Chapter 31
The Kid
Trevor
Time seems to be flying.The summer is almost over. Today’s the boys’ exhibition game at camp.
Scoot will be playing as a wide receiver. I’m proud of him. He’s been putting in the work, and his coach suggested the position change.
I would have been happy with whatever position he decided to play, although I know how bad he wanted to follow in my footsteps.
I can’t wait to play with my boys in the front yard of the house back at the ranch. The house I built for Cakes has become home over the last few weeks. I released the lease for the rental and moved all our things into our home.
We have even added a new gate system to the entrance and parameter of the ranch. We had to, as the media found where Lynn has been staying.
“Daddy,” Bam calls as he runs over in his uniform and pads.
“He looks so adorable,” Cakes coos from beside me.
He does. All of the quarterbacks will get to play in the exhibition, but Bam will be starting. Brad hasn’t been able to stop talking about his improvement and potential since being in camp.
“Hey, Miss Cakes,” Bam says as he hugs me around the waist.
“Hey, honey. You ready for the game?”
“Yes, ma’am. I’m going to score the first touchdown,” Bam says.
“All right now. I’ll be screaming the loudest when you do.”
“Good thing you’re singing for us first.”
I still can’t believe she agreed to sing the national anthem for the kids’ game. Scoot asked and she said yes without thinking. I thought nothing of it until Brad called to confirm she would do it.
The bleachers are full. I get the feeling a lot of folks are here to see her sing. Last year, there weren’t nearly as many folks here to watch them play.
“It is a good thing I brought my air horn too. I’m going to make noise anyway I can for you boys.”
Bam’s face lights up. “Did you guys see Mama yet? She promised to come,” he says hopefully.
I rock my jaw and force my temper down. I hadn’t known he invited his mama, but I can’t say I’m surprised. Bam still wants Donna’s affection.
My youngest son has been holding out hope that his mama will change. Where the rest of us see her for who she is and will always be, Bam sees the mother he wants to care for him.
That’s what made me so angry when he expressed how he didn’t want to like Lynn. He understands his mama is heartless, but he doesn’t get that there’s no switch that’s going to flip to change her.
“No, I haven’t seen her,” I bite out more harshly than I mean to.
Lynn places a hand on my back and begins to rub it. I swear, this woman is an anchor to my sanity. My reasons for loving her have grown with each day.
“Oh, okay. I guess, I’ll see her after the game. I’m excited to be going home. I miss y’all,” Bam says and peeks at Lynn for her reaction.
“We missed you guys too. I’m excited to help y’all decorate your new rooms,” she says.
The way my son’s face lights up makes me fall in love all over again with this woman. She has opened her heart to my children without any hesitation. When I see my future, it’s with her and my little family.
“Lynn, they need you for the anthem,” Matthew says.
“Oh, okay.”
She turns to me and lifts on her toes to peck my lips. I want to take her lips and deepen the kiss but think better of it. Instead, I bite my lips and I stare at her lips.
“I’ll find you after. Save me a seat,” she says with a smile. “I love you, handsome.”
I place a hand on her hips and flex my fingers against her before dipping in for one more kiss. I make it quick then peck her forehead.
“I love you too, darlin’. Kick ‘em dead.”
I watch as she walks away in those tight jeans and cowboy boots. She has on a T-shirt with Monroe and my old number on the back. I smile and shake my head.
I got damn lucky to get her back into my life. I’ve been insatiable when it comes to her. I could blame it on years of lack of sex, but I’ll be honest. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to get enough of Lynn.
“You look lovesick, mate,” I turn to find Uri watching me.
“Been crazy about that woman for years. I’m love something when it comes to her.”
He laughs. “Come on. Sit with us. I hear you were once quite the player. Sorry to hear about the accident.”
“I hadn’t planned to play before the accident. I had what it took physically, but I wasn’t there mentally. It wasn’t in my heart,” I reply as we move for the bleachers.
Now that I’m paying attention, LaSalle and many of the others are taking up an entire section. I give a nod to everyone and take my seat, leaving one for Cakes.
However, as I settle in, Sammy, LaSalle’s son, comes to sit in Cakes’ seat. The kid intrigues me, so I don’t say anything. Instead, I observe him.
