Page 78 of Run the Play
“Not today.”
“No. Not today,” he agrees.
“Yes, sir,” Rowan says. Her voice is clear and strong. “I’m not alone anymore.”
“Fuck no, you’re not,” Reid says.
“Drive safe,” Coach says, leaving the room.
“Thank you all for being here… for riding back with us. I—I hate that you’re seeing me like this, but to know that you’re here for me makes my heart feel too big for my chest. I know this is an inconvenience—” she starts, but Baker interrupts her.
“I’ll stop you right there. We’re here because we care about you. You’re family, and you will never be an inconvenience. Now, because I’m the best driver, I’ll take the wheel.”
“I call shotgun!” Reid says. “I’ll be your personal DJ to enhance your travel experience.”
“I’m thinking baby Reynolds should be DJ,” Foster tells him.
“Mrs. Beckett,” Knox corrects. “And my wife will be sitting with me.”
We all chuckle, even Rowan. I bend down and whisper, “Ready?”
She nods. “Yes.”
The seven of us take a back entrance from the stadium, where security is there with our rental. We pile in and head back to Nashville. Rowan and I settle into the back row, and I hold her tightly in my arms for the entire drive. I don’t know how I’m ever going to let her go again.
Chapter Twenty
Rowan
The drive passes in a blur. My mind won’t stop replaying today’s events like a movie reel. When we pull into Landry’s driveway, I’m surprised to see two cars. One I recognize and one I don’t. We climb out of the van only to have Sloane race toward me and wrap me in a hug. I return it one-armed because Landry refuses to let go of my hand, and if I’m being honest, I don’t want him to. I love that when I told him I just wanted to go home, he brought me here. Being in his arms, in his space, it calms me, settles the fear that was choking me when Chaz had me at his mercy.
“Are you okay? I’ll kill that fucker,” she seethes as she steps out of our embrace.
“I’m okay,” I assure her. My voice wobbles, giving me away. It’s not okay. What he did was not okay, but I will be. I have these amazing people here to support me, and this time, I’m not alone in my fight. This time, I have shoulders to lean on, and Landry’s warm hand wrapped around mine. I’m not okay. I’m shaking onthe inside, but I refuse to give him more than that. Chaz Brown has stolen so much from me. I won’t give him anything more.
“Thanks, Mrs. Ward,” Baker says. I turn at the sound of his voice and see that Mrs. Ward was in the car I didn’t recognize. Baker takes Camden out of his seat and kisses his cheek before walking toward us. “Hey, buddy,” he coos to the baby. “I think Aunt Rowan could use some cuddles.”
Aunt Rowan.
Tears prick my eyes as I take Camden into my arms. “Hey, little guy.” I snuggle into him, and he coos up at me. My teary gaze finds Baker. “Thank you.” Holding the baby close, I take in his scent and the innocence of his life. I let it ground me. Cam coos up at me, and I smile. This precious little boy is more proof that there is good in this world. Today could have ended much worse, and I’m so damn thankful Landry came looking for me, and in turn the guys and Coach Warner came looking for him.
Baker nods and walks back toward the nanny, grabbing a couple of bags from the back seat of her car.
“What’s going on?” I ask.
“Well,” Corie says, coming to stand in front of me, “I thought you might want to do a family sleepover.” She shrugs. “And we can’t do that without this little guy.” She rubs her hand down Camden’s back.
“Really?” I turn to look at Landry. My chest explodes with love and gratitude.
“Say the word, and we send them home.”
I shake my head. “A family sleepover sounds perfect.” I blink to fight back my tears.
Landry wraps his arms around me from behind and kisses my cheek.
“Reynolds, what do you got to eat in this place?” Reid asks. He winks at me as he moves toward the front door.
Landry tosses him the keys, and Reid unlocks the door. We all file in behind him.
