“That’s good. I know that’s not exactly an environment for a two-year-old.”
“Yeah, but it worked out. Then we went to a diner and had a late lunch, then just hung around the house the rest of the day. Baker and Cam played most of the afternoon, while I got caught up on my laundry and read a little.” Then we all went to bed together, and he held me all night long, and kissed me goodbye this morning, because in my mind, even a kiss on the cheek counts, so I’m taking the wins where I can.
“I hope he leans on us,” Bellamy says.
“I keep telling him the same thing. I think he will. It’s just a lot to process. His heart hurts for his son, because he’s never going to remember her.”
“Swoan, ball,” Camden says.
I turn in my seat and smile at him. “That’s right. We’re going to go watch Daddy play football.”
He claps his hands and goes back to playing with the toy truck I handed him after getting him buckled into his seat.
“I’m glad you were able to help him out. He’s been so closed off since finding out about Cam.”
“Yeah, he’s got a lot on his shoulders, and honestly, she,” I say instead of using the name of his mom since Camden is within hearing distance—not that he would understand, but I do it anyway, “was always canceling her time with him, and that was weighing heavily on Baker. Hopefully, they can both mourn the loss and move forward.”
“Mourning what should have been,” Bellamy agrees.
“So I’ve never been to this fan day. What’s it like?” I ask her.
She goes on to tell me how the day is going to go. “There will be fans all over, but we’ll get access to get closer to the players because we’re immediate family.”
“Well, Camden is. You might have to take both kids.”
“No way.” Bellamy shakes her head as she pulls into the stadium. “Baker will not let that fly. You’re going to be just fine.”
It takes us a few minutes to get everything unloaded, including the kids. Camden is in his wagon, happy as can be, and Coral is taking everything in with wide eyes from her stroller.
Shoving the full diaper bag into the compartment beneath the wagon, I give Camden his blanket and another toy that I packed, and we head inside. I have several toys in the diaper bag. That way, when he gets bored with one, we can switch it out with another, hoping the rotation will hold his attention and keep him occupied. I don’t know what I’m walking into, and he might be bored out of his mind. We both might be.
Bellamy seems to know exactly where she’s going, so I follow along behind her. “Fancy seeing the two of you here.” My best friend, Corie, grins. She gives each of us a hug before doing the same to the kids. “Here are your passes.” She hands me two and two for Bellamy.
“Do the kids need to wear these?” I ask, slipping the VIP lanyard around my neck.
“No, but I gave them one anyway.” She shrugs. “The doors don’t open to the public for another thirty minutes. Let’s go surprise them.” Corie beams and turns on her heel, expecting us to follow her, so we do.
I’ve been in this stadium many times, for games, waiting for the guys after games, family day, but today, it feels different. I can’t quite put my finger on why that is.
Corie leads us down a long hallway that opens up to the field. All the players are out there, but they don’t look to be practicing. It’s more like social hour, from the laughter and ribbing that reaches my ears.
“Sinclair! Montgomery!” Corie calls out, and both guys turn to look at her.
I don’t know what Reid’s reaction is because I only have eyes for Baker. His eyes widen, and a slow, sexy smile forms on his lips. He tosses the ball in his hands to one of his teammates, and his long legs carry him to us.
“Daddy!” Camden yells as soon as he spots his father. I work to help him out of the wagon, and his little legs take off as fast as they can carry him to Baker, who scoops down and lifts him, tossing him into the air.
Baker keeps walking until he’s standing in front of me. “Hey.” He smiles. Then he shocks the hell out of me when he bends and hugs me. It’s quick, but it’s still unexpected. “What are you doing here?”
“I hope it’s okay that we’re here. I invited Bellamy and Coral to the park, and she said she was coming to surprise Reid and invited us along.”
“Of course, it’s okay. I should have thought to mention it to you. Mrs. Ward never attended, and it didn’t even cross my mind to have you be here today. Fuck, Sloane, am I happy to see you. Both of you,” he says, kissing his son’s cheek.
“Daddy, ball.” Camden points behind him.
“That’s right.” Baker beams down at his son. “Daddy’s playing ball. You want to play with me?”
“Pway ball.” Camden nods.
