Chapter 30

Boys & Basketball

That evening, Lee and the boys watched a basketball game on TV while Amanda and Dotty finished making dinner. Amanda found it amusing at how boisterous Lee had become with the boys. He had quite a different energy than Joe. Much more laid back and the boys took advantage of the fact that Lee seemed to like spending time with them.

"He is really good with them," Dotty said, smiling at Amanda.

"It's funny, a couple months ago he was afraid they'd never get close. Clearly, that's no longer an issue.." Amanda smiled at the comments coming from the family room.

"Oh come on, how could you miss that shot!"

"You suck!"

"Why did they ever sign that guy?"

For his part, Lee found that he actually enjoyed spending time with Phillip and Jamie. They all enjoyed sports and they were all very lively and sometimes downright loud while watching games. In fact, the neighbor Buck had come by a few days ago after hearing all the cheering and jeering during a particularly exciting game. A week before that, Lee had secured some floor seats for a Washington Bullets game and took the boys. They were still talking about it. Lee leaned in to the fact that he was now given the opportunity to recapture the youth he missed living with his uncle. It was a bumpy road at first, but once they found their common love for sports, they had something to grow on. In fact, Lee had picked up Phillip earlier that day. Something the thirteen year old loved as he scored points with the ladies, and the dudes, but getting into the Vette.

A short time later they sat down to dinner. Apparently, there were about three or four families who looked at the home during the Open House. No offers yet, but the realtor said that would take time. For now, they were settling into the new normal.

- SMK -

Later that night, they were getting ready for bed. Amanda was rubbing lotion on her belly to keep from getting stretch marks. Lee came over and placed his hand on her small, yet expanding belly.

"I love that you're showing a little now," Lee said, "How are you feeling?"

"Better," Amanda responded. "I think the morning sickness is pretty much over."

"Good," Lee said. "I know we're cleaning out my apartment. Well, I was just thinking, I'm over here most nights anyway. What do you think if I just put all my things in storage and I move in here until we get into a house? We could save on the rent."

"I like that idea, I'm not about to complain about sleeping with you every night," Amanda said. "I think the boys like having the male energy around here as well. Why don't we talk about it tomorrow with the rest of the family."

"You know," Lee said. "Speaking of the boys, if I move in here, I'll need to bring the guns here. I will bring the safe with me so they remain secure, of course. However, I think it would be a good idea if we signed up the boys gun safety and shooting lessons. Just enough to know how to handle a gun."

"I think if we have the gun here, that's a good idea. I should probably talk to Joe about it as well."

"Do you think that's necessary?" Lee said, knowing Joe King was not particularly a proponent for gun use, especially after the whole Estocia episode when he was framed for murder. "You are their mother after all."

"I know, but as he's their father, he should at least be involved." Amanda said recognizing Lee's trepidation. She agreed it would be a good idea for at least some gun safety lessons if there would be a side arm in the house, but Joe had some strong feelings as well. Lee was sensing another battle was brewing. Why was that man so difficult?

As they crawled under the covers, Lee was made a happy man again, as the second trimester libido burst overcame Amanda again. Oh yeah, moving in was definitely the right idea.