Chapter 2
Kendrick
I’ve only got seconds left.
I savor each and every one of them, inhaling deeply and smoothing my palm over B Boy’s soft downy hair as he snuggles against my chest.
I love the feel of the grass under my cleats as I find my route and barrel down the field.
I live for the booming energy from the fans that reverberates through my body when I snag a first down and the crowd goes wild.
I revel in the sensation of sinking into my woman, so lush and tight, warm and welcoming the way she holds me inside her.
But the feeling of cradling a sleepy baby against my chest is the ultimate blissed out experience for me.
Brendan might be our last baby. As a family, we’re undecided. I’m okay with the uncertainty for now. It just makes me savor each moment of his infancy that much more.
“Is he—”
I shake my head, but still shhh him as Kylian strides into the room.
He’s not asleep. Not yet. Good thing, too.
Daddy Genius would go berserk if I strayed from the bedtime routine.
He’s the strictest out of all of us. Even more so than Jojo.
Crunching up to sit, I cradle Brendan to my body for one last snuggle. Then I kiss the top of his head and transfer him to Kylian.
“Drowsy but awake,” I confirm.
“Jo’s in the bath,” Kylian tells me as he adjusts Brendan in his arms. He already has a bottle tucked into his back pocket.
“We’ve got nine hours until Archie and the girls wake up. Twelve until Decker has to leave for his game.”
Celebrating Christmas between two professional football team schedules requires strategic planning and precision.
Thankfully, we’ve got Daddy Genius for that.
“I’ll check on the guys,” I offer, pushing to stand, but grimacing when a shock of pain jolts through my knee.
Kylian doesn’t miss it.
“Just head to bed. I’ll check on them when the baby’s asleep.” Then, he asks, “Who’s call was it for you to sit out on that third quarter drive?”
I huff, frustrated by my own physical limits.
“Mine,” I admit.
Kylian raises his eyebrows above his glasses.
The significance of me taking myself out during such a crucial moment isn’t lost on him. I know he won’t push for an explanation—but I offer it anyway.
“It’s my knee,” I clarify, shifting my weight as I try to stretch out the old injury. “It’s always stiffer in the cold.”
A hint of realization flits over Kylian’s expression. Like the final puzzle piece clicking into place.
“Statistically speaking, there was a high probability you would have been successful on the drive and unlocked another set of downs. But the following drive would have fallen apart when your coach inevitably called play action or had the rookie try to flex his arm.”
I nod, trying to accept the truth of the situation based on Kylian’s assessment. The reality of my situation aches almost as much as my body. I’ve got some big decisions to make. And soon.
Brendan squawks then, reminding us that it is, in fact, bedtime. He likes his routine, too. I bend down to kiss his head once more, then straighten and collect my phone and jacket from the couch.
Kylian’s voice reaches me before I enter the hall.
“You can’t carry that whole team, Kendrick. But you can stay whole for this family.”
I pause, considering his words without turning around. When I do eventually glance back, he’s bouncing Bren on his shoulder, but his focus is set on me.
“You made the right call,” he tells me solemnly. “We need you more than a team ever will.”