Page 64 of Loving Kai

“Maggie will be very understanding.”

“I know. But I’ve got enough on my plate. I don’t think I can handle dating, too. I completely forgot about our date last night.”

“I’m sure she’ll forgive you when she hears why.”

“She will. But still.”

Allie walked over to him. “Don’t make any big decisions right now. You can put the dating on hold. But don’t give up on it.”

“That’s not really fair to Maggie.”

“Just talk to her, honey.”

“That’s why she’s coming over.”

Allie smiled. “You and Maggie. I like that.”

“On hold, Mom.”

Allie had Kai in the bath when Maggie arrived at the house. Abe had been waiting for her on the porch, and he stepped down to meet her at the truck. He opened the door for her, and she smiled.

“Hi. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but you look fine.”

“I am fine.” He stepped back as she got out of the truck.

“Please don’t make me wait any longer. Tell me what’s going on.”

He took her hand. “Take a walk with me.”

They crossed the yard and then the grassy field between the house and the first stand of almond trees. John had watered earlier, and the grass was still wet. There was an old flatbed truck parked at the edge of the orchard, and Abe stopped at it, then put a hand on the rough two-by-sixes that formed the bed.

“Let’s sit.” Using the bumper as a step, they both sat on the end of the wooden bed, and Abe turned to her. “Something major has happened in my life, and I still don’t quite believe it.”

“Okay.”

He took a moment, then exhaled sharply. “Yesterday morning…” He shook his head. “There was this woman…Dammit. I don’t even know how to tell you this.”

“Just say it, Abe.”

“I have a kid.”

She looked at him for a moment. “As in a child?”

“Yeah. A child. A kid. A son. I have a son.”

She slid off the truck and walked a few feet away, the leaves rustling under her feet. “How? When?” She sighed. “How long have you known?”

“Since yesterday morning. I had no idea.”

“She never told you?” Maggie walked back over to him. “You didn’t know?”

“No, I’m not a flake. I would’ve done the right thing had I known. I barely knew her. She was here. Then she was gone, and I never heard from her again.”

“Why is she telling you now?”

Abe swung his legs for a moment. “She’s dead. She died six months ago, and her father has been raising Kai. But now…”

“Kai?”