What Happened In Your Game Today?

@Ellupelluellu thank you. The basketball hoop is from PandaSama. Thank you, I hope our trip goes smoothly, too. :)

Thank you @DaniRose2143 I just have to figure out how to hand out awards, besides find some interesting cc awards to hand out. LOL

When She Says No, a NEW Erik Cantrell Save

"i was thinking," Erik began, taking a seat at the end of the table, "that we should have another baby. Just so Michael isn't so alone."
"What? Are you out of your mind? Erik, we're in our forties and it's at least an eighteen-year commitment. No, I just can't do it again."
"But soon Michael won't be a baby anymore . . ." Kayleigh just gave him the 'eye'. Erik grew silent.



"Let's not turn this into an argument. God has blessed us with seven children. My pregnancy with Michael was harder on me than I let on. I'm not a young woman anymore. I just can't do it again. I'm sorry to disappoint you, Sweetheart. At our ages, we should content ourselves to wait for our grandchildren."

"You sound so certain. Is there something I should know? As far as I'm aware none of them are even dating, let alone planning a wedding. Let alone growing a grandchild. So, where does that leave me?"
"Oh, don't be so dramatic. Melodie has said that Harmony has met someone."
"She best bring him around, is all I can say to that."
"Don't be such an ogre. She will when they become a thing. Trust me a mother knows these things."

"Huh, if you say so," Erik grumbled. He got up and fixed himself a drink.



The next day, Saturday, loomed large. Slowly Erik rolled out of bed. He took his time with his morning ablutions and made his way to the kitchen. Already Jamison was up, and baking. He had been promoted to Bakery Chef, to his delight, and had a chocolate cake all baked up and ready for Michael's birthday. "You don't look ready for this, Dad," he said.
"I'm never ready for a baby to grow up. For the record, yours was tough on me, too. However, we still had two infants in the house and your mother on the nest again, so there was some ease to my pain. Thank you for baking the cake."

"No problem. Any time. It's my job, after all." He shrugged.



It was done. Michael did the twirly thing and suddenly a child stood before him. Just like that. Erik sighed. Then he came to realize Michael was now at the perfect age for all kinds of fun things to do with him, and the pain eased a bit. He hated to admit it, but Kayleigh was right. Their time to bring new ones into this life was over. He could only hope one of his older kids would find the right person for them and get married and provide grandchildren. This wasn't an easy concession, but it was much better than moping, to be sure.



After church on Sunday, the twins dropped by the house. "Harmony has a boyfriend," Melodie was quick to announce, much to Harmony's chagrin, she cast her sister a warning glance.
"Really?" Erik said, his expression perking up.
"Let's just put the brakes on this right here and now," Harmony said. "I've met someone is all. So far, we've only chatted a bit. No dates, no deep conversations. It's totally casual at this moment. So, please, stop manufacturing rumors, my dear sister. When and if," she emphasized, "things change, you'll be the first to know."



"Does this mysterious fellow have a name?" Erik said.
"Travis. Travis Winden. Windenburg was named for his family, but he could be a total pauper and I wouldn't care. He's very nice, polite, handsome . . . You're not going to run a security check on him, Daddy?"
"If I did, it would only be for your own protection. But I promise I'll be discreet. And I do hope if things progress between you two, that you'll bring him around to meet us. It's only fair to him, after all." Erik winked. "And now, if you'll forgive your old father, I have to get ready to go. Won't do to show up like this."
The girls glanced at each other and chuckled. "Same ol' Daddy, you never change."

*~~*~~*~~*~~*

Kayleigh and Erik got to the PBP Studios just after six in the evening. Kayleigh ran around to the side of the building, desiring to check on the tiles. Erik, instead of following her, hurried into the building, only to realize things had not yet started. He took a seat on the edge of the stage, oddly enough.



Before long, the Host arrived and handed out the first accolade of the evening.



Erik looked around, frantically. Kayleigh was nowhere to be seen. "This Week's Best Song goes to Erik Cantrell for his Hallelujah." With a sigh, Erik got to his feet and took the microphone. The lighting on the stage was still a problem.



*~~*~~*~~*~~*

They were shone to an intimate table for two. The evening air was cool, but brought relief to the otherwise warmth of Brindleton Bay. "Your waiter will be right along to take your order. In the meantime, can I get you something to drink?"
"Thank you, no, but if you would be kind enough to remove the vase, my wife is allergic."



"We have to bring the kids here," Erik said after a most satisfying repast.


All for now. Thanks for reading. There will be a slight lid placed on my Erik Cantrell stories, for now. Hope is we get back on the road and head for home tomorrow. I won't be playing my game during the next few days. It's been a fun trip, but it's been long and I wish to be home again. :)