I rest my head on Nico’s shoulder and listen to the guys go back and forth. Cat returns with dessert, and we all dig in.
The door to the restaurant jingles, grabbing our attention. The room falls silent as Lance walks in, holding hands with a gorgeous blonde.
The woman gives us a shy wave. “Hey, guys.”
All five men at the table share a knowing look, and I feel like I’m missing something.
“Nice to see you, Gwen.” Nico speaks first, breaking the awkward silence. “Come in, you two. Grab a seat. We still have plenty of food.”
Lance clears his throat. “Actually, I was hoping you guys might be interested in taking a little road trip with us.”
“Where are we going?” Cam asks.
“Vegas.” Lance lifts Gwen’s hand into the air, giving the room a glimpse at the huge rock on her ring finger. “We’re getting married.”
Nico turns to me and asks, “Want to go to Vegas, baby?”
“I’ve never been to Vegas before,” I admit.
“Well, then get ready for a lot of sinning, ’cause I’m about to blow your mind.” Nico wiggles his eyebrows at me, and he pulls me out of my seat.
“I’m going to pretend I didn’t hear that,” Cat says with a smile. “Have fun, and don’t get into too much trouble.”
My cheeks flame as Nico tilts my chin up and smiles. “Only good trouble.”
The heated look he gives me is filled with so much love. And in his gray eyes, I see everything.
Home. Love. Passion.
My person.
Whatever we decide, our future is going to be amazing because we found each other. Nothing good might come from dating a bad boy, but dating a good man comes with endless possibilities.
Epilogue
Savannah
Five years later
Theprecioustinklingsoundof giggles hits me as soon as I walk through the door. I follow the sound to the back of the house, where I know I will find my husband and our three-year-old son.
I lean against the archway and watch the two together. My husband is an amazing father to our little boy. When I got pregnant, Nico decided it was time for him to retire. He finished out his contract with the Evaders and helped his team win another World Series before he walked away from the game.
Now he spends his days being a stay-at-home dad and running his charity organization. Well, Nico’s long-time cherished employee and right hand, Delaney, runs the charity. She’s the new Executive Director of 82 Sports and runs the day-to-day operations, but Nico still sits on the board and attends every event and function for the kids.
Nico lifts Apollo into the air and spins him around, and I swear my heart pinches with unnecessary worry. With complete love and trust in his father, Apollo laughs his little head off as he throws his arms wide. My son’s silver-gray eyes sparkle as they spot me standing in the corner.
“Mommy!” He reaches out for me, and Nico lowers him to the ground.
Apollo rushes me, and I squat down and spread my arms, ready for him to rush into them.
“Go easy on Mommy, buddy,” Nico warns.
“He’s fine.” I pepper kisses on his chubby cheeks, making my baby giggle. I brush his raven-black hair off his smiling face.
A mini version of Nico stares up at me, and I might burst into tears at my son’s happy cherub face. I missed him so much. No one tells you how hard it is on your heart and emotional wellbeing when you’re a full-time working mom.
I’m beyond grateful to have such a supportive husband, who pushes me to pursue my dreams while he stays home caring for our boy.