I note Caleb’s brother is here. He’s sitting on the other side of Sammy, and that’s who Sammy is focused on. Cameron, that’s his name.
I have twins, but they’re not identical. Neither are Brad and Ann. It’s crazy to see how much Cameron and his brother look alike. He even looks stressed out like his brother.
Sammy reaches to place his hand in Camron’s. Cameron looks down at the boy and lifts a brow. He then gives him a warm smile.
“Hey little guy,” he says.
“You’re worried about them. DR has taken you away from them again. Don’t worry, they’re not happy you left to come take care of your brother.
“They will release you before the week is out. You know what you want to do, go with that. It will work out in your favor. You can have the family you want. You don’t have to keep questioning yourself,” Sammy says to Cameron, who’s now looking at him with a baffled expression.
He then looks around as if he’s being pranked. I know the feeling. Sammy then stands and goes to sit next to Tasha as if nothing happened.
“What the fuck?” Cameron murmurs to himself, reaching to rub the back of his neck.
Well, damn.
* * *
Lynn
“Oh no, your voice,”Jess says.
As promised, Bam made the first touchdown pass. He’s good and so is Scoot. I screamed and carried on so much my throat is raw.
“It will be fine. I’ll have some tea later,” I reply.
“Girl, you were out there like a proud mama,” Pam laughs.
“They’re so adorable in their little uniforms, and they’re playing their hearts out.”
I wouldn’t change a thing. Those boys are playing so hard and deserve to be cheered for. Trev and Brad have been cheering them on and coaching from the sidelines the entire game as well.
I’ve had so much fun today. It’s been nice getting to know the other women as well. Although I was surprised to see Pam and the others here.
I’m smiling from ear to ear as we make our way from the bathroom back to our seats. Wilson is shadowing us. However, everyone has been respectful of the fact that I’m here to watch the kids like everyone else.
I signed a few autographs while waiting in line for the restroom, but most of the people watched with smiles and longing eyes. I figured they are staying back because I agreed to sign autographs after the game when I agreed to sing.
“Oh, excuse me,” I say as I bump into someone.
I have my head down looking at my phone and don’t see them move into my path. I lift my head to find the woman Trevor had been choking that night. I stiffen and narrow my eyes right away.
“Mama, what do you want?” Jess hisses.
“I want to talk to this homewrecker.”
I hold my hand up as I see Wilson about to snap into action. I’ve been waiting to run into this bitch. She looks me up and down like she smells something nasty.
“You’d have to have a home for me to wreck,” I snap back.
“You came back here and ruined everything. If you didn’t show up to spread your legs, I’d have my husband back.”
“Oh, honey, bless your heart. You believe that, don’t you?”
“You’re here with my family like it’s yours. Why don’t you take your ass back where you came from?”
I snort and move in closer to her. She’s taller than me, but I don’t let it phase me. I keep a straight face as I address her with a calm I don’t feel.
“I’m not going anywhere, but if you’re smart, you’ll find some business that ain’t mine. I owe you. You stole my life and did nothing but make my man miserable. Focus on your kids. You don’t want to add to your debts to me,” I seethe.
“I’m not scared of you. Trevor is mine, and I will get him back,” she says in her annoying voice.
“Oh, I wasn’t clear, was I? If it doesn’t involve them babies, stay away from Trevor. I’m not threating you, honey. I’m promising you, I’m gonna whip you like I’m breaking a horse.
“I’m gonna tear you up for every year that letter stole from me. And Lord help me, if you hurt one of those babies and I hear about it, I’m coming to collect. You won’t see me coming, just know I am.
“The only reason I’m giving you grace now is because you’re their mama. But trust, sugar, one day I’m gonna whip you like you stole something. Now you have a nice day, you hear?” I say, and push pass her.
“Touch her and I’ll beat your ass right here,” Pam says from behind me.
I look over my shoulder to see Donna glaring at me with her hand in the air. I narrow my eyes. I wish she would.
“Don’t be stupid,” I warn.
“Nah, please, be stupid,” Pam says.
Donna drops her hand and storms off. Jess looks like she wants to storm after her to give her a piece of her mind. I dismiss the interaction without a second thought.
I feel it in my gut. She’s going to do something to open the door for me to make good on my promise.
And I will.