Covering the Carolinas

by Casey Peeler

  “Mommy, that GC!”

  Frozen… completely frozen. Gunnison takes control. “Hey, buddy. How are you?”

  “Good. I see you at game.”

  “I can’t wait. I think I just might come hang out with you again. Is that okay?”

  Gunner turns away from phone, “Pap, GC coming to our house!” he says excitedly. I smile toward Gunnison. As my daddy appears in the phone, I pray he doesn’t ask too many questions.

  “Mar, no worries here. We had a little Pap talk yesterday, and we talked about GC and the game. He’s excited.”

  “Thanks, Daddy. Where did he go?”

  “To tell Mimi you’re with GC. Be smart, Mar.” I feel the heat rise in my cheeks. “I’ll talk to y’all later. Love you.” He tells me he loves me and then disconnects the phone.

  Tossing my phone on the couch, Gunnison places his arms around me. “Looks like your daddy’s doing a good job. This weekend is going to be just fine. You think they’ll let us share a room?” he says nonchalantly.

  “You must have lost your damn mind,” I say and he starts to laugh.

  “Mar, I’d never do that at your parents’. I mean unless we were married. I’m amazed your daddy didn’t strangle me through the phone this morning.”

  “You are true, but it kinda worked out to our favor.”

  “Yeah, it did.”

  GUNNISON

  After we get ready, we have breakfast together and then go our separate ways for class. I won’t get to see her the remainder of today and it’s going to kill me. Tomorrow she leaves to go home to Gunner and I’m completely jealous. I wish I could go too, but I have class and practice on Friday. The next forty-eight hours are going to feel like an eternity.

  Making my way into the gym, Coach calls me into his office.

  “Del Valle, have a seat,” he says, pointing to the chair in front of me. “I’ve been thinking, and yes, you can stay with your son.”

  “Thanks, Coach!” I say as excitement builds.

  “Now listen to me, Del Valle. I want you to talk to the team today at practice. You need to be the leader they expect you to be, and if you’re not following rules, they need to know why. Also, I expect an extra three miles tomorrow and while you’re gone to make up for practice.”

  “Practice? I was going to be back in time for that Monday.”

  “Take the day. You need this time, and I don’t want that girl of yours to have to leave the little guy any sooner than she should.”

  “Coach, her name is Marleigh. Thank you for everything.”

  He dismisses me from his office, and I make my way to the locker room. Within moments, I hear Coach telling everyone to wait in here for a team meeting before practice begins. Suddenly, my palms are clammy and I’m sweating like I’ve been on the court for hours.

  Everyone takes a seat on the locker room benches and looks around for answers. Coach steps in with his playbook and everyone gets quiet, he turns toward me then addresses the team.

  “How many of you have had something unexpected happen in your life?” Scanning the team, hands begin to raise and I raise mine as well. “Did you adjust to the situation?” Several guys from the team agree that they made adjustments, but then one raises his hand and asks Coach if he is okay. It does seem like he’s about to drop a bomb on us. “I’m fine, but sometimes in our lives things don’t go as planned. People walk in and out of our lives unexpectedly. Life isn’t easy, but it’s what you do with it that makes it worth living. One of your teammates will be breaking one of our team rules this weekend… with my permission.” They all begin to look around at each other. “Del Valle, I’ll let you have the floor.” Nodding in agreement, I make my way to Coach.

  “Thanks, Coach. Guys, I’m not really sure where to start this conversation, but some of you met Marleigh at the Ale House the other night.” Breathe. “Most of you know I’ve known her for several years and she walked out of my life unexpectedly, like Coach said. It wasn’t until last week that I found out why. I have a three-year-old son. This weekend when we play GWU, I won’t travel home with the team. Instead, I will go home with my son and tell him I am his daddy. I’ve never been one to ask for things, but I need to do this. I can’t waste another day without him in my life completely. I will miss traveling with the team and practice on Monday. I’m talking to you as a teammate. I hope you all understand. I need to know you guys are okay with this.”

