Stormi giggled. “But how is he going to fit in at a New York school without an uppity name like Apple or Emperor?”
“Fuck if I know. Maybe we should give him a nickname like Miso just to help him adjust.”
“I hope he’s cool,” Stormi said softly as she exhaled.
“How could he not be with Bennett blood coursing through his veins?”
“Do you really think he’s yours?”
I could feel her body tense as her words echoed in the living room.
“It was like looking in a damn mirror,” I admitted.
Chapter 6
Cason
A few weeks later
The paternity test had proven what I’d already known. After a meeting with a judge, the home visit, and an extensive interview, Stormi and I were getting the spare room ready for our new arrival.
“I wish we knew more about this kid other than him loving basketball and being halfway decent at math.” Stormi was putting the new sheets and comforter on the queen bed as I cleared off my desk.
“We’re fast learners. Let’s just hope he isn’t into Marilyn Manson and goth makeup.” I cringed a little at the thought.
“Oh crap, what if he doesn’t like hockey?” The fear that took over Stormi’s face was comical.
“I have a feeling one second with you could change any young boy’s mind about hockey even if he loathes the sport.” I took her into my arms, staring down at her. “Thank you.”
Cocking her head to the side, she raised an eyebrow at me. “For what?”
“Being so amazing about all of this. I don’t know if I could do it without you.” My lips brushed her forehead as I took in a deep breath of her sweet shampoo.
“You know I’m leaving for Pittsburgh in two days for my interview with Sidney Crosby.”
I nodded reluctantly. “I still don’t know why you can’t just do a phone interview with him like a normal reporter of this day and age.”
“You know Tanya gets finicky about that sort of stuff. She believes there is power in looking people dead in the eyes.”
“Fine. Just know you owe me one.”
“We are going to have to do a lot of juggling going forward, and I will talk with Tanya. She has a soft spot for kids, so I’m sure I’ll be able to work it out.”
The thought of being alone in the apartment with a kid I didn’t know was terrifying. I had decided that no matter how much I didn’t want Stormi to leave, I wasn’t going to let the burden of my past hinder her life any more than it was already going to. Jacob was my son and I had to man up, simple as that.
A sharp knock sounded on the front door.
Stormi gripped my hand tightly, bouncing on her heels. “Showtime. Do you feel like you’re going to puke?”
“Yep.”
“Good. Glad I’m not the only one.”
Together, Stormi and I answered the door. Cindy’s grin spanned from ear to ear as she ushered Jacob in.
“Stormi, Cason, it is my pleasure to finally introduce you to Jacob.”
Stormi leaned down a few inches to be at his eye level. “We’re so happy to welcome you into our home.”