Only A Moment

The Eye of the Storm

WILL POV

"You did way better than I expected after not playing 18 since last summer, Son," Dad said with a laugh while we loaded our golf clubs into his SUV.

It was a gorgeous Sunday and we were starving but planned to grill some chicken and veggies when we got back to my parents place.  My Mom loved being hostess and made sure there was fresh sweet tea and lemonade prepared in the fridge according to a text from Addison this morning.

Sophie had a grocery delivery yesterday when we were relaxing at her place. She insisted on making pasta salad as well as preparing a fruit tray to take along.  I helped a bit with cutting up watermelon and pineapple but Soph was excited to contribute our own piece of the meal.  My parents took care of the chicken while Jake and Ruth Green grabbed veggies to grill and more drinks, giving us a great spread for late lunch.

Dad and Jake had golfed together a couple times before but apparently never scratched the surface of really getting to know each other. They had a grasp on some basics but a friendly camaraderie formed between them as we enjoyed golfing on the beautiful day.  We agreed on a few dates for Cavaliers games and I started to get excited about the prospect of raising my son with two loving families surrounding us.

Visions of a dark haired little boy in an oversized baseball cap and Cavaliers jersey clapping on Sophie's lap flickered in my mind, as well as Christmas mornings where we drink coffee spiked with Bailey's while he excitedly plays with empty boxes instead of the toys we purchased.

She is my forever... and her Dad is a great man who seems to approve of me.

"I need to get out there more. Maybe I can try to do this at least once a month now.  That way I'm not so rusty," I suggested, smiling as he shut the trunk.

"See you guys at the house," Jake said with a grin. "Thanks for joining me, too. It made for a great day so far."

"Now we can relax in the hot tub and pool with a great meal," Dad agreed while we each shook Jake's hand and waved before heading to the house.

I had a few texts from Addy and Sophie throughout the morning. They went to brunch at a fancy place downtown where they do bottomless mimosas so Mom enjoyed herself a bit too much as always. Addison was jealous and made everyone promise to meet up again when she turned 21 so she could enjoy.  Afterward they decided to get manicures and pedicures then headed to a children's outlet store closer to the house.

My sister sent me a photo of a Soph holding up a onesie that said "Handsome Like Dad" with wide eyes and an "Aww" expression on her pretty face.

Of course they bought it.

By the time we walked inside the house I could hear Addison and Sophie laughing by the pool. We headed out to say Hi and give Dad a chance to start the grill.

"Darling!!!" Mom said with a squeal while racing to Dad and giving him a hug. "You are just on time!"

I stifled a laugh while my eyes darted to Sophie's mom, Ruth. Sophie looked a lot like her mom but had her Dad's sense of humor.  That definitely made it easier for me to get to know Jake.  I approached and reached out my hand, "Nice to meet you finally, Ruth."

She gave me a warm smile as Addy and Sophie joined us from the pool.  My sister was in her usual one piece black suit and it was impossible to hide Sophie's baby bump in her navy blue two piece.

"Nice to finally meet you, Will. I've heard a lot about you since New Years."

Ruth smirked and I cracked a grin, shaking my head. "Well, I am sure my sister and mom told you I would not shut up about your daughter, too."