AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I covered first base. That’s because I was the tallest kid on the team. You want that in case anyone overthrows. I could stop most things coming my way.”
David nodded.
Paxton wasn’t sure if the kid really understood, or was just being polite. Though what he really suspected was that this poor child was starved for male attention. The sad sensations that settled in his gut worked to remind Paxton just how blessed he’d been growing up. He had parents who paid attention, showing all their kids lots of affection and interest, and then he had all his brothers to play with. And for a while there, his cousins too.
Another ball came sailing towards him. Already David’s arm was improving. “When can we work on the tree house?”
Knowing his mother wasn’t thrilled about a tree house, he turned to see Sandra’s reaction. Her smiling expression hadn’t changed much in the last few minutes. The problem was he had no idea if she was smiling over her son’s baseball skills, over helping David build a tree house, or if she was merely contemplating the immortality of the crab.
“Paxton?”
“Oh. Sorry, sport.” Turning away from Sandra Lynn, he faced David. “How about I come over on Saturday and we work on it? We’ll have more time then.”
Almost bouncing in place, David nodded. “Sweet.”
Taking a minute to glance back at Sandra, it struck him that he couldn’t have said it better himself… Sweet.
Chapter Nine
“Dinner is ready. Everyone wash up,” Sandra’s mother called from the kitchen.
Waiting by the door that David just bounced through, Sandra met Paxton’s eyes. “You’re good with him.”
“Thanks.” The comment caught him off guard. How hard was it to be nice to a young kid? “He’s a really nice boy. I remember having that much energy when I was his age. Lots of days I wish I still had it.”
“You and me both.” She chuckled, the screen door slammed shut behind them as they entered the kitchen. “He is a bundle of energy. I have no idea how the teachers get him, or any of the boys, to focus in school.”
“I’m not a parent, but having been a young boy once, I remember my mother throwing us all outside to burn off our energy. I suspect that’s why schools have recess. So they burn off as much of that energy as possible outside the classroom.”
“He wants to play baseball.” Her gaze lingered out the window toward the large yard.
“That’s good. He’ll come home nice and tired.”
“He still has to make the team.” Her gaze darting back to his, she pressed her lips tightly together as she led the way into the dining room.
“Really? At this age I thought all kids get to play.”
“You think?” The softness in her eyes returned. Not that he expected anything less, but it was heartwarming how much she cared for her son. Too bad he wasn’t so sure about the boy’s father. The question was on the tip of his tongue, to ask what was the deal with David’s dad, but that was none of his business. He couldn’t imagine having a son and not spending time with him. Even now, David’s father was missing out on playing ball in the yard. Those were some of his best memories with his dad and brothers. “I could work with him to give him some more practice and help him play better.”
A light twinkled in her eyes. “You would do that?”
Paxton shrugged. “Sure.” Why wouldn’t he? He liked the kid, and to his surprise, really liked playing with him, especially when the boy accomplished something new and grinned like an Olympic medal winner. But just as important, he’d be spending time with Sandra.
“But you’re so busy.”
“It’s only time. Time is the greatest gift an adult can give a child.”
Her face crumpled, and her voice dropped. “Too bad his father didn’t think that way.”
Paxton came within an inch of broaching the subject of David’s father, instead, he snapped his fingers. “As a matter of fact, Quinn played varsity baseball. He was really good and I bet he’d be glad to help teach David the finer points of the game.”
“Wait, you’re telling me you’re going to have your brother who never cracks a smile teach my son baseball?”
That had him laughing. “Don’t let the grumpy face fool you. He’s a marshmallow inside. As a matter of fact, I bet we can gather some of my nieces and nephews along with brothers and cousins and have makeshift games at the ranch. There’s plenty of space for a baseball diamond.”
She shook her head. “I can’t let you drag your whole family into helping David learn to play.”
“Why not?”