  I pause and wait for their reactions. Wade makes the first move. “Del Valle, you’ve been talking about that girl since the day I met you. It’s just one ride and one practice.”

  “Thanks, Wade, but I don’t want to be an exception to a rule. If anyone has a problem about me breaking a team rule, I want them to voice their opinion now.” Silence fills the room. “Thanks, everyone. Things are about to change in my life, but know that I’ll never let this team down.”

  After practice, I debate telling Marleigh about the change of plans for the weekend. I quickly decide against it because that will be a perfect surprise before she leaves tomorrow.

  Chapter 33

  MARLEIGH

  I watch the clock and it barely moves. Twenty-five more minutes until class is over and I get to see Gunnison. My car is packed and I can’t wait to get home to my little boy, but selfishly, I don’t want to leave Gunnison. I really wish Gunner was here with me all the time, but there’s no way I could do it without my parents.

  As I hear my name called, I realize I wasn’t paying attention to the professor. Shit! “Can you repeat that please?” After giving me the evil eye, she does and I answer quickly. I don’t let my mind wander again and as soon as class is dismissed, I hurry out the door and make my way to the parking lot.

  As my car comes into view, I see Gunnison propped up against my driver’s side door holding a coffee from the coffee shop with a killer smile. I pick up my pace because I can’t get there fast enough. He must see my reaction because he places the coffee on the hood of my car and takes a step toward me. I throw my arms around him as he picks me up and kisses me as he spins me around.

  As my feet land safely on the ground, I notice he doesn’t let go. “I know it’s a little late for coffee, but I thought you might need it for the drive home,” he says as he reaches for it with one hand.

  “You, Mr. Del Valle, think of everything,” I say as I look into those chocolate eyes taking the coffee from him. “I don’t know how I’m going to make it without you until Saturday.”

  “I know. I wish I could go with you, but at least I’ll be riding back with you on Monday.”

  I stop. “What? I thought we had to be back Sunday night so you could be at practice and class Monday.”

  “Coach told me this morning he’d give me a pass, if I’d run an extra three miles today and run while I’m gone.”

  “Ohmygosh! That’s awesome! Well, not the running, but I’m so glad we don’t have to leave Gunner early.” Carefully, I angle the coffee away from us and kiss him once more. As much as I hate to leave him, I need to get on the road. Pulling away from his lips, I can see he hates this as much as I do. “We can do this. It’s two days, and really it’s one and a half because the game’s at four.”

  “Good point, but I still wish I could go with you. This is going to be hard every week. Now that you’re back in my life, I don’t want to lose a second of our lives together.”

  “Me either, but we have to put Gunner first. When the time is right, we will all be together as a family.” Did I just say that out loud?

  “I can’t wait for that day.” Yup, totally did. “Now get on the road before he starts to worry about you, and call me after you get settled. I love you, Marleigh,” he says as he slides his hand on my cheek and kisses my lips tenderly before opening my door and telling me bye once more.

  ******

  Pulling into the driveway, I’m met by Gunner running from the barn with my daddy close behind him.

  “Mommy!” he squeals as I hurry to meet him. Picking him up, I can
barely find him in the oversized coat to protect him from the chilly temperatures.

  “Hey, sweet boy!” I say as I press my lips to his cheek. “I’ve missed you!” I say as I place him on my hip and hug Daddy before making my way inside

  “Mama! I’m home!” I yell as the smell of chicken and dumplings tickles my nose. Yum! As I remove Gunner’s coat, Daddy comes in with my bag. “Thanks, Daddy. I was going to get that.” He tells me not to worry about it as he takes it to my room and we make our way to the kitchen. I text my sisters and Gunnison to let them know I’m here safely before Mama meets me with open arms. She takes an extra moment to whisper in my ear that this weekend is going to be just fine. After a wonderful home cooked meal, spending time with Gunner and putting him to bed, I take a moment to relax in my room.

  Pulling my phone from the dresser, I begin to call Gunnison when there is a knock on my door. “Come in.” Both of my parents come and take a seat on my bed. Unsure of what they want to discuss, I place my phone in my pocket. “What’s up?” I ask. “Mar, we’ve been thinking. As much as we want to see how everything goes between GC and Gunner, we think you need time without us. We’ve decided we’re going to stay home instead of going to the game,” Daddy says.

