Page 14 of Run the Play
This is heavy shit, but kids are a blessing. Sure, it might not be how he imagined it, but if I’ve learned anything, it is that no matter what life throws at you, it always has a way of working out.
We remain quiet, allowing Baker to work through his thoughts. Time passes, and no one moves. Finally, Baker lifts his head, and there are tears in his eyes.
“What if this baby is mine?” he asks.
Knox places his hand on Baker’s shoulder. “Then you’re going to be a dad. A kickass one at that. That means we’re going to be uncles,” he says. “Corie will be thrilled because who knows when this guy will make her an aunt,” he jokes.
I start to reply, but Baker chuckles, and I leave it alone. Knox is right. It’s not like I have a woman in my life. Then again, neither does Baker, and look at where he is. It’s been months since I’ve enjoyed the intimate company of a woman, but if I’mbeing honest, what just happened to Baker could happen to any of us. I think back to the last time, and I can’t remember. The only woman who comes to mind is Rowan. I’ve been spending a lot of time with her lately, or she’s been spending a lot of time with us. Either way, she’s where my mind goes.
“It wasn’t supposed to happen like this,” Baker whispers.
“We don’t know for sure if the baby is yours,” Foster reminds him.
“The timeline is there,” Baker counters.
“Call your attorney. Get the test scheduled, and then we’ll figure it out.”
“I’m a professional athlete who’s on the road half the year. How am I going to raise a baby?”
“Help,” Knox tells him.
“You can do this, man,” Reid tells him.
“If that’s your kid, you can do this,” Foster agrees.
“Daddy Sinclair,” I tease, and he turns to look at me. I’m not sure what I expected, but it’s not his lip twitching.
“Chicks dig a single dad.”
“Fuck off,” Baker grumbles.
“No, it’s true,” Reid chimes in.
“If the baby is mine, I’m not going to have time for a woman in my life. I’m going to be learning how to care for a baby on my own.”
“Natasha will be there.”
“We’re not together, and we never will be. But I will be in my child’s life. That means when I have the baby, I’m going to be on my own.”
“You hire a nanny and learn as you go,” Foster tells him.
“You’ve got us,” Knox adds. “My wife, Sloane, even Rowan. We’re all here for you, man. If this is your kid, we’ll figure it out.” He gets a look on his face. “I think you should call my dad.”
“What?” Baker furrows his brow.
“My dad was in a similar situation with me.” Knox goes on to tell us the story, and by the end, we’re all gaping. “So, yeah, I think you should call him. He knows just as well as anyone what it’s like to be tossed into fatherhood without an idea of how to take care of a baby.”
I already knew the story, and the guys knew bits and pieces, but hearing it again, it’s hard not to be in awe of how it all turned out for Ridge and Kendall.
“Thanks, man,” Baker tells Knox.
“It’s unexpected and life-changing, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad. Hell, maybe I should go home and get Corie knocked up so we can raise our kids together.”
“That’s my sister!” I shout, covering my ears. I’m doing it to be a nuisance and lighten the moment.
“My wife,” Knox counters. “You don’t want to be an uncle?”
I pretend to think about it. “Two is better than one. They can help keep each other entertained. You might be on to something, Beckett. Baby Sinclair needs a friend.” And yeah, I want to be an uncle. I’ll be the cool uncle, spoiling the kid rotten. I can’t wait.
