Page 28 of Run the Play
“Yeah,” I agree. “It was something they did. If any of us were sad or had a bad day, Mom would tell us to shake off the negative, the bad, or the sad, and groove into happy,” I tell them.
Reid nods. “Momma Reynolds knew her stuff.” He stands, and so does Foster, and they move to the beat, joining the girls in silly dance moves. When Reid busts into the sprinkler, I can’t stop my laughter.
“We’re going to have to watch her,” Knox tells me.
I will.“We will.”
“I still think we should talk to Coach.”
“She doesn’t want that. We can keep him from her, and if the time comes when he’s not taking us seriously, we’ll tell her that has to be our next step. She’s just left a life behind of him controlling her. I don’t want her to feel as though we made this decision without her input. Let’s watch her, keep eyes on him, and see how this plays out.”
“That’s not going to be enough for someone like him, and you know it.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “But she needs to see that too. She needs to have a say in this, Knox.”
He holds his hands up in the air and grins. “You handle your girl. Let me know what you need from me.”
It’s on the tip of my tongue to correct him. To remind him she’s not my girl, but he stands to join them, and I clamp my mouth shut. Instead, I take a calming breath and move to thedance party. It’s been ages since we last did this. In fact, it was right before Corie left for college.
Tonight, I’m certain our parents are looking down on us and smiling.
Chapter Eight
Rowan
Stepping back, I take in the balloon arch I just assembled. Not bad if I do say so myself. Corie, Sloane, and I are at Landry’s house setting up for the baby shower that we have planned for Baker. The guys are out playing a round of golf while we set up. Baker has no idea that he’s coming back to Landry’s for a baby shower.
His baby momma, Natasha, wanted the gender to be a surprise, so we’re decorating in a soft yellow and pale green.
“That looks amazing,” Corie gushes as she comes to stand next to me. “I’m so excited.”
“Do you think Baker’s going to be?” I ask.
“Honestly, I’m not sure. Regardless, he needs things, and we’re going to make sure he has everything he requires for the baby. It’s a very unusual situation, but he’s making the best of it.”
“I found the cutest book online,” I tell her. “It’s full of vouchers: babysitting, naps for the parents, and other similar services. I don’t know if he’ll actually call me and use them, butI hope he does. I wrote a little note inside letting him know that I’m happy to help out anytime that I can.”
“He’s going to need it. Sloane and I have told him the same thing. Especially once the season starts and the team begins to travel during the weeks when he has the baby. I think they’re doing week to week, but I know that can change.”
“Is that a court-mandated thing?”
“No, they’ve been able to work it out between them. Natasha has made a name for herself, and so has her boyfriend, so they don’t want child support from Baker, which is surprising. It’s all been very civil, actually. I’m glad because that’s what’s best for the baby.”
“It’s great that they’re able to do that. I wish more families took into consideration what was best for the kids.”
“Yeah, I mean, they weren’t dating, and Baker was pretty much a rebound for her, and then she got back with her on-again, off-again ex right after their night together.”
“And the boyfriend, he’s on board with raising another man’s baby?” I know that’s the case, but it’s hard for me to wrap my head around because that’s definitely not the norm.
“That’s what Baker said.” Corie shrugs.
“Okay, how long until the guys are back? I’m starving, and those green-and-yellow whipped icing cupcakes are calling my name,” Sloane says, joining us.
“They’re on their way here, and you have to eat your lunch first,” Corie says, pointing at Sloane, making us all laugh.
“Trust me, I plan to tear that pulled pork up. The house smells so good, but there’s a ton of food in your brother’s kitchen, Corie Beckett. We’re not feeding an army.”
“Um, Landry and Reid eat for three.” Corie laughs. “Besides, we can send leftovers home with everyone, and there will still be some for Landry too.”
