Read Online A Dad of His Own by Gail Gaymer Martin - Free Book Online

recognize.
    “Time for the party,” he said as he reached the bottom. But his voice didn’t sound convincing.
    “That’s what I’ve been waiting for.” Ethan ambled closer, not sure how to greet the child, but Cooper answered his question. He opened his arms, and Ethan grasped him in a hug, sinking into the child’s embrace.
    Lexie scooted past. “I want you to try and eat some dinner, Cooper. Then we’ll have the cake.”
    Ethan released him and straightened. “Let’s see what your mom has for you.”
    Cooper stuck by his side, and they strode through the kitchen archway together.
    Lexie stood at the refrigerator door. She glanced over her shoulder, listing what she had for him to eat.
    “Mashed potatoes.” Cooper’s voice sounded decisive.
    “That’s all?”
    He nodded and headed for the breakfast nook.
    Ethan watched Lexie prepare a plate, adding a piece of the pork chop and some carrots. He would have done the same. Better to tempt the child than give in. When the microwave beeped, she pulled out the food and carried it to the nook. “How about some coffee, Ethan?”
    “Sounds great. Black works for me.”
    She motioned toward the bench seat. “Sit there with Cooper and I’ll bring it to you.”
    He slid into the booth across from the boy, and a moment later, Lexie appeared with his coffee. She left and returned with a glass of milk for Cooper and coffee for herself. He’d expected her to sit beside Cooper, but she slid next to him. The warmth of her body stirred him, and he drew in the scent of citrus. Shampoo, he guessed. Her long hair that usually hung below her shoulders had been caught back with a cloth band.
    Ethan sipped his coffee, listening to Lexie encourage Cooper to eat. The boy dug his fork into the potatoes and nibbled at the vegetable. The chop lay untouched. When Lexie mentioned Cooper had opened his grandparents’ gifts earlier in the day, the boy’s pale face brightened.
    “I’ll show you my presents. I got two videos and some puzzles.”
    His enthusiasm lifted Ethan’s spirit. “Which videos?”
    “ Shrek and some cartoons.”
    “Like the one on your shirt?” Ethan pointed to the clever characters.
    “No. These are my mom’s drawings.” He grasped the T-shirt on each side and stretched it forward. “See.”
    So that’s what she did. He grinned at the design. “You’re pretty good, Mom.”
    She gave him a playful grin. “Thanks.”
    Cooper rattled on, his spirit and energy improving, and Ethan tried to concentrate, but his closeness to Lexie distracted him. He loved her smile, even her grin, but today he’d seen too much grief in her eyes. He wanted to hold her close and warm away the sadness. When Laine had been sick, loneliness and sorrow settled around him like a blanket smothering all other emotion except anger. His bitterness had taken a long time to vanish. Now the bitterness had been replaced with acceptance. He’d leaned on the Bible during those difficult days and came to understand God’s way, whether he liked it or not. But Lexie? She had little to lean on without being a believer. Her family seemed distant. No references to her husband. Death? Divorce? Separation? He would never ask.
    “That’s all.” Cooper pushed the plate toward the edge of the table. “Let’s have my birthday party.”
    Lexie looked at the plate, a faint frown pulling at her mouth, but she didn’t comment. Instead, she scooted from the bench and carried the plate to the sink. The noise of the disposal sounded, then stopped. He watched her rinse the dish and slide it into the dishwasher.
    Cooper followed her every move as she lifted the cover of a cake dish and pulled out a large chocolate creation. “My favorite. Double chocolate.”
    Lexie looked up and grinned. “What else for my favorite son?”
    “I’m your only son, Mom.”
    Ethan chuckled until the words sank into his head. Only son. If Cooper didn’t make it through this illness, Lexie wouldtruly be alone. Just as