Where Love Grows

Cross My Heart

"Easton Sawyer!" I gasped as he handed me a few papers. He got A's on both his math and science tests. "Very good buddy." I hugged him and handed him back the papers. "Can I check your agenda please?"

We had been home a week and I felt like everyone was back on track. Sutton was in much better spirits after getting on top of her studies and also had good news to share with me. "I got a B plus on my geography assignment and an A minus on my book report."

"Good work Sutton." I gave her a high five and lastly, Beckett handed me his agenda. His news was not so good.

Dear parent,
I regret to inform you that Beckett has yet to hand in 2 of his 'Math Problem of the week' assignments. If they're not completed by Friday, Beckett will receive a zero on both assignments. Please see a copy of the assignments stapled.
Please don't hesitate to contact,
Mr. Fletcher

"Oh Beckett. Why have you not been doing your assignments?" I sat beside him at the kitchen table, "I am really disappointed."

"I forgot when grandma and grandpa were here." I shook my head.

"Well you're very lucky that your teacher is giving you another chance. This is getting started, now." I handed him the assignment papers, "Get started and you are not leaving this table tonight until all of your homework is done. No video games this week."

"But mom!"

"Do not but mom me - homework. Now." My voice was firm and Hunter walked in, eyes wide. Beckett slumped in his chair and got cracking while I searched the fridge and freezer for dinner.

"What did I just walk in on." I shook my head and handed Hunter the agenda. He bit his lip, "Got it. Okay, that's fair then. Can I help with dinner?"

"That would be great. Can you chop the potatoes and wash the cauliflower?" He got to it and Beckett piped up from the table, asking for help on his assignment. "Yeah you got it. You need to add these two." The evening was a bit dry as I helped Beckett get through all of his homework and Hunter took Millie on a walk with Easton and Sutton.

"Why couldn't I go for a walk too?"

"Beckett babe," I shook my head, "life is tough hun. Your job is school, you gotta finish your homework before you have fun. I feel like sometimes I get distracted with work and your brother and sister that I don't keep track of you. I'm sorry." He sighed.

"I just had so much fun with grandma and grandpa. School can be hard. I'm not good math like Easton or music like Sutton. I'm just Beckett."

"Sweetie," I hugged him, "You're my Beckett. You are smart, you just need to try. Sutton had to learn to work hard, Easton does his homework right when he gets home. You need to make good choices and good habits. I know you just want to have fun." He sighed, leaning into me, "And by the way, you are very special. You are the only Beckett Layne Hayes and you are my miracle baby."

He sniffled, pulled away and looked at me, confused, "Miracle baby?" I nodded and his grey eyes were puzzled.

"I always wanted three kids. When Sutton and Easton were little, we found out we were going to have another baby and we were so happy. About a month or so after we found out, I lost that baby. Your dad and I were sad for a little while and then we found out we were pregnant again." I sighed and wrapped my arms around him, "I prayed every day that you stayed healthy. I would sing to you while you were still in my belly. Once you were born, I felt like my heart was so full." He smiled.

"I love you mom."

"I love you too Beck." I kissed his head, "Homework done?" He nodded, "Okay well everyone should be back soon. You should go take a shower first, alright?". He obliged and headed up just as everyone piled in the front door. Easton and Sutton settled in front of the TV while I stole Hunter into the kitchen.

"It was heartbreaking." I said quietly, leaning over the counter.

"Oh babe," Hunter outstretched his hand toward me, "That is hard. I'm gonna try and get to him a bit more. I don't want him to feel like an outcast." I nodded and I heard the water shut off.

"Eas, your turn to go shower bud." He trudged upstairs.

"I'm gonna go hang out with Beckett right now." Hunter kissed my cheek and headed upstairs so I retreated to the living room with Sutton.

"Hey sweet girl, how was the walk?"

"Good. I've been thinking... dad plays what, thirty three instruments?" I nodded, Hunter was famous for his repertoire of instrumental skills. "Would it be totally insane to learn something like, drums or bass?"

"Not insane at all."

"Is there something you wished you learned?"

"I always thought the cello was beautiful. Are you thinking drums or bass for sure or..." my voice faded off as she said she's kind of open to anything, maybe even the banjo or fiddle. "Your dad and I would support you in anything you choose."

"Thanks mom," she turned her head, "I think it's my turn." She pointed upstairs, indicating that Easton finished his shower.

"I'll follow you up, I'm ready for bed." I followed her up and found Hunter and Beckett playing battleship. I knocked gently before walking in and climbed onto the bed. "Oh Beck you're crushing it. Good job." He smiled at me before turning his attention back to the game. Sutton finished her shower, Hunter and I tucked in all the kids and crashed onto the bed.

"Beckett told me that you said he was the miracle baby."

I nodded, "I think he needed to know he was special and wanted."

"Absolutely." He wrapped me up in his arms and kissed my forehead.