Chapter Fifty-One
As time went by, Mason and Kelley were forced into a new routine as Grace’s bassinet was moved into their already cramped room. Mason usually slept like the dead but during that first night, they both sat up straight in their beds every time Grace made a sound. Each sigh, each little motion had both of them wide awake and alert, ready to see to her needs.
Marella offered to move to the motel but both Mason and Kelley shut her down quickly, they’d make the situation work. Grace wasn't a hindrance, just a new addition to their family. Lee had regarded the baby like she was a stick of dynamite, clearly afraid of touching her. He watched their interaction with the baby from a safe distance, although his eyes showed the emotions he tried so hard to hide.
For the first week, Carey had woken up with them too, checking up on them before she decided that Grace was in capable hands. She did go shopping for Grace though and Mason sat on his bed, eyes red-rimmed from lack of sleep as Carey unpacked baby things. He didn't complain, didn't back away from his responsibilities once and Carey knew that part of Mason would never change. She could see exactly what type of father Mason was going to be.
“It gets better, Mason.”
Mason stifled a yawn. “Does it?”
“If you’re lucky within a few months.”
“Shit.”
“You’ll be okay.” Carey hid her laugh and smiled lovingly at her son. “You make me proud you know.”
“Some days it still feels surreal, having a kid at seventeen.”
“I know you feel overwhelmed and it seems daunting, like things will never get better but this little girl will become your whole world. You stepped up, Mason, not once did you waver or hesitate when it came to looking after her and that makes me proud of the son I raised.”
“I’m sorry for disappointing you but something tells me that test will come back positive and she’s my daughter so there’s no way I’ll give her up. I’m a dad and that means she comes first, no matter what.”
Carey smiled and her hand caressed Mason’s cheek. “I love you, Mason. I was angry a few days ago but know that I’m here for you, anything you need. If you need me to look after her while you’re at college, I’ll do it.”
“Thanks, Mom, I know you will but she’s my responsibility. We’ll figure it out, between me and Kelley, we’ll make it work.”
“Not Lee?”
Mason laughed then. “Lee thinks she’ll break if he touches her.”
“I got you this as well.” Carey pulled a diary from her handbag and handed it to Mason.
“What’s this?”
“It’s a diary for her milestones and I’ve noted down the dates for her shots and check-ups, what her desired weight should be on certain dates and what she should be able to do at certain ages. It’s just a guide, remember that every baby is different and they develop at their own pace.”
“Thank you, Mom. This is great.”
Mason hugged his mother who then left his room. Mason looked at the piles of folded clothes on top of his bureau and then emptied a drawer for his daughter. The bureau also now held diapers and toiletries and Mason looked at his phone. Every message to Andrea had gone unread and her phone went straight to voicemail.
That night Jesse was invited to dinner and he outright laughed at Mason when he saw the baby and then took her from him. “I always knew your dick would land you in trouble.”
“Thanks a lot, Jesse.”
“She’s a beauty, Mason.”
They had a routine that worked for them. Kelley took his turn to watch Grace, bathe her and feed her so Mason could sleep and by the end of their school year Kelley was as much her father as Mason was and they often joked about it.
As time went by Mason fell completely in love with Grace as did Kelley and Lee. Marella often joked that Grace was the only girl to hold all three of their hearts. When Lee realized that Grace wouldn’t break he became the third father in her life and he’d often be found sleeping on the couch with Grace on his chest.
They graduated high school and everybody except Carey was surprised when Kelley graduated second in their class. Mason and Lee were in the top fifteen with Marella close on their heels. It was a proud day and Carey sat in the audience with John, Jesse and Grace.
Laura had been standing in the back but Kelley had only glimpsed her when he received his diploma before she sneaked out. He felt a sudden rush of guilt because he hadn’t gone to see her or spoken to her again since that night.
Her divorce from Charles had been made final a few weeks ago and Marley had been quiet too. Kelley had distanced himself from his family and he knew he should make amends but the whole situation still left a bitter taste in his mouth.
“We’re very proud of you, Kelley, but I have to ask why you’re not in the top spot,” Jesse said as amusement danced in his eyes.
“I didn’t feel like giving a speech.”
Twice a week he’d sit on the beach and mourn Juliana but to everyone else, Kelley seemed to have moved on. He showed no interest in other girls even though some of them had tried, he couldn’t bring himself to even think about it.
Maria had stopped talking to him, although he sent her a message every week. The Johnsons had settled financially with Maria out of court and she had moved away from Yorkdare Bay a month later. Kelley understood her motives to leave.
Petey Johnson had gotten community service and a DUI with his license suspended for a year. Juliana’s death was written off as a tragic accident. It made Kelley feel sick and he’d withdrawn slightly from everyone.
