Total pages in book: 97
Estimated words: 94687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 94687 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 473(@200wpm)___ 379(@250wpm)___ 316(@300wpm)
“I’m not embarrassed to be your biological son,” Chip said, as if he was surprised anyone would even think it. “Not at all. I think it’s really cool.”
“You really think media will care that much?” Robin glanced at Chip with maternal concern.
“Unfortunately, I think we have to plan for that,” I told her. “I wouldn’t have guessed it before, but after seeing firsthand how they manipulate and distort things to grab eyeballs, I believe he’s right to be concerned.”
“Grab eyeballs!” repeated Cecily. “Ew!”
“She doesn’t mean grabbing actual eyeballs,” Chip explained. “She means get people’s attention.”
“Oh.” Her feet began swinging again. “I think it would be kinda cool to be in the news.”
I smiled ruefully at her. “It would be, for the right reasons.”
Tyler spoke up. “This is completely up to you, Robin. April and I are willing to handle it whichever way you think is best for your family. We could try to keep completely silent and hope for the best, or we could try to get out ahead of it.”
“How would we do that?” Chip asked.
“Tyler’s family knows a local reporter we could go to with the story,” I explained. “That way we could go public with it on our terms.”
“I’m thinking . . .” Robin rose to her feet and paced back and forth. “I used to work in PR. I think Tyler is right. What if we made this a story about family ties, about how adoption can create all kinds of wonderful nontraditional family relationships? You see all those stories now about DNA testing and how people are discovering their roots and connecting with people they didn’t even know they were related to. Those are uplifting stories that make people feel good, don’t you think? This could be that kind of story.”
“I agree completely,” I said. “That’s a great idea. I love the idea of a pro-adoption story. Tyler?” I looked over at him.
“I’m all in, whatever you guys decide.”
Robin looked at Chip. “How do you feel about this, honey?”
“About being related to one of the greatest pitchers in the game? I think it’s awesome.”
“I don’t know about that,” Tyler said, but I could tell he’d liked hearing it. “And maybe you should take some time as a family to talk it over. There will be reporters calling, possibly knocking on your door. People at school will talk.”
“I’m okay with it,” he insisted. “I’m more than okay with it.”
Robin looked at us and smiled. “I think we have a plan.”
“Good.” I rose to my feet, and Tyler followed suit. “We should go—I have to get over to Cloverleigh for an event tonight—but we’ll be in touch soon.”
“Sounds good.” Robin shook her head. “I’m still trying to wrap my brain around this. Life never stops throwing you curveballs, does it?”
“Nope,” Tyler said. “I can attest to that.”
Chip rose to his full height, and it struck me again how much he took after Tyler—even the way he got up from a chair. I wondered if there were other similar idiosyncrasies they’d discover over time. “Is it okay to tell my friends?” he asked.
“It’s okay with me,” Tyler said with a shrug. “My family already knows.”
“And we told my parents last night,” I added. My parents had reacted the same way we all had—with shock and disbelief giving way to joy and excitement. They couldn’t wait to meet Chip, their bonus grandson, they called him, and my heart had filled with love and pride at the way they treated Tyler. He’d been so nervous, but they’d welcomed him with a hug and a handshake, and made him feel at home.
“Did you really?” Robin smiled and shook her head. “I remember your mother very fondly. How is she?”
“She’s great. Both she and my dad are so excited to meet you all. And everyone is invited to my dad’s retirement party, which is also a huge celebration for Cloverleigh’s fortieth anniversary. It’s happening a week from tonight. And maybe before that, sometime this week, we could all get together for an introduction.”
“Thank you,” said Robin. “That sounds nice, if you think it won’t be too much.”
“Not at all,” I assured her. “They understand why it took so long for this to happen, but now they don’t want to waste any more time being strangers. They’re really into family.”
“I am too,” said Robin. “And I couldn’t agree more.”
“Can I come to the party too?” Cecily asked.
“You sure can,” I told her. “There will definitely be some kids there your age. I have lots of nieces and even a nephew. I’ll introduce you. They’ll be like bonus cousins!”
The young girl smiled. “Awesome.”
Finally, I turned to Chip. I wanted to hug him, but I didn’t want to be too forward, so I shook his hand instead. “It was so nice to meet you.”
“You too,” he said.