Chapter 54
Raine
Five years later
The yard has been turned into a pink palace and I’m not sure how I feel about it. It’s a dual birthday party. One for Tyler’s little girl, Sasha, and this spitball that has been my life for five years, Maia.
After that fateful moment that is now viral of Dasher running up the stands to kiss me, lots of things have changed.
Isobel is our girlfriend and four years ago we found out she was pregnant. Maia was born and it’s been hell on wheels ever since, not that I don’t love that little girl.
Isobel still teaches; she likes her job. Dasher nor I want her to quit something she loves.
Maia runs up to me, “Daddy, it’s so pretty.” She spins around, pointing at all the pink. Sasha is now twelve and her and Maia share a birthday. She said she didn’t mind the pink, and she loves Maia like a little sister.
I glance over at the table where Sasha and her friends are sitting, talking about fashion and boys. I’m not looking forward to that stage at all.
Poppy and Tyler are huddled in the corner, talking quietly.
They haven’t made it official, but we all know they’ve been seeing each other for about two years.
Poppy has grown up as one would say. I even hired her back on.
Dasher gave her a second chance, and I stated I would as well.
The surprising part was that the team welcomed her back.
Whatever happened after she left really humbled her.
Dasher joins me at the grill, “you have that look.” I spin around, “what look?”
Isobel giggles, “the look of constipation, like you’re not looking forward to something.” I just point at Sasha’s table and nod. They get it.
We only have a few more weeks before camp starts again. Exciting season predictions. Daniela steals Isobel to grab some more things from the kitchen as Dasher steps closer.
“I know what will relax you,” he smirks, and I have to laugh at that.
“We’re in public.”
He agrees, “I meant after. As soon as Maia goes to bed.” I redid our room with insolation to cancel noise. Dasher can get loud sometimes, Isobel as well. Maia’s room is downstairs but still can’t have her hearing everything.
“Later,” I tell him, and he bounds off to talk to Tyler.
I stand back and just look around the yard at everyone that has come into my life and how much I love them as my own family.
Tyler and I play golf every Saturday. Jester comes over to swim.
Dade asked for a day job at my company to learn about it.
Victor and Daniela go on double dates. Dane keeps pestering about us getting a dog.
He owns a rescue. These are my people, my family. I don’t need anything else.
Maia runs up to me again, “Daddy, are the hot dogs ready?” I kneel down, “go get your mom. She will bring you a plate. We have a magician coming in a bit, would you like that?”
She grins, “yay!” She goes off yelling for her mom and I turn the hot dogs over like I’ve been grilling my whole life.
I only started learning how to do this last year, after Dasher busted his knee and was out for a good part of the season.
He couldn’t do much so I learned to grill so he could get his steaks and burgers.
He was a grumpy asshole for about a week after he was injured.
We got why and just breathed through it.
The gates open and Susan and Dean walk through with a huge, big box, “grandma.” Maia runs to them as Dean sets the present down. He hugs the little girl and then hands a box to Sasha. I love how every year they’ve included Sasha in presents.
Dean joins me, “how’s it going? How do you think the team is going to do?” He wonders if his son is ready to go back.
“I think it’s going to be a good season. I know you worry, but Dasher is good. He’s been doing all this therapy even after being released. He’s going to be great this season.”
Dean relaxes, “good. Now I’m going to go play with my granddaughter.” He runs off to twirl Maia around.
When we first explained our relationship with Isobel, they were weirded out at first. But Isobel won them over and they love Maia.
I sigh as I put the hot dogs on a plate, calling out that food is ready. When everyone jumps up to grab what they can, I head inside for a drink.
Isobel kisses me on the cheek, “thank you for the family you’ve given me.” I turn toward her, hugging her, “I love the family we have. It’s not just blood, but these people here are the ones that care about us.”
She nods, leaning her head on my shoulder. We’re like that for a few minutes when Dasher finds us, “something I miss?”
Isobel goes to him, “I was thanking him for giving this family to me.” His face softens, “you’ll always have a home.” She will. He will. Maia will.
I kiss both of them, “this is our family. In this house we love each other, God, and football.” Dasher snickers and Isobel just smiles.
We head back outside and enjoy the day because soon Dasher’s life will be all about the game. I know that I will still travel to games, Isobel will hopefully be able to join me. Anything to keep my man relaxed.
This is everything I need in my life and I’m happy that Dasher came into my life, even if we started off rocky.