his mouth tips up, the only sign acknowledging he saw me. Then his focus returns entirely to our son. Exactly the way I always dreamed it would.
Quickly, I deposit the plates on a side table, hurrying back to the kitchen to grab the nachos. My heart beats a rapid staccato in my chest. When I turn around, Kevin has leaned forward, his head dropped beneath his shoulders.
Jennings has shifted as well. He’s braced his elbows on his knees. I hear him murmur, “Sounds like your uncle was a pretty good dad to you.”
And my son agrees, “He was. He was a great dad. And then I had Uncle Jed. Most guys, they don’t get it. But you don’t mind if I say that, do you, Jennings? Mom said you talked about that.”
Jennings’s head snaps to mine, his light eyes intent. I feel frozen in my space. Did I tell my son too much trying to ease this path? God, what if I was wrong? I realize I didn’t cross a boundary when Jennings turns his attention back to Kevin before decisively nodding. “Your mom is right. I’ve thought several times your uncle must have been an impressive man to have raised you to be the young man you are. And I feel honored you think I’d understand more than your friends.”
Kevin’s head bobs up and down.
The moment of silence extends. I’m afraid to move, afraid not to. But it’s Jennings’s words that free me at the same time they stagger me.
“Son, there are days when you’re never going to believe this, but your mother is one of the smartest people in the world.”
Kevin scoffs. “I already know that, Jennings.”
But Jennings shakes his head. “I don’t mean when it comes to science, though I bet she’d still give any lab rat a run for their money. I mean about her love for you. There isn’t a thing she wouldn’t do for you. She’s brought nothing but good people into your life—starting with your uncle Dean. And when he couldn’t be there anymore, she knew you would need someone to talk with because he was such an important part of your heart. I hope you know by now your grief is very appropriate for a boy who just lost his ‘dad.’ She’s so smart she knew you’d need help and went to every length to get that for you.”
“You think so, Jennings?”
“Yes. And let me tell you, to be loved like that is the goal for anyone, no matter their age.” Jennings looks as troubled as Kevin for a moment before he schools his features. “Now, let’s help your mom. And maybe while we’re munching on nachos, you can tell me more?”
“That sounds like a deal.” Kevin shoots to his feet. For just a second he seems undecided, but as quickly as he wraps his arm around Jennings, he lets him go. Jennings’s arms immediately lift to wrap around him, but he doesn’t get the chance.
I can’t move for a moment because it’s everything I ever wanted, my son reaching out to his father, but at the same time it’s devastating to my heart because deep down, secretly, I’d always imagined I’d be a part of the equation. Squashing that, I celebrate the breakthrough Kevin’s making by reaching for the platter of nachos. “Who’s hungry?” I call out. Turning, I almost stumble into Jennings. “I’ve got this if you don’t mind grabbing the trivets?” I ask.
A muscle ticks in his jaw. “You’ve done so much, Kara. More than you could possibly know.” With that ambiguous statement, he grabs the trivets so we don’t burn up Maris’s coffee table.
After I lower the tray, Kevin exclaims, “Awesome! Uncle Jed’s recipe for nachos.”
I hand out plates. “Dig in,” I encourage.
“Jed’s recipe?” Jennings questions.
“For the restaurant. I made it so often, I memorized it.” I laugh. “Like after the first thirty orders the first weekend.”
“Right,” Jennings clips out. Turning to Kevin, he says, “I’ll let the expert show me how to dig in.”
Kevin doesn’t waste any precious time. Even with his plate filled high, he shoves a mouthful in as he sits back. “So good, Mom. Thanks.”
I reach over and stroke my hand over his head. He bats it away like normal. I just grin. “Anything for you, sweetheart.”
Jennings sits back with a plate full of cheesy deliciousness, and his eyes dart between the two of us. “You’re a very lucky man, Kevin.”
Kevin sits up straighter, the “man” comment startling him, I’m sure. “What makes you