Hank settled into the seat of the rental car and headed out. He had some time to think about what he was going to say and do. It seemed like a good idea at the time to arrive unannounced at Amy's, just show up. Now he wasn't so sure. How could he explain he just decided to show up? He did email her to find out if she had any plans and she said no big plans. Carrie was involved in a softball tourney that was all. Hank thought he could use that as an excuse plus he really wanted to see Carrie play. It might help the two of them to grow closer. As far what he was going to say to Amy he wasn't sure. He wanted it to be perfect. The more he drove the more time he had to work out the different scenarios. He cursed out Brianna and her "what if she says no" comment. He had no answer for that one.
Amy was sitting at the table on the deck. She was working on some lesson plans. She couldn't believe how close it was to the start of school. This year might be a challenge as Carrie was going to the High School and all that entailed. She sat back and stretched. She was wearing her silk robe over her bathing suit. She knew she needed to change but she was just being lazy.
She reached quickly for her pen as it started to roll off the table. She felt a twinge in her wrist and it brought back memories of that day. Roger had really hurt her, both physically and mentally. Amy was so thankful that Carrie took it so well. As a matter of fact Carrie took it better than Amy did. It seemed like a load had been lifted from her. It started before she knew but she acted as it was great news. Carrie was concerned about Hank's reaction but it was here that she acted more like an optimistic teenage. She knew Hank would want to be her dad.
The doorbell rang. "Mom, someone's at the door!"
"Carrie, could you please get it?" Amy yelled back. She didn't want to answer the door dressed this way.
"Alright," Carrie replied. Amy could hear her sigh.
Amy could hear Carrie's voice and she seemed to be very excited. She was talking to someone but Amy couldn't hear the voice clearly.
"Mom, looks who's here?"
"Hi babe." Hank walked over and kissed her.
"Oh my God, what are you doing here?" Amy quickly tried to compose herself.
"I was in the area so I thought I stop by," Hank smiled.
"Really?"
"No, you said Carrie had a softball tourney this weekend so I thought I would like to see her play." He turned to Carrie. "If that is ok with you?"
Carrie smiled so hard it seemed to hurt. "That would be great!"
As Carrie went off to get ready, Amy stood up and hugged Hank. "I'm so glad you're here. I have missed you so much!"
Hank kissed her. "Boy, do you look great!"
Amy kissed him back. "He knows how to make me feel good," she thought.
"We need to talk but not right now. Ok?"
The three went to the game together. Carrie went off with her teammates as Hank had to suffer through the numerous introductions. He was happy the game started. Amy sat very close to him almost as if she couldn't get close enough. She entwined her hand through his arm and hand and held it there all game. She said very little.
Amy was so excited that she could burst. By just coming to the game, Hank had done something that meant more to Carrie than he could ever know. At that moment Amy was never more in love with Hank than at this time. Even though the team lost both Carrie and Amy didn't seem to care.
Since it was a tourney and double elimination, there was another game. This meant about a 90 minute wait. During that time Hank and Carrie talked about the game. He offered her suggestions about her batting stance and work with her on it. Amy sat in the shade and watched. They seemed so natural together.
Carrie's team lost the second game but Carrie got 3 hits, most on the team. Her coach congratulated her. After the game, she ran to Hank and gave him a big hug. "Thank you!" she said.
During the ride home Carrie couldn't stop talking she was so excited. She was still talking as they stopped the car in the drive way. She hopped out and ran to the house.
"Man, is she excited," Hank said turning to Amy.
He was caught by surprise as Amy kissed him. "Not as excited as I am," she whispered. She kissed him again. "Now why did you really come?"
"Look, there is something important that I would like to talk to you about and here in the car is not the place," Hank said seriously. "I would like to take you out for nice supper and talk there. Ok?"
Amy nodded. She was a little concerned about what he wanted to talk about. Did Roger have copies of those papers? Did he send them to Hank? She could feel a knot building in her stomach.
She agonized over what to wear. The little black dress was out but she didn't want to be too casual. She picked out a nice plain sleeveless summer dress. She took her time and made sure everything was as perfect as it could be.
There was a knock on the bedroom door. It was Carrie. "Can I come in?"
"What do you want, honey?"
Carrie sat down. "Do you think he knows?" She was picking her nails, a sure sign she was nervous.
"I don't know. I don't think so but I know it is serious. Remember I knew Hank before this and I know his moods. From the way he acted it's pretty important. How do you feel about it?"
"Today was one of greatest day ever. It was so great talking to him at the game. I wanted to call him dad right there. Mom, it felt so right."
"I know, baby. We just don't know but I'm going to tell him tonight. No matter what you need to stay home tonight. I don't know which way this is going to go but I need you to be here." Amy gave her daughter a hug and a kiss. "Oh well, here we go."
