Chapter 37 - Jim

“JIM, CAN I HAVE A WORD?” MR. LANGFORD STEPS OUT OF HIS OFFICE. IT’S FRIDAY AFTERNOON

and I’m getting ready to head out. Alyson is staying for dinner, and then is leaving too. It kills me thinking about her driving back up to Chicago alone and I hate that we’re headed in separate directions.

“Yes, sir,” I say and stand from the couch where Alyson and I were sitting.

“Close the door,” Mr. Langford says when I get into his office. “Alyson is my only daughter. My youngest. My baby. She’ll always be those things to me, do you understand?”

“I do.”

“Now, I know this wasn’t planned, but I expect you to be there for her. No matter what.”

“I plan to. I care about her more than anything, and now that she’s carrying my baby, she’s my priority.”

Mr. Langford rubs his chin and nods. “Do you love her?” “Yes.”

“Does she love you?” “Not yet.”

Mr. Langford’s frown slowly turns. He steps around his desk and gives me a pa