bebe looked at Jay. “We crossed everything off the list, right?”

“Just about. Although May and Ryan might need help with decorating.”

Mrs. Willabee rubbed her hands together. “That sounds perfect. Just point me in the right direction, and I’ll be of use.”

“Talk to my mom,” Jay said. “I’m sure she knows where help is needed the most.”

“Great idea.” Bebe’s mother tilted her head. “How is she doing? And your father?”

“They’re great. They were dancing in the kitchen the other day.”

Bebe arched a brow. He loved the silent communication of are you okay? He nodded, and she smiled.

“Bill, why don’t we dance in the kitchen?” Mrs. Willabee demanded.

“It’s a galley kitchen. There’s no room for that.”

Mrs. Willabee huffed. “Well, that’s going to be my Christmas wish from you.”

He laughed. “Keep wishing, honey.”

Jay tried to smother his laugh, but a snort came out. Bebe’s mother whipped her head around so fast he was shocked she didn’t hurt her neck.

“Are you laughing, Jahleel Walker?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Hmmph. You better not be.”

Bebe winked at him.

Soon they all settled down to watch the movie once more. Occasionally Bebe’s folks made eye contact with him, noting the lack of distance between him and Bebe, but they said nothing.

Unease coiled in his gut. Were they unhappy about their relationship? Did they wish Bebe hadn’t given him a second chance? After talking with Ryan, Jahleel knew convincing Bebe he was a better man and here for the long haul was something that had to be done. But he’d never factored in how her folks would feel about their relationship. His mom was happy that he was dating Bebe. She’d always liked her and had no qualms. Then again, Bebe hadn’t been the one to break his heart. He’d broken hers.

So have a conversation with her folks. Reassure them.

He could do that, he just didn’t know when. It certainly wouldn’t be while munching on Christmas popcorn and watching The Polar Express.

Once the movies were over, Jahleel stood up. “I’m gonna head home.” He gave a side hug to Bebe as her parents looked on. “See you tomorrow?” he murmured.

“Yes, please,” she whispered.

“Perfect.” In a louder voice he spoke to her folks. “Goodnight, Mr. and Mrs. Willabee.”

“Goodnight, Jahleel. Tell your mama I’ll be over tomorrow, ’kay?” Bebe’s mother smiled.

“Will do.”

“How about I walk you out?” Mr. Willabee asked.

Jay nodded. Now they could talk about the elephant in the room instead of ignoring it. Jay kissed Bebe’s cheek and headed toward the front door. Mr. Willabee motioned for Jay to go first. Once the door clicked closed behind them, Jay breathed out a sigh.

“There’s something I need to say, sir.”

“I’m sure there is, but let me go first.” Mr. Willabee crossed his arms over his chest.

“Yes, sir.”

“What you did to Bebe when y’all were in high school was foul. But you were young, so I gave you a pass.”

This didn’t sound good. “But ...”

“But y’all aren’t kids anymore. I need to know your intentions, or I will steer her clear of you in a heartbeat.”

“Sir, I want forever with Bebe. I want to be a father to Hope if Bebe will let me. I’m not trying to mess with her heart or break her trust ever again.”

Mr. Willabee studied him. “Does she know this?”

“Kind of.”

“Explain.”

“She knows I want to be with her and that I’ll figure out the details as to when and where. I have loose ends in Texas I need to tie up.”

“Then you’re moving back here?”

“Not necessarily. We haven’t really talked about that. I expect that will come once we’ve been together longer. I don’t want to rush her.”

“That makes sense.”

“But I haven’t told Bebe I want to be a father to Hope. She’s still trying to figure out the whole situation with Will.”

“Hold up.” Mr. Willabee held up a hand. “What situation with Will?”

Shoot. Did he not know? “Sir, I don’t want to break a confidence.”

“I get that, but if I need to go find that knucklehead and knock him into next week, you need to let me know.”

Jay shifted his feet. Did he owe Mr. Willabee the information? He’d been taught to respect his elders, but this was Bebe’s business and only hers. If she wanted her folks to know, she would’ve told them, right? “Sir, I’d feel better if you talk with Bebe. I don’t want to say anything.”

The man looked him up and down, and then respect shone in his eyes. “Very well. I’ll do that.” He offered a hand.

Jahleel shook it. “Have a good night, sir.”

“Don’t hurt my baby girl, and we’ll get along just fine.”

“That’s the last thing I want.”

“Goodnight, Jahleel.”

He took that as a sign of dismissal and made the way across the grass and onto his parents’ front porch. It had been an interesting conversation, and the band around his chest loosened. It wasn’t perfect parental approval, but it was a step in the right direction.