Sammy and Ilna, love you to the moon. REAL McRollers and Readers, thanks doesn't seem like enough, but thank you always. Sammy is under the weather today so you're getting another one from me. Feel better Sammy XOXO.
Every Single Thing
"We'll make practice in time," Steve notated, glancing at the dashboard.
"One advantage of your reputation, because nothing says 'talk to us' like a guy who can kill you a hundred ways with his bare hands," Danny replied with a smirk.
"Ninety six ways," Steve busted with the straightest face he could manage as his partner rolled his eyes.
They were driving down a winding coastal road after wrapping a quick but ugly case involving grave robbing and stolen artifacts, and while their adrenaline faded, they discussed little league. "I've got the Gatorade and water in the trunk for tonight," Danny said, referring to the Cubbies' upcoming practice.
"Joseph texted he's bringing ice." Steve's eyes focused on the road. "DJ's outgrowing his uniform again," he commented. "It's like we blinked, and he's three inches taller."
"Tell me about it," Danny replied, a hint of nostalgia in his voice. "I swear to God, Grace was just a toddler, and now she's an adult - which will forever pain me to say. Time is a thief, as Nonna says, enjoy every minute."
Steve nodded. "One minute they're looking at those board books, and the next, they're reading chapter books on their own."
"Don't remind me," Danny groaned. "Nonna keeps sending me photos of Grace from when she was little. I practically cry every time. Kids should come with a pause button."
"Or a rewind button," Steve added. "Sometimes I wish I could go back a couple of years. Just for a day."
Danny glanced over, his expression softening. "Me, too, then I think we'd miss all the good stuff they're doing now. Like DJ's games or Angie's gymnastic meets. It's a trade-off."
"True," Steve said, pride evident in his voice. "I love watching them grow into their own people."
"It's the best," Danny said, his tone lightening. "And I love getting to be their godfather. It's almost like getting to relive the years when Grace was little."
"I still think of her calling me Uncle Steve in that little voice," he reminisced. "Even when she's in work-mode and dressed in what Angie calls her 'grown up clothes.'"
"Alright," Steve called out, clapping his hands. "Let's show everyone what we've been working on. DJ, you're up first!"
"Look at him," Danny said, a hint of pride in his voice. "He's all focus. I wonder where he gets it?"
Steve grinned. "Come on, buddy! Show 'em what you've got!"
With a deep breath, DJ swung with all his might. The crack of the bat echoed across the field, and the ball soared through the air in a perfect arc against the setting sun. Cheers erupted from the sidelines, and Steve felt a rush of emotion at his son's expression of absolute joy.
"Nice hit!" Joseph shouted, clapping his hands from where he stood at first base. "Run, run, run!"
DJ took off, legs pumping, eyes focused straight ahead. Steve's heart raced as he watched his son round the bases with determination. The raw joy radiating from DJ was contagious, and the other kids were cheering him on. Angie cheered wildly from her place next to an over the moon Grandma Ang.
"See that?" Danny said, his voice barely audible over the cheers. "That right there is a perfect dad moment."
Steve nodded, unable to take his eyes off DJ. "Yeah, it is."
After DJ's impressive run, the practice continued, with Steve and Danny rotating players in and out. Steve chuckled, catching sight of his daughter as she concentrated on the players, calling encouragement and advice along with Catherine, Elizabeth and Ang.
Laughter and shouts echoed as the kids finished practice. "Look at them," Danny said, a smile breaking across his face as he watched DJ and Michael high fiving each other and their teammates. "You'd think they just won the lottery."
Steve chuckled, shaking his head. "Great job, guys," he told the team. "Pizza is waiting."
"Looking really good today, Cubbies," Danny reiterated.
"Like a bunch of future all-stars," Joseph added as he walked in from a few yards away. "Get some pizza, everyone." He paused, his eyes softening as he looked past Steve to where Catherine was chatting with some of the parents, Elizabeth, Angie and Grandma Ang were helping with pizza and snacks. "I remember when Catherine was out on the ice rink."
"We were just saying how quickly it goes," Danny agreed. "I remember when Grace was running around this field with a glove bigger than her head."
Joseph laughed. "You know, I've seen Catherine grow into such an amazing woman. She's a wonderful mother, and the kids are lucky to have her. And you two…" he pointed at Steve and Danny, "you're incredible dads. Savor the victories, big and small."
Steve smiled. "I'm still trying to figure out how to be the best dad I can. You and Danny are goals, as Grace would say."
"Trust me," Joseph said, nodding earnestly. "As the senior dad of the group, the way you are with them? You're doing it. They see the love in everything you do." He gestured toward the field, where DJ was demonstrating a batting stance to Angie. "Look at that. Two happy, and may I add completely unbiased, incredible kids."
"I agree. My godkids are the best." Danny clasped his best friend's shoulder.
"I'll definitely take that as a win, thanks." Steve was genuinely touched.
"You and Catherine know better than most, every child finds their own path. You just need to be there to support them."
Danny grinned, lightening the mood. "And we'll be here for when you and Catherine take that casual stroll through the minefield of adolescence."
"Every day's an adventure," Joseph chuckled. "Just like with Grace, right, Danny? One day she's playing with dolls, and the next, she's an outstanding event planner at Ko Olina."
"Don't remind me," Danny groaned, rubbing his temples as if trying to erase the thought. "My baby's an adult."
Joseph laughed, shaking his head. "You did a magnificent job when she was little and you still do. It's about being there for them, no matter how old they get. Undying support goes a long way."
"Great job today, guys!" Joseph praised as the three men joined the kids at the picnic tables, "You all really showed up."
"Thanks, Grandpa!" DJ said, beaming.
"Can we have ice cream after pizza?" Angie asked.
"Absolutely," Steve said.
"Yay! You're the best daddy in the world." She flung herself at him for a hug.
"See, from the horse's mouth," Joseph teased, but his eyes flicked from his granddaughter to his daughter, who was smiling at Steve.
Steve beamed. "I just want them safe and happy."
"And they are," Joseph assured. "With parents like you two, they can't help but thrive."
"Thanks," Steve said, a hint of emotion creeping into his voice.
"Anytime," Joseph replied, his smile genuine as he stepped over to kiss Catherine's cheek.
"Best job of your life, even when they're all grown up."
"Never too grown to appreciate every single thing you and Mom still do." Catherine gave her father a hug. Looking between DJ and Angie with a smile, she said, "So, who's ready for ice cream?"
# End - thanks for reading!
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