Page 93 of Run the Play
At seven months old, Cam is growing like a weed, and he’s all smiles for his Uncle Reid.
“Let’s eat,” Landry calls out.
Everyone scurries around to make their plates and is at the table. Once everyone is settled, I tell them about the call I got earlier. “I got a call from the prosecutor's office today. Five more women have stepped up. Making the total over twenty, all with proof regarding their similar stories with Chaz. They’ve been keeping silent about Chaz and his treatment of them. I won’t go into details, because this day isn’t about him, but the prosecutor assured me he’ll be going away to prison for a very long time with the evidence they have stacked against him.”
“Hell yeah,” Knox says, nodding at me.
“Thank you all for your never-ending support through all of this. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
“That’s what family does,” Corie says, smiling at me. “Do you know what else family does?” she asks.
No one answers her, so I do. “What?”
“They give presents, and surprises,” she says, practically vibrating in her seat.
“Are you trying to tell me you have a surprise present for me?” I chuckle at her enthusiasm.
“Nope, but I know someone who does.” Her grin goes wider as she winks dramatically at her brother.
“Core, what part of surprise do you not get?” my husband asks, an amused smirk playing on his lips.
“I understand just fine. However, you’re taking forever,” she groans.
I turn to look at Landry. “You have a surprise for me?”
“I do.” He reaches out and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You want to see it?”
“That’s like asking a kid if they want ice cream for dinner. Yes.” I nod. “I want to see it.”
He pushes back from the table and stands. “I’ll be right back,” he says, walking out of the room.
I glance at my sister-in-law. “I need a hint.”
“Nope.” She dramatically zips her mouth closed.
“Now she wants to be quiet.” Baker laughs.
“Roe, close your eyes!” Landry calls out.
I do as he says, shutting my eyes, wondering what in the world he has for me this time. My husband likes to spoil me, so it’s hard to tell what he’s come up with. Although, he doesn’t usually give me gifts with our entire family here.
“Open,” he says.
Slowly, I blink them open and find Landry holding a puppy. A red golden retriever puppy, who looks so damn soft and fluffy. “A puppy?” I ask, not sure I’m understanding. Did he buy me a dog?
“Yeah. You said you always wanted one growing up, so now you have one. I know it’s going to be tough while we’re on the road with the team during the season, but we have some time before we have to think about that.”
“You can always bring him to my place. If it’s a week I have Cam, the nanny can help. Mrs. Ward would love it,” Baker offers.
“What are you going to name him?” Landry asks.
“Phoenix,” I say, my voice cracking. “He’s hope for the future, and a symbol of rising from the ashes and working through the flames.”
“Crying at dinner was not on my bingo card,” Sloane says, wiping at her eyes.
“Phoenix, go say hi to Mommy,” Landry coos at the dog.
I take the tiny puppy into my arms and snuggle him. He’s so soft, and warm, and utterly adorable. “I can’t believe he’s mine.”
