but I hope you work things out. You should give Walker a call, I know he’d love to hear from you.”
“Thanks,” I said.
I watched her go, stopping to look at pieces as she moved through the gallery. Hailey’s words resonated inside of me. There wasn’t any reason for me not to be calling Walker besides my own stubborn pride and fears. The last time I’d tried to talk to him, we’d ended up in bed, and I had a walk of shame that sent me flashbacks of my younger years.
From the desk, my phone started to ring. My heart was racing by the time I got back to it and saw Walker's name. Taking a deep breath, I answered the call and prayed that I was doing the right thing. The second I heard his voice, all my fears seemed to melt away. There was something about Walker that just soothed my heart.
“Stacy?” He said.
I hesitated. “Yes. I’m here. Sorry, hi Walker, how are you?”
“Good,” Walker sighed. “I’m a little shocked I was able to get ahold of you. I wasn’t sure you would answer.”
“I know, I’m sorry it’s just been busy around here.”
“That’s okay, you left so suddenly the other night, we didn’t really get a chance to talk. I know that you aren’t ready to date or for me to meet Harrison, but I’d –
“I know what I said,” I stammered. “I don’t think that you should have to stay out of Harrison's life, though. We might not be right for each other, but if the Wheeler family can help with his future, then I have no right to deny him that or deny you as his father.”
“Really?” He asked.
“Yes.”
The line went silent. At first, I’d thought he’d lost a signal, but then I heard him clearing his throat on the other end. While I could have filled in the dead air with something else, I wanted to wait and see what he had come up with in his mind. If he was going to be in Harrison's life, he’d have to learn to communicate. I couldn’t spend the rest of my life waiting around for him to say something.
“Well, this is a little unexpected, but honestly, I’m thrilled. Kinda thrilled, I guess. Happy about Harrison but also a little let down that you won’t give us a chance.”
“Is that what this is all about?” I asked. “Because I thought you wanted to be in your son’s life, but maybe that was a mistake.”
“No!” He interjected. “No, please, I want to be in his life. I really do. I can’t think of anything else I want more in this world, though being with you is a close second. I just want you to know that I'm not giving up even if you aren’t ready. Do you mind if I ask what changed your mind?”
I swallowed. “I don’t know that my mind was ever set on you not meeting him honestly. I just wanted to know that you were after it for the right reasons. Here recently, I’ve come to realize how important a parent is in a child’s life. If Harrison has the opportunity to have both of us around, then he should.”
“I’m happy for the chance. Could I come over right now? Maybe we could grab a late breakfast?” Walker asked.
“Harrison isn’t here right now; he went to a playdate with my mother.”
“That’s okay then,” He said. “Maybe you and I could grab a bite and work on things? I’d like to know everything, when he was born, where, how the pregnancy was. Did you have any problems at birth? Does he have any allergies? Where –
I laughed. “Easy now!”
His enthusiasm was contagious. It felt like a weight had been lifted from my soul. The worries and confusion over letting Walker into Harrison's life quickly dissipated. He continued to ask an onslaught of questions. Before long, I found myself rattling off answers as one customer after another milled around the shop. It was apparent we weren’t going to get a private conversation.
“When do you get off work? Could we meet up later?” He asked.
“I think I’d like us to talk a little more before you actually meet him, but I am not going back to your place again,” I said.
“Yeah, that doesn’t seem like the best place to have a conversation. Maybe to do other things, but we always seem to get distracted when it comes to talking.”
I blushed at the memory. “Exactly. Do you remember the