Chapter Nineteen
The smell of coffeeand burnt toast pulled me awake way too early in the morning.For a second, I forgot where I was until I heard Toby humming off-key somewhere in the kitchen and Justin moving in the hallway.The weight of a blanket and the faint warmth of early morning sunlight spilling through the curtains reminded me I was still in their house and completely safe.
I stretched slowly, feeling the ache in my back fade to a dull whisper.Justin’s bed was warm and the memories of his quiet voice, his steady hands, and the gentle press of his kiss drifted through me.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” Toby called from the doorway.“Coffee or hot chocolate?We’re civilized men, so we do have options.”
I snorted.“This time at least.Coffee, please.”I pulled myself upright.
By the time I made it to the kitchen, Justin had already poured me coffee and slid a plate of scrambled eggs and pancakes across the counter.“We figured you’d need fuel for the charity event,” he said softly.
Right.The March Madness fundraiser.
A full-day community event, packed with games, races, and even a bake-off.Hope’s Embrace was scheduled to be there too.Instead of regular classes, the school put it on to promote charity, and students worked together to make the whole thing happen.
The guys had all volunteered of course.Seth was refereeing one of the dodgeball tournaments.Justin was part of the swim team exhibition.Toby was doing...something chaotic.And Paxon— I stopped that thought before it could finish.
By late morning, I was freshly changed and at the school, ready to do my own part.The school was completely alive with bright banners welcoming everyone at the entrance.The air smelled of popcorn and sugar before I even walked through the front door.Families filled the quad, and the gym doors were propped open, offering a glimpse of the bleachers already filled with people waiting for the tournaments to start.
Tables just outside of the gym were filled with cupcakes and raffle tickets.
Hope’s Embrace had two different setups: a bake sale at the entrance, and somewhere else on campus, they had an actual booth.The bake sale was right beside a student-made mural that readPlay Hard, Give Back.For the morning, I helped with handing out the baked goods, welcoming those who came to the school.
One woman gave me this big warm smile that made me freeze as I was handing her a box of cupcakes.“You’re Cadence, right?My adopted daughter listens to the Hope’s Embrace playlist before bed every night.Says it makes her feel safe.”
Something in my chest warmed and ached all at once.“I’m glad,” I said.“Music’s good at making me feel safe again too.”
Her smile softened.“It does more than many of us are capable of doing.Thank you.”She held up the box of cupcakes I’d given her then walked off to join a man who wrapped his arm around her as they moved farther into the school.
By noon, Toby had found me and somehow convinced me to join a ‘friendly’ free-throw competition.
“Come on,” he said, tugging my sleeve.“You can’t just stand around and smile pretty.You’ve got that deadly aim when you’re mad.Channel it.Besides, one of the donors is matching the feet covered.”
I blinked.“Matching the feet covered?”
“Yeah!Every foot the ball travels toward the hoop, they’re donating five bucks to Project Second Shot.It’s a nonprofit that offers sports therapy and rehabilitation programs for troubled teens.Dyer Construction’s sponsoring this one.”He pointed toward the big banner hanging above the booth:
Dyer Construction x Project Second Shot – $5 for every foot thrown!Play strong, give back.
Seth’s company sponsoring the event wasn’t a surprise.
“That means even if you miss, you’re still building a basketball court somewhere,” Toby said proudly.“A hero in motion.”
I rolled my eyes.“You’re ridiculous.”