  “Y’all, I’m scared to do this without you.”

  “Mar, this is part of being an adult. Sometimes you have to do things that scare you to death.”

  “Daddy, nothing scares you.”

  He shakes his head, “Mar, the day we found out about the three of you, I was terrified. The day I went face to face with a coyote, I was terrified. The day you walked out of this house looking for me because you were in labor, I was even more terrified. Just because I don’t show it, doesn’t mean I’m not. Now is the time for you to be brave for Gunner. He needs to see how sure you are about this situation. He will be able to feel your emotions.”

  “You’re right. I’ve talked about growing up and I say all the time I’m more responsible, which I am compared to how I was before Gunner, but I need to step up my game…” Taking a breath, Mama interrupts me.

  “What exactly have you and GC planned for your future? I know y’all have been seeing a lot of each other. I want you to think about your actions and how they affect Gunner. You’re lucky he already admires GC or that conversation the other morning might not have gone as smoothly. Also, you now have gotten a true piece of the college experience: classes, parties, guys, and doing things your parents dislike. I want you to remember why you waited to attend and what you leave behind each week. Not to mention the fact that while you’re having a good ole time at GC’s, I’m babysitting.” What. The. Hell. She thinks all I’ve been doing is drinking, partying, and having sex after bringing Gunnison back in my life? That’s not the case. Well, maybe a little.

  “Mama! Do you think that little of me?” She doesn’t say a word and that pisses me off even more. Turning to Daddy, my eyes beg him to say something, but he remains quiet. “Yes, I stayed with him but do you know what we talked about? We talked about how we were going to tell Gunner he was his dad. I know you don’t like knowing I stayed there but I can’t stand to be away from him. I pushed him out of my life because I thought it was right but I’ve never loved anyone else like I love Gunnison. He and Gunner make me whole.”

  “Mar, I didn’t mean it like that.” Mama smiles. Oh gosh! This is one of those teachable moments. “I just don’t want you to fall too hard too fast. Look what happened the last time. I love Gunner and wouldn’t trade him for the world but you have to think for both of you now.”

  “Mama, that’s what I’m doing. I want Gunnison, Gunner, and I to be a family. I want to marry Gunnison, and live happily ever after with our son together. I don’t know when that will happen, but I was wrong to have kept it from him.” Daddy smirks. Standing, I point my index finger at him. “Don’t say I told you so, please!” He laughs and Mama does, too. I know she’s just trying to make me think, and my brain will process this conversation later. Right now, I just want to call Gunnison and live in my perfect bubble.

  “Mar, we love you, but we know you. We know when you’re passionate about something you forget about everything else. You don’t mean to, it just happens,” Mama says as she stands and gives me a hug, then she waits on Daddy to walk out of my room and closes my door.

  When they leave, I walk to Gunner’s room and sneak a peak at that precious angel. As I turn to head to my room, I meet my daddy propped against the wall. “Mar, I’m proud of you and so is your mama. I think what she was trying to tell you didn’t come out like she wanted.”

  “Yeah it did, Daddy. It was one of those ‘teachable moments,’” I say, making quote marks.

  “Yeah, about that… that might have been what she’s doing, but she’s speaking from experience. If it wasn’t for your mama, I wouldn’t be grounded. I see the same thing when I look at you and GC.”

  “Daddy, just say it… I’m your mini me. Carleigh is like Mama, and Tin is a mix of both of you.”

  “That’s right, kiddo. You’re as stubborn as me and don’t care about consequences until it’s too late.”

  “Love you,” I say as I make my way to my room.

  GUNNISON

  I’ve looked at my phone a million times, checked to make sure that it was on ring, and tried to distract myself as much as possible. Where is she? I know Gunner’s asleep by now. Making my way to the kitchen, I open the fridge and stare. When nothing looks appealing, I begin to close it when my phone rings. I sprint to my phone and answer it.

