Page 92 of Hot Shot
They’re laughing and chattering, multiple conversations happening at once, and I smile.
I have no idea how they don’t miss half of what’s said but they’re so in sync with each other, have known and worked together so long, it’s like they share a brain at times.
I’ve barely witnessed it. But what I have seen explains why they’re such a success. Even with Cami taking a back seat to the other three, the four of them speak a language all their own.
Walker’s deep tones mingle with the lighter ones and I’m glad he got my message and decided to join us. I’m hoping he’s got Micky with him.
I understand that little boy on a level I didn’t comprehend until Blake said something about me being in his shoes before. She meant losing my father young. But unlike me, Micky doesn’t have his mom to keep him grounded.
Walker and Oakley are doing their best for him, and I’ve already made it clear to them, and Blake, that I want to help them with that anyway I can.
Inviting him to take part in this little celebration is my attempt to include him in our family.
He’s part of it through his adoption but I want him to feel it as well as know it.
It’s what the Watts family gave me as a kid—hell, they’re still giving it to me, and I want to pay that forward.
“Wow!” Micky bursts through the doorway, his gaze bouncing around all the lanterns Cami helped me spread out on the rooftop.
“What’s this?” Blake’s the only one in the dark. Everyone else knew what to expect when they headed up here.
“This is a belated celebration of the newest member of the Rogues and the newest member of our family. Micky?” I call out. He’s already off checking out the food and drinks. “Come over here a sec.”
When Micky stands beside me, his face, so much like Walker’s tipped up to look at me, I get a longing so sharp and deep I have to suck in a breath.
“You know Blake, right?” He nods. “Well, she’s done this thing to celebrate good things since she was little, like you are, and I think we should make it our thing too. What do you say, want to celebrate with us?”
“Is there cake?”
Laughing, I ruffle his hair. “Yes, there’s cake but not yet. First Blake has to show us how to celebrate.”
When I look up, Blake’s eyes are on me, hers filled with tears, but the smile she gives me is all the sign I need to know I hit the mark with this idea.
“All right. Our first celebration is for Micky. Blake, you want to take the lead?”
Stepping over, she drops down to her knees and grabs Micky’s hands. “Ever since I was a little girl, I would find the tallest place around and shout about the good things that happened. It didn’t matter what it was as long as it was a good thing. I’d yell what it was or say it then yell.” Her eyes dart up to meet mine briefly. “And I think what Bran wants us to celebrate is you being here, with us. Forever.”
Micky looks confused and I get that at four he’s probably too young to understand what’s going on, but he’ll get it one day. Plus I can see Oakley has her phone out, no doubt videoing another of Micky’s milestones.
“Okay. You ready?” Blake asks.
Micky nods, his eyes moving to where Walker and Oakley are. “Can they do it too?”
“Of course. We’re all going to do it.” Holding out her hand, Blake grabs mine and gives me a quick squeeze before letting go and taking both of Micky’s again. “On the count of three we’re going to yell your name at the sky. One. Two. Three.”
“Micky!”
Our timing is a little off but not much. And by the time the last syllable fades away Micky is grinning ear to ear and bouncing on his toes.
“That was fun. Can we do it again?”
“We sure can but this time we have to yell Branton. Because he’s going to play for the Rogues. You want to count this time?”
“Yes. One, two, three. Branton!”
Micky’s excitement has us laughing and shouting my name. It’s not as loud as his and definitely not as in sync but I don’t need it to be.
A small hand curls around mine and I look down to see Micky looking up. “We’re Rogues now.”
