“What’s that?”I ask as we walk through the gorgeous house and towards the backyard.
“Does Wheeler know you two are dating?”Cord pushes open the door and it feels like everyone’s attention snaps towards us.
I watch as one by one, conversations around us halt and everyone stares at me.I'm not sure if they’re more shocked by the woman at my side or the baby on my hip.Either way, Wyatt’s the first to grin and make his way over to me with a baby in his arms and Charlie at his side.
“So, I won the bet?You have a secret family.”Wyatt’s grin widens as he says hi to Tali.She smiles brightly at him, surprising me.
“Not a secret family, just a secret kid,” I correct him.
“Have you had her the entire time, or…” Charlie trails off.
“She’s been with me since the day she was born, I didn’t knock someone up and just find out about her.”I roll my eyes.
“I didn’t-”
“It’s ok.This is part of the reason I’ve kept her a secret for so long.My wife died during childbirth right before I was traded to the Pit Bulls.I didn’t want to explain things to anyone.”
“We understand that more than you know,” Charlie says softly.“It’s nice to know someone else has been in the same boat as us.I'm probably going to ask you a ton of questions, especially when the season starts.”
“I'm happy to help you however I can.”
“Incoming,” Winnie mutters under her breath.I glance up in time to see Wheeler stomping towards us with a scowl on his face.
I slip my arm around her waist and settle my hand on her hip.Wheeler’s gaze zeros in on my hand and his scowl intensifies.
“I’ve got this, sweetheart.Don’t worry,” I murmur quietly enough for only her to hear.
“What are you doing here, Winnie?”Wheeler folds his arms over his chest and stares her down.
“Jamie invited me.”She keeps her chin held high and her shoulders back.She’s not backing down and I love it.
“Oh, Jamie invited you?I'm pretty sure I invited you and you told me you were busy,” Wheeler growls.
“Are you surprised after how you talked to her at my house last weekend?”I keep my voice low and calm, I'm not going to upset Tali because of Wheeler.
“Why don’t you stay out of it,Schmidt?No one asked you to get involved in this.I'm talking to my girl.”
“She’s not your girl anymore.And I'm not staying out of it.I won't let you constantly attack her because she’s not giving in and letting you get your way.”
“Who even asked you?”He roars, making Tali whimper and bury her face in my neck.
“Maybe I should just go,” Winnie says quietly.
“No, maybe Wheeler should walk away.”Wyatt arches a brow at him, it’s a warning and Wheeler knows it.
“I see how it is.You’re taking his side?”Wheeler’s hands fists at his sides and he looks like he’s seconds away from decking someone.
“What’s going on over here?”Owen places himself at Wheeler’s side and clamps his hand down on Wheeler’s shoulder.It’s a promise he won't win if he tries to start anything.
“Just a bunch of crap,” Wheeler hisses.
“Take a walk, Wheeler.”Owen shoves him away from our group before turning his attention back to me.“Miss Schmidt?”He says as he places a gentle hand on Tali’s back.She lifts her head off of my shoulder and watches him carefully.“I'm Owen Powell, what’s your name?”
This soft side of Owen is a complete contradiction to the man I’ve seen at the stadium.I’ve seen glimpses of his soft side, but I thought it was saved for the people he considered family, but for him to talk to my daughter like this?It makes my throat clog with emotion.I never should’ve hidden her away from everyone.
“Mr.Pow?I Tali.”A shy smile tilts her lips up and I can't help but grin.It’s almost comical the way Owen’s introducing himself to a toddler.
“How old are you?”