  “Mar? Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah, it’s okay. Sorry, things took longer than I planned.” She’s not telling me something.

  “Talk to me. What’s really going on?”

  I hear her take a big breath on the other end of the phone and my heart stops. No! Not again! I wait for her to speak and pray I’m just overreacting.

  “I had a talk with my parents again tonight.” Breathe, GC. You’re good. “They aren’t coming to the game. They want Gunner and me to do this alone.” Her voice begins to crack. “I’m scared, Gunnison!” I lied, my heart isn’t okay; it’s breaking because I can’t get through this damn phone and prove to her everything is going to be okay.

  “Mar, it’s going to be okay. As soon as the game is over, I’m all yours. This is going to work out. I promise. Please don’t cry; it breaks my heart knowing I can’t hold you in my arms and make everything better.”

  “I wish I knew how we were going to tell him, but it’s not like there’s an owner’s manual or anything.”

  “You’re right, there’s not. I honestly don’t know how you’ve done it the past three years, but I can promise you that you’ll never be alone again. I love you, Marleigh Anderson, and I love Gunner just as much.”

  “Gunnison Cyrus, you always know exactly what to say, and I wish I was in your arms too. Can Saturday hurry up?”

  “I have a feeling tomorrow is going to feel like an eternity, but it will be worth it. Oh, is there anything in particular I need to pack? I mean clothes wise? I wasn’t sure where we planned to go on Sunday. Do I need something really nice or just everyday kinda stuff?”

  “I can promise you there is nothing in Gaffney that will have you in a suit and tie except prom or a wedding. I was thinking that we’d just go to dinner after the game Saturday and then Sunday, if it’s not too cold, I thought we could go fishing at the Broad River. Gunner loves doing that.”

  “That sounds great, and I’ll just pack for several scenarios.”

  After talking a little while longer, we disconnect and I stare at the ceiling for hours as thoughts of Gunner and Marleigh run through my mind.

  Chapter 34

  MARLEIGH

  Friday morning, I’m rattled awake by a little three year old monkey crawling into my bed. “Mommy I snuggle?”

  “You bet!” I say as he scoots into my arms. We drift back to sleep, and wake up as the sun shines through my bedroom window. As we both begin to stir, I can smel
l breakfast cooking and I can’t wait to see what Mama’s cooked. That’s one perk of having to come home.

  Gunner and I make our way to the kitchen and say good morning to my mama. As we fix our plates and take a seat, Daddy comes in and kisses Mama on the cheek. They are so cute. When we finish breakfast, we go with Mama to run errands, and when Gunner takes a nap, I have a little one on one time with Mama. She tries to reassure me for tomorrow, and then does something I never imagined.

  “Mar, I want this weekend to be about the three of you, but I also want this to be about GC and you as well. I know you and GC have Gunner’s best interest at heart, the best way to be good parents is also have time for yourselves without stress. Outshyne is playing in Greenville tomorrow night, and I might have gotten you two tickets.”

  I’m completely shocked! “Mama! You’re the best, but what if Gunner won’t let us leave?”

  “No worries, your daddy and I can handle him.”

  GUNNISON

  After class and practice Friday, I spend the evening getting ready for a weekend that will change my life. Once I have everything packed, I call my parents. I talk to them at least once a week. Today’s one of those days where I really need to talk to them.

  “Hey, Dad. How’s it going?” I question.

  “Good. How’s it going for you?” I know what he’s hinting at.

  “Things are going really well. In fact, I’m going to Marleigh’s after the game tomorrow. We are going to talk to him this weekend.”

  “You sure that’s the best idea?”

  “No, but we need him to know sooner rather than later. Dad, I’m sorry you found out like that.”

  “GC, your mom explained the situation to me. There is no easy way to find out you’re a grandpa when your son is still in college. It’s definitely not the best timing but I’m proud of you for owning up to your mistakes and being a responsible young man. Now on a lighter note, I can’t wait for him to come to the farm and ride.”

  “I hadn’t thought that far ahead except for meeting you. I’d love to see him at our farm.”