Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68594 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 343(@200wpm)___ 274(@250wpm)___ 229(@300wpm)
Laura and Bob watched us, trying not to grin. They knew I was dying to give Cody his bike, and it was taking all I had in me to wait.
I sat back, casually laying my arm across the back of my chair.
“I got something in the truck I need help unloading, kid. You up to the task?”
He flexed his arms, no doubt thinking he looked tough and strong. “For sure.”
“Great. I’ll lift it, and you can help move it.”
“Sure, Uncle J.” He grinned, looking cheeky, and winked at me. “I won’t even charge ya.”
I laughed, and his parents rolled their eyes. We headed outside, Laura making sure that Cody stayed behind me. They stopped a short distance from the truck, and I reached over the cab, pushing away the tarp that covered the new bike. The rich blue gleamed in the evening sun, the light glancing off the chrome. With a grunt, I lifted it out, turning and setting it on the ground in front of Cody. For a moment, there was utter, stunned silence. He stared at the bike, his mouth open, unblinking. Shock was written all over his face. That gave way to disbelief, followed by pure, unabashed happiness. He looked at his mom, then his dad, then back at me.
“It’s mine?”
“Happy birthday, Cody.”
He was a blur as he rushed forward, flinging his arms around my waist and hugging me hard. I squeezed him back, the joy on his face all I needed. We spent the next ten minutes with him examining his new ride, pointing out every detail that thrilled him.
Which was a lot. I was surprised he took time to draw a breath.
Finally, I laughed. “Why don’t you take it for a spin?”
He climbed on, exclaiming over another detail. “Uncle J—the paint changes color!”
“Yeah, I thought you’d like that.”
“Uber cool,” he enthused. “And BMX is exactly what I wanted! You upgraded the tires too!”
I chuckled at his enthusiasm. “I made sure it had everything on your wish list, kid. Plus, the helmet and safety gear. I expect you to wear it all.”
He met my gaze, suddenly serious. “Thanks, Uncle J. You’re the best. And I love it.”
“Good. Take care of it.”
“I will.”
“Now, take it for a spin.”
He grinned, pedaling away. Laura came beside me, looping her arm around my waist. “You made his year.”
“He’s a good kid.”
She smiled up at me, her eyes glistening. “You’re a good man.”
The thought of seafoam green eyes glaring at me floated through my head. “At times,” I said.
She shook her head. “The way you treat Cody is the real you. And one day, the right person will bring that out in you all the time. I know it.”
I pressed a kiss to her head, having no words.
But again, Quinn came to mind.
I dismissed those thoughts.
Immediately.
4
JOHN
The next morning, I pulled up in front of the house Laura referred to as 221. She had a short name for all the houses I owned—either the number of the house or the street. I owned two houses on Ferguson, so using the house number was the easiest.
I was thoughtful as I walked the property, looking it over. Everything looked good, although I thought the eaves needed a cleaning. I could do that another time. Inside, I checked everything out, pleased to see how clean and neat the last tenant had left the place. Laura was right and the place needed a fresh coat of paint, but it was from usual wear. The new family moving in could paint it and make it their own. I checked out the tap and the few other items Laura had listed, taking my toolbox room to room and making the small repairs. I decided a new faucet was best for the kitchen, so I climbed into the truck and headed to the hardware store.
My brother-in-law was at the counter as I carried up the new faucet.
“Bob,” I greeted him.
He grinned. “John.”
“Playing cashier today? Hanging with the little people?”
He laughed, taking my ribbing easily. “Sonya called in sick. It’s busy.”
I looked around with a nod. “I can come help after I put in this new faucet if you need me to.”
“Nah, we’re good. Little man is in the back, cleaning his heart out.”
“Still?”
“He’s gonna keep saving.” He leaned on the counter. “He rode that bike last night until his legs were too tired to hold him up. He washed and polished it this morning so he can show it off this afternoon,” Bob said with a smile. “Laura’s right—you spoil him. You’re a great uncle.”
“Don’t let that shit get around. I have a reputation.”
He winked. “Would never dream of it.”
I took the faucet. “Later.”
“Dinner tomorrow. Don’t forget.”
“Never.”
I finished tightening down the new faucet, then opened the water lines and slid back under the sink to check for leaks. Satisfied there were none, I wiped at the dust I had created, then startled as a young voice broke the silence.