A young boy decides to befriend his mother’s new boyfriend and invites him to the house, but his father arrives unexpectedly.When Mandy Carson divorced Gary Carson, she knew it would be hard on her son, David. David was five when she asked for a divorce, and for the next two years, she didn’t date. Mandy felt she couldn’t bring another man into her son’s life, even though Gary went through six or seven live-in girlfriends in the first year after the divorce.
Then Mandy met Jared Vause, and he wouldn’t give up. Jared wanted to be in Mandy’s life and David’s too. Mandy thought they should take things nice and slow, but David didn’t agree!The first time David met Jared was at his mom’s company picnic. At first, David was shy with him; he stood back and watched him carefully. Don’t underestimate children. They can be wiser than grownups.
He was OK, David thought; he was a cheerful guy. Or at least he seemed to be. The second time David met Jared was at a baseball game. Jared got three tickets, and they all went together — almost like a family. That made David a bit suspicious. Was Jared trying to take his dad’s place? Then he saw how sweet and kind Jared was to his mom. He was always concerned for her comfort, always smiling.
His mom looked so happy! Sadly, David contrasted the way his dad had treated Mandy. Gary has been constantly on edge, constantly pointing out anything Mandy did as wrong. David never understood what his mom did so wrong. She was a pretty good mom and a great cook. She was nice to his dad too. But his mom never looked happy and relaxed when she’d been married to his dad.
David decided he kinda liked Jared. Over the next few months, he became fond of the man, especially when he saw his mother’s happiness. That was when David made a decision. He said to his mom: “Hey, mom, don’t you think it’s time you invited Jared to our house for Sunday lunch? We could have a barbecue.” Mandy stood very still. “Are you sure, honey?” she asked carefully, “That’s a big step.”
“I’m sure, mom,” David said. “I like Jared a lot, and he promised he’d teach me to pitch.” “OK,” Mandy said. “I’ll talk to Jared.”The next Sunday, Jared came for lunch. Mandy fired up the barbecue, and Jared showed David how to flip burgers. They were about to sit down for lunch when the doorbell rang.Mandy frowned. “Who can that be?” she asked and got up to answer the door.
“It’s dad,” David said to Jared. “I invited him.” Mandy came back looking flustered, followed by Gary. When Gary saw Jared, he flushed and looked angry. “What’s going on?” he demanded. “Dad,” David said. “I wanted you to meet Jared. Jared is going to be part of mom’s life and mine. He’s a good guy, and I like him a lot.” “Listen,” Gary said angrily. “I don’t know what’s going on here…”
“It’s simple,” David said as Mandy and Jared sat there open-mouthed. “I think it’s time you realized that mom is moving on with her life.” “SHE is the one who wanted the divorce!” Gary shouted. “Yeah,” David said gently. “But she’d not the one with lots of different people in her life. You even had those girls open the door for us when she dropped me off the weekends, remember, dad?
“That bothered me. It didn’t feel right or appropriate. So I want you to feel respected and to show respect to your mother and Jared.” Gary was fixed on his son. “Is this guy trying to take my place?” he raged. “Not with me, dad,” David stated emphatically. “You’ve always been a wonderful father, and I adore you, but you weren’t a nice husband.” Jared is nice to his mother.”
“David, sometimes moms and dads…” Gary blushed. “Dad,” David said, interrupting. “I was present. I was eight years old. I was old enough to recall what you did and said. Let’s forget about it, dad. Mom is overjoyed, and so am I. “I want you to accept Jared because I believe he is here to stay and I adore him.” That means he’ll be at baseball games and school functions because I’ll invite him.” Gary turned to face Mandy and Jared.
“You raised quite a kid,” he said to Mandy. “That’s the child WE raised, Gary,” Mandy explained quietly. “He’s tense. “Just because we are no longer a couple doesn’t mean we can’t be a family.” “Hey, Gary,” Jared said. “What about a beer?” We’re getting ready to eat. “Do you prefer your meat medium rare or well done?” It was the first time David’s parents had met amicably since their divorce, but it wouldn’t be the last. Gary accepted Mandy’s relationship with Jared, and the three were brought together by their love for David.