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Was she? Bebe pictured Jahleel. The way he had made snowman cookies with her and Hope. The laughter they’d all shared while watching Christmas movies. The way he hugged her as if he never wanted to let go.
“Yes, hit submit.”
“Are you sure, Walker?”
“Yes, Marty. I want to retire.”
After talking to Ryan about his recovery progress last night, Jahleel had formally made his decision. He’d have Marty make a statement to announce his retirement after the season was officially over. Being here in Peachwood Bay had made him realize that achieving a dream meant nothing if he had no one to share it with. He’d played for the NFL for eight years, and not once had his mother or father attended a game. Not to mention that he’d missed out on the best relationship he’d ever had.
He’d come to grips with his past mistakes, and now he was looking forward to a future with much promise. He wasn’t yet sure how long he and Bebe would have a long-distance relationship, but he trusted God would put everything in place with His perfect timing.
“You don’t want to try for a broadcasting career?” Marty asked. “I’m sure I could find you a spot on someone’s show or even get you your own.”
The offer wasn’t even tempting. “Nah, Marty. My priorities are different now.”
“Georgia messing with your mind?”
Jay chuckled. “No. It righted my mind.”
His agent sighed. “What are you going to do after retirement?”
“Lead a normal life.”
“Good luck, then, Walker.”
“Thanks, Marty.”
Jahleel hung up and stood. His stomach rumbled, reminding him that it was lunchtime. He headed for the kitchen. Now that he could walk without added pain, cooking had become his stress reliever. If his mom was home, she’d often join him. It had been great reconnecting with her again. This time when he went back to Texas, he wouldn’t be a stranger. And maybe, somehow, he could convince her to fly out and visit.
The sound of the Temptations’ Christmas album greeted his ears as he neared the kitchen. He stopped short in the doorway. His mom and dad were dancing, twirling around the room and grinning from ear to ear. His father sang along as he spun his mom out and then wrapped her in his arms.
Jahleel’s cheeks flushed at the intimacy of the moment. Not once had he ever wanted a marriage like his parents’, always assuming his father was too harsh, too unbearable to live with. Only now he was wondering if that was his own view of the man. Because this ... this was something he hadn’t seen before.
Or did I just ignore the good, too focused on the bad?
Bebe had shared with him the moments his father had preached something that lifted her spirits and reminded her God was her source for all things. Other patrons seemed to take his bluster as all bark and no bite. So what was he missing that others were seeing?
The Reverend looked up and paused mid-stride. “Jahleel.”
His mom whirled around. “Hey, son. Hungry?”
“Uh...” Why couldn’t he speak? He was too old to be embarrassed by his parents’ display of affection, except hecouldn’t recall seeing it before.Or had he blocked those memories?
He shook his head.
“Didn’t know your dad had some moves, huh?” His mom’s eyes twinkled, glowing underneath her blue eye shadow. “We took dancing classes a couple of years ago.”
After she’d recovered from pneumonia? “That’s neat.”Neat? That’s all you can say?“I just came in to make some lunch.”
“I got Sam’s, if you want some,” his father offered.
Jahleel paused in shock. This was the nicest thing his father had said to him since he’d been back. “What did you get?” Maybe this was the olive branch he’d been praying for.
“Three oyster specials.”
His mouth watered in anticipation. “Thank you. I’d like that.”
His father grabbed a to-go container out of the oven and handed it over. Jahleel dipped his head in thanks and headed for the table. He stood there for a moment. Maybe he should go eat in his room? Leave his parents to their dancing?
