Chapters (31)
- The Long and Winding Road
- Table of Contents
- Dedication
- Epigraph
- Prologue: Or, Where Bear Answers the Door
- PAST
- 1. Where Bear Makes the Wrong Assumption
- 2. Where Bear Finds Out
- 3. Where Bear Makes a Decision
- 4. Where Bear Learns the Art of Breathing
- 5. Where Bear Has Bro-Time with Creed
- PRESENT
- 6. Where Bear Attends the Most Awkward Homecoming Ever
- 7. Where Bear Tells Tyson Everything
- 8. Where Bear Makes a Promise
- 9. Where Bear Goes to Lamaze Class
- 10. Where Bear Gets Advice About His Sex Life
- 11. Where Bear and Otter Role-Play at a Hotel Bar
- 12. Where Bear Faces the Reality of Married Life
- 13. Where Bear Sees Everything Change
- FUTURE
- 14. The Long and Winding Road
- Epilogue: Or, Otter’s Perspective, As It Were
- Coda
- No. Absolutely not. No way.
- More from TJ Klune
- Readers love the Bear, Otter, and the Kid Chronicles by TJ Klune
- About the Author
- By TJ Klune
- Visit Dreamspinner Press
- Copyright
He’s wringing his hands and his shoulders are shaking, his eyes darting all over. He’s scared and nervous, and he’s saying, “We gotta go, we gotta go, we gotta drive to Eugene, and I forgot to bring a toothbrush. Bear, we packed an overnight bag just for this moment, and I forgot my toothbrush. I can’t brush my teeth and I don’t know what I’m doing. Okay? Bear, I don’t know what I’m doing right now.”
And wonder of all wonders, a measure of calm falls over me, because yes, life turns, but we’ve spent years building toward this moment, and it’s here. It’s finally here.
I say, “Tom, can you take over the class?”
The principal nods. “And I suppose we’ll talk about proper language in front of pupils upon your return in three months.” He smiles.
The kids are buzzing around us, because they know something is happening, but they don’t know what. I ignore them and focus on Otter. His hands are clammy when I take them in mine. “You have to breathe,” I tell him evenly. “You got this, okay? We’ve got this. I promise you.”
His smile is a trembling thing, but he breathes. “I’m going to be a good dad, right?”
“Yeah,” I say. “You are.”
He nods. “Okay.”
“Okay.”
“Maybe you guys should head out?” the lady from the front office suggests.
I glare at her for ruining the moment. “Thank you, Nancy. What would I do without you.”
She sniffs haughtily.
WE LEAVE my car in the faculty parking lot and take Otter’s SUV. I grab the keys from his shaking hands, and he gives me a relieved look. Even before we’ve left the parking lot, both of us are already on the phone.
Otter says, “Mom? It’s—she’s gone into labor. Can you—oh my god, why are you crying? Mom. Mom. I need you to—I’m fine. I do not sound like I’m hyperventilating! You’re right. I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have screamed that. I’m—I know. I’m just… this is… I’m going to be a dad. Okay? I need you to—can you get Izzie? And call—well, not everyone. You can’t call everyone. Just… mostly everyone.”
I say, “Dom? Ty’s in class, so I don’t want to interrupt him. Megan’s gone into labor. We’re heading to Eugene now. Can you—what? No, I’m not high. Why would you even ask that? I always sound calm. Okay, that was a lie, but now I do, and your first thought is that I’m high? What is wrong with you?”