Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 78793 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78793 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 394(@200wpm)___ 315(@250wpm)___ 263(@300wpm)
He expels a heavy breath. “You’re saving my ass.”
“Language,” I scold, and that earns me a tiny tilt of his lips. “It’s all going to be okay.”
“Yeah,” he agrees, but he doesn’t sound so sure of himself.
His phone rings, and he scrambles to silence the ringer. “That’s my agent. He must have heard the news. I should have called him, but I was in shock, and then I needed to check on the two of you.”
“Go, take the call. He’s sound asleep. I can stay up here with him.”
“No, you don’t have to do that. Maybe just grab the monitor, and I can take it from you after I talk to Tommy.”
“Absolutely. I’ll secure the gate at his bedroom door and at the top of the stairs, as well.”
He nods, kisses Camden’s forehead, and climbs out of bed, disappearing from the room.
“I’m so sorry, sweet boy,” I whisper. Tears fill my eyes when I think about him growing up without his mom. She wasn’t the most attentive, but she was here, and there was time for her to change her ways. We all wanted her to do better for Camden, but we didn’t want this. Never this.
Carefully, I climb out of bed, grab the monitor, and secure both gates before making my way downstairs. Everyone is sitting in the living room with somber expressions.
“Where’s Baker?” Reid asks.
“Tommy called,” I tell him, because I know from hanging around these guys that they all share an agent. Not the fuckstick Conner, who was Knox and Foster’s first agent, who also happens to be Corie’s ex. Long story. But the new guy, they all seem to love him. He has their best interests at heart.
“How was he?” Bellamy asks.
“He’s sad,” I say, keeping it simple. I’ve never held back from my friends, but Baker confided in me about his guilt, and I’m sure he’ll tell them all eventually, but for right now, I’m keeping his words locked up tightly.
“Damn,” Knox mutters as he pulls Corie into his chest and kisses her temple. “Our boy’s had a rough couple of years.”
“He said her parents are gone,” Foster adds.
I nod. “I offered to help with whatever he needs.”
“I’m so glad you’re here,” Landry tells me. “He’s going to need the support in the coming weeks, and knowing Camden is safe and taken care of will be a huge burden off his shoulders.”
“I can help,” Corie offers.
“We all can,” Rowan agrees.
“Me, too,” Amanda says.
“You know I’m in,” Bellamy tells me.
“Thanks,” I say, emotions welling in my throat. “Camden is easy. I’ve spent the week with them, as you know, and I have his routine down. I have all the necessary numbers and have signed all the forms at the doctor’s office to have him treated, and even have a signed emergency letter that was notarized and signed by both Baker and me.”
“He’s such a good dad,” Bellamy replies as Coral starts to fuss.
“I’ve got her,” Foster says. He’s standing the closest to the Pack ‘N’ Play where she was sleeping.
I watch him as he gently lifts her into his arms and snuggles her. He whispers something we can’t hear, but Coral instantly settles as he gently rubs her back.
Baker steps back into the room and stops next to me. I hold up the baby monitor, and he reaches for it, but I pull my hand back. “I’ll get him if he wakes up. Make calls, or sit and drink a beer, go for a drive, take a nap, go for a run. Whatever you need, Baker, I’ve got Cam.”
He opens his arms for a hug, and I step into his embrace. His woodsy scent washes over me, and his breath shudders.
“I’m gonna need to get in on that,” Bellamy says.
I step out of his hold and step back, allowing the ladies, and then the guys, to each hug him.
“What do you need, brother?” Landry asks. He’s the last one to hug him.
“I don’t know. Tommy’s going to find out about Levi’s family. I’ve never met them, so they might want to handle services for both of them, but if not, I’ll handle it, or at least Natasha’s.”
“Lean on us,” Rowan tells him. “Whatever you need.”
“We’re all here for you,” Corie adds.
“What they said.” Amanda smiles sadly.
“Thanks. Maybe just take care of Sloane. Make sure she’s doing okay with Camden.”
“Hey,” I protest softly. “I’ve got this.”
Baker’s eyes soften as they land on mine. “I know you do, but I’ll feel better being gone so much in the coming weeks knowing that you have backup.”
“Oh, we’re the best backup,” Rowan assures him.
“I mean, I do still have your credit card,” Bellamy teases.
“That’s fine.” Baker smiles. “Sloane has her own now, too, and it has her name on it.”
“You heard him, ladies, I’m moving up in the world.” Everyone laughs, and the hint of a smile still lingers on Baker’s lips. This is going to be tough for him. The guilt is weighing heavily, and not knowing about the services is also a stressor. As soon as we learn more, he can begin making plans and start picking up the pieces.