Page 8 of Remember Me

“Let me call Aunt Reign as see if she’s with the kids.” Autumn squealed and I ignored Hayden shaking her head beside me. Autumn was my kryptonite. I knew that, and I was pretty sure everyone else did too.

After a few rings, Reign’s face filled the screen.

“Adam!” She wasn’t looking at the screen, but at something above it. “Cole, put that down,” she said before bringing her attention back to me. “How are you? Kyle, watch out.”

“I’m good. We were just about to leave, but Autumn wanted to show the kids something really quick.”

“Aw, did she? Hold on.” She covered the phone before shouting her kids' names. “Gather around, Uncle Adam’s on the phone and Autumn wants to show you something.”

I handed the phone to Autumn, whose face lit up as she launched into an enthusiastic description of the crowns she made. I couldn't make out what the Walker kids were saying, but from Autumn's animated responses, they seemed equally excited.

When she finally handed the phone back, Reign came back on the line.

“She is just the sweetest,” Reign said. Her eyes were welling as she offered me a small smile. “I can’t wait to see you guys. It feels like it’s been so long.”

“It’s only been a few weeks,” I reminded her.

“In kid time, that's forever. Besides, I miss Hayden. I need adult conversation that doesn't revolve around dinosaurs or potty training.”

I laughed, hearing the familiar chaos of her household in the background, only this time I could imagine it was ten times worse for her since they were trying to survive in a hotel. “We'll see you tonight. Looking forward to talking football with Jace.”

I can’t wait,” she said. “Devin has started his pre-game routine, only now it feels like it’s on steroids. He keeps pacing around like a caged animal, and I swear, if game time doesn't come soon, he's going to wear a hole in the hotel carpet.”

“Tell him to breathe,” I said, remembering that pre-game anxiety all too well. “He's got this.”

“I know. But try telling him that.” There was genuine pride in her voice, and despite everything, I felt it too. After everything he’d been through with his dad and sister, he deserved everything coming his way, which was hopefully a Super Bowl win. “Gotta go—Kyle just put something in the toilet that definitely doesn't belong there. See you tonight!”

The call ended abruptly and I was left with a strange mix of emotions. Ones I couldn’t sit on for too long because a message from Aiden popped up.

Aiden:Hey Beta! Are you still planning on getting there at 6pm? Our flight lands at 5 and I don’t want to have to spend more time with these people without you than I have to. You’re a good buffer.

His message made me snort. Same old Aiden. He was never one to sugarcoat anything or self-censor and as arrogant and frustrating as he seemed; he was always entertaining.

“Let me guess, the charming Mr. Matthews?” Hayden asked, reading my expression.

“The one and only,” I confirmed, showing her the message.

“I honestly thought Alyssa would soften him up since she’s all unicorns and rainbows. Are they engaged yet?”

“Nope. She’s still his girlfriend.” Much to Aiden’s chagrin, Lyss still hadn’t let him put a ring on it. I had no idea why. She’d suffered this many years with him; she might as well get something out of it. Like his inheritance.

“Unicorns and rainbows?” Autumn said with a smile on her face. “Does she have a unicorn?”

“I’m not sure, sweetie.” Hayden walked over to our daughter and stroked her back. “I’ll ask and let you know when we’re back.”

“Autumn, we're leaving now. Can I have a hug?”

Our daughter abandoned her glitter project to launch herself into my arms. I held her tight, inhaling the scent of strawberry shampoo and craft glue. “Be good, okay? We'll bring you back something cool.”

“Like a football signed by Uncle Devin?” she asked hopefully.

“If his team wins, I'll make sure of it,” I promised, though I know Devin would do it either way.

After one more round of goodbyes, Hayden and I were finally in the car, heading toward Atlanta and the biggest game of Devin’s career. As I merged onto the highway, Hayden reached over and placed her hand on my knee.

“You okay?” she asked softly.

“Yeah,” I said, and for the first time in a long time, I meant it. “I really am.”

---