J.P. looked up in time to see the football coming back across the lawn. Again, he caught the ball but this time he passed off to Josh.
Samira was laughing as she took his arm again. “It’s a beautiful day.”
“That it is.” He returned her smile. “A beautiful day with a beautiful wife.” That will make her blush.
“And a beautiful family.” Samira’s eyes were passing over the yard where her entire family was gathered.
“Indeed.” J.P.’s mind drifted. I don’t think I have ever talked to my own dad on Father’s Day. He tried to remember.
Ashleigh was calling everyone back to the house for dessert.
J.P. reached for his phone. “I’m going to give Dad a quick call before I go in.”
Samira smiled softly and gave a nod of approval. “I’ll see you inside.”
He pressed a button on the phone and put it to his ear and waited for his father to answer. When the Captain picked up, J.P. felt a wave of emotion wedge in his throat. “Happy Father’s Day, Dad.”
The reply was not immediate.
Maybe he didn’t hear me.
“Phillip.”
He did hear me.
“I love you, son.”
J.P. swallowed hard and closed his eyes. “I love you too, Dad.”
“This is a very good Father’s Day.” The Captain’s voice was strong now.
“Yes, it is.” J.P. could see the family gathered on Ashleigh’s sun porch. “The best.”
Judith Kay Writes 