Chapter 19
Two days later, Philip arrived home to his fireman nursery. Parker took everything in and was couldn't say a word because of her shock and surprise. When Mary Alice told her she would take care of things, she really took care of things. She hugged her Grandmother tightly.
"Kelly helped me a lot. He had the guys from the firehouse come in and help put everything together," Mary Alice reported.
Parker stepped away from her Grandmother and looked at Kelly. She felt awkward. Would a simple thank you work for him, or was he expecting a hug as well? She had no idea. She still felt awkward around him ever since the night they got drunk. Biting the bullet, she stepped forward and hugged Kelly.
"Thank you. And thank the guys at the house too, please."
Kelly hugged her back, wanting to stroke her back, offer words of encouragement, and tell her he would always be there for her and Philip, but he knew she wasn't ready to hear that. He had to prove it.
"You're welcome."
"How about if I make us some lunch?" Mary Alice asked.
"I'll do that, Grandma," Parker started.
"No, you need to rest. You just gave birth. Go sit down. I've got this."
Parker sighed. "I just had a baby, I'm not an invalid."
"Kelly, do something with her. Take her out on the balcony or something."
"Ok. Come on, Parker, let's go sit on the balcony."
"I want to be close in case he wakes up."
"You'll be able to hear him." He handed her the baby monitor after he turned it on. "Best thing ever invented."
She took it and went out on the balcony with him. She chose the chaise. He sat next to her in the Adirondack chair.
"It still doesn't seem real. I feel like I just fell down the rabbit hole."
"You're doing a great job so far. And you know Mary Alice isn't that far away. You can always call me too."
"You're busy, Kelly. I don't want to bother you, especially if you're on shift."
"Hey, my baby too. Boden understands as well. If something comes up, I'm sure he will let me leave to take care of it. He's already told me I can have off for his 6 week checkup."
"Kelly-"
"Parker, I'm his Dad. I'm going to be there for him. I'm not just going to pay support and walk away. I want to help raise him. I know I've been a prick in you in the past, and I'm sorry for that. But Philip deserves us both. At least let me have that chance. I'll prove it to you."
Parker looked at him, his blue eyes pleading for her to believe him. "I won't keep you from him. That isn't fair," she conceded.
"Thank you," he said gratefully.
Mary Alice appeared with plates. "Here. Eat. I'll get the iced tea," she said as she set plates of grilled ham & cheese sandwiches and potato chips in front of them.
"She makes the best iced tea. I don't know how she does, but it's always just enough lemon and perfect amounts of sugar. Mine sucks compared to hers."
"Maybe it's a Grandma thing and you'll learn it when you're a Grandma," Kelly offered.
Parker screwed up her face. "He's only three days old and you've got him having kids already."
"That day is gonna come, Parker. You may as well face it."
"Not for at least 25 years, please?"
Kelly laughed. "Ok, let's just enjoy him being a baby and a little boy for now."