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)
Baker: You’re watching the game, right?
Me: I am. Bellamy is coming over with Coral, and Amanda is coming, too, since the team stole Corie and Rowan from us.
Baker: I should have bought you and Cam a ticket so you could be here.
Me: We’re good here.
* * *
I take a picture of the snacks out on the counter.
* * *
Baker: Have fun. I’ll call you after the game.
Me: I’ll be here. Good luck, Daddy Sin!
Baker: Thanks, babe.
* * *
I stare at his message for I don’t know how long. It’s not until Camden pulls on my shorts to get my attention, handing me his football, that I lock the screen of my phone and slide it back into my shorts pocket.
“This is your football,” I tell Camden.
“Cam ball,” he says, taking it back from me and rushing as fast as his little legs will carry him back to the living room.
The doorbell rings, and I look in on Camden, who’s standing in the living room, staring at the television. Knox’s face is on the screen as the announcers talk about his season so far. Jogging to the door, I pull it open and greet Bellamy, Amanda, and Coral. “Come on in,” I tell them, stepping back. “Cam’s already glued to the screen. Knox’s picture was up there, and he was fascinated.” I chuckle.
“We’ve got snacks.” Amanda holds up a bag.
“Put them in the kitchen. I already have some laid out, as well.” I take Coral’s car seat from Bellamy while they get settled. Sitting on the couch, I lift her out of her seat and snuggle her. “Hello, sweet Coral,” I coo, and she giggles. At five months old, her personality is starting to show more and more.
“Baby!” Camden comes running.
“Be easy,” I remind him.
“Cam easy,” he repeats, before leaning in and kissing Coral’s cheek.
“Bellamy, I think I see a love match in the making,” Amanda teases as she and Bellamy find seats in the living room.
“Aww, that would be so sweet if they ended up together.”
“Right?” I agree.
“What’s that husband of yours getting into tonight?” I ask Amanda. The elusive Ethan is never around. Amanda claims he’s always working, trying to make partner, but do they ever actually see each other?
“He’s working on a big case.” She shrugs, then quickly adds, “We’ve been trying.” She nods to Camden and Coral. “It’s been months now, and nothing.”
“What? You didn’t tell me you all were trying to have a baby,” Bellamy scolds her best friend.
“I didn’t want to jinx it, but I don’t know, what if we can’t?” Amanda sounds sad.
“Then you adopt. There are kids out there who need loving homes. They’d be lucky to have you as a mom, but don’t give up hope. Sometimes, when you stop trying or when you’re not trying—like in my case—is when it happens.” Bellamy grins.
“So, you’re telling me I need to pretend like my husband is a stranger I can pick up in a bar, have a hookup, and wham bam, thank you, ma’am, I’m pregnant?” Amanda teases.
Bellamy’s face turns a light shade of pink, but she’s grinning. “Exactly. It’s the least unexpected things in life that sometimes bring you the most happiness.”
“I’m just ready, you know? I want to start that next phase in our lives.”
Bellamy smiles softly. “It will happen when it’s meant to. Believe that,” she says.
“Thank you.” Amanda nods and then turns the conversation to Camden. He chatters away about his toys, his daddy, and his uncles on TV, and some other babble that even I don’t catch. His words are clearer every day, and he’s talking more and more.
Coral starts to get fussy, so I hand her off to her momma, and she settles instantly.
“Cam, tell Aunt Bellamy and Aunt Amanda how old you are.” I hold up two fingers, and he stares at his hand, mimicking me.
“Cam two!”
“That’s right. You’re two. Great job, buddy.” I smile at him. He rushes to me and jumps into my lap. I catch him with ease, and he settles in, his back to my front.
The kids keep us entertained, as does the game. We enjoy snacks and good company, and the Rampage brings home another win. Bellamy and Amanda leave as soon as the game is over so that Bellamy can get Coral into bed. It’s way past Camden’s bedtime, too.
“All right, kiddo, time to go night night,” I tell him, lifting him into my arms and carrying him upstairs. I normally give him a bath at night, but we’re going to wait until the morning. He’s already falling asleep in my arms. I quickly get his diaper changed, him into some jammies, and tuck him into bed. We don’t even need a book tonight because as soon as his head hits the pillow, his eyes close, and he lets sleep take over. “Goodnight, sweet boy.” I kiss his forehead, make sure his nightlight is on, turn on the baby monitor, and slip out of the room.