waterfall?”
“I could never forget a place so beautiful.” He said. “You said that Harrison loves it, there, right? Maybe we could all meet there one day. Not today, obviously. Yes, I know it.”
“Why don’t you meet me there around five. Then we can talk and see how things go. After that, you can meet Harrison.”
“Thank you so much for this, Stacy, you won’t regret it. I’m going to be everything that little boy needs in a father. Even if it’s only for an hour a week, thank you for the chance.”
My heart soared. Walker wanted to be a part of our world, and it made me think about our future together. Would I be able to be just his co-parent, or would the growing feelings I had for him bring the joyride to a painful end? Either way, it didn’t matter. Harrison was finally going to get the two parents that he deserved in life. I was done letting my own selfish desire cloud my judgment and my son’s future.
17
Chapter Sixteen (Walker)
My heart was still racing when I dialed Hailey’s number. I needed someone to share in my excitement with me, but it didn’t feel right to talk with Jackson. He would think it was a little childish, hell, even I thought it was. Yet I couldn’t deny the joy I felt in my heart at the thought of seeing Stacy again, especially at the waterfall. It was the perfect spot to tell her how I felt.
“Hey! Boy, you are persistent. I know I said I would talk to her, but you have to give me time. I just spoke with her, but I’ll need to keep digging.”
“Actually, whatever you said worked. She wants to meet with me, and it sounds like she wants me to be a part of Harrison's life.”
“Really? Wow, Walker, that is amazing! We had a good talk, but I didn’t think it was going to be so soon. She still seemed a little hesitant.”
“I’ll take it,” I said. “Listen, even if she’s just willing to give me a chance as a co-parent, that’s still something more than what I have now. I can’t thank you enough for doing this.”
“Well, listen, if she wants to ease herself into the family for Harrison's sake, Jackson and I would be thrilled to have dinner with you guys tomorrow.”
I paused. “I will mention it to her, but I don’t want to scare her away. She already knows you, but Jackson can be a bit rough at times.”
“All of you, Wheelers can be, honestly, if she likes you, she’ll like him.”
“That’s the thing, I’m not even sure she likes me yet. Let me get back to you on dinner,” I said.
“Deal, and good luck today. Let me know how it goes.”
“You’ll be my first call, I promise,” I told her.
I ended the call and looked out over the landscape. Everything seemed to be working out for the best, but my doubt still lingered. Before long, my mother would be breathing down my neck for answers if she wasn’t already close to finding them herself. She was a formidable woman. Hopefully, after my meeting with Stacy, I would be able to give her something, even if it wasn’t the whole truth.
The walk to the waterfall was as perfect as the afternoon had been. There wasn’t much more a man could ask for in life than a positive outlook and a good herd to look after. I had a dozen heifers getting ready to calf. It always filled me with pride when the cattle were doing good. Good numbers meant happy accountants, and they answered directly to my parents.
Stacy was already in the clearing when I arrived. I took a minute to take in her raw beauty. For a split second, I’d hoped she’d bring Harrison with her, though I knew she wasn’t ready for that just yet. I couldn’t help my excitement at the prospect of meeting my little boy. A branch snapped beneath my feet, and she turned to smile at me.
“Creeping around the woods, I see.” She said.
“Guilty as charged,” I said. “Have you been here long?”
She shook her head. “Just got here. I’d forgotten how beautiful it is. Next time I’ll have to bring Harrison.”
“You could have brought him this time; I wouldn’t have minded.”
Stacy smiled. “I know you’re excited to meet him. That’s why I’m here. There is more to consider here than just him, and I want to make sure you understand that. People are going