Page 23 of Jocked Up

“Yeah, but do I tell Bethany I know? I want to make Peter mine legally.”

“I don’t know about that, Drake. You both need to get this off your chests but how to get it out in the open, that I don’t know.”

“That’s the best advice you have to give?” Drake was stunned and looked over at Geremy for confirmation.

“Well, if you want the truth, it’s time to use those balls of yours for something besides making babies and ask my daughter to marry you. Make her your wife and claim your son man. That’s what you really need to do. Make your mom and me proud of you for more than just football!” Geremy ended his speech with a laugh but Drake took his words to heart.

Drake spent another hour with the man catching up then packed up his daughter and drove home. He walked into a peaceful house, Bethany was on her tablet finding new crochet patterns and Peter was coloring with his left hand. Luckily the boy hadn’t fallen on his dominant hand.

“Oh baby! I’ve found some of the most beautiful sweaters I want to make for Petra! And a blanket too. A few things for Peter as well so I may run out to the store later. Are you hungry? Let me see my girl!” She was going at 100 miles per hour and all Drake could do was smile and move his head appropriately as she took the car seat and put Petra down on the couch.

“Had a good day then, darling?” Only it didn’t come out as darling, it was drawled in the sweet southern accent of Drake’s as darlin’.

“Oh yes, but Peter’s been a handful. He thinks he can do everything with one arm, poor child.” Bethany looked at the boy exasperated but he just grinned back at his mother, his longish hair starting to curl at the ends. Just like his dad, Drake noted.

“Did you enjoy your time out?” Bethany asked as she cuddled Petra and checked her diaper.

“It was a nice drive. Do you want to go out to eat tonight babe? It might be easier on you.” She looked happy but slightly haggard.

“Oh no, why don’t we order some fried chicken or something? That sounds better.” Petra was soon gurgling up at her mother as her diaper was changed.

Domestic bliss at its finest, Drake thought with a smile as he sat down in a recliner, watching his family. He liked the sound of that. Now if he could just keep his mouth shut until the right time this might even continue for a while.

* * *

“So little Petra is two months old now. And Daddy’s finally figured out the truth has he? Oh, Daddy’s a silly man isn’t he lovely?” Amelia cooed down to the baby from her seat on a bar stool in her kitchen. She and Drake were seated around the marble island in her kitchen, having coffee while Bethany spent the morning getting her hair done.

“Yes, Daddy’s finally caught on. If you knew as well why didn’t you say anything? Why did everyone let Bethany go on pretending some unnamed lover was Peter’s father, and more importantly to me, why didn’t anyone let me know I was a father?” Drake glared at his sister for a moment before letting it go.

Their relationship hadn’t been the greatest over the last six years, maybe she thought he didn’t deserve to know. Drake caught Amelia thinking the question over, trying to figure out what to say. She started to speak then stopped but then started once more.

“You weren’t ready, it’s that simple. You could have missed out on your career, or maybe you’d have been just as happy with Bethany and Peter, I don’t know. I do know that sooner or later you’d have left them though and I couldn’t stand to see her going through that. She had the biggest crush on you when we lived with them, she tried to hide it but I knew. Even after Peter was born and she told us Peter was the result of a fling I knew he had to be yours, you were the only one she had eyes for, after all. No matter what she says now I believe she’s been waiting for you to come back.” Amelia closed her mouth then, realizing she’d said more than she planned.

Drake seized on the statement, shooting out a question. “What do you mean, waiting for me?”

“Well,” Amelia had the grace to look guilty but she continued anyway. “She swears she hasn’t dated because of Peter’s father, how bad it hurt. But I think she’s really just been waiting for you to come back. Oh, I know you leaving hurt her but I think she’s spent all of these years just waiting for another chance with you, even if she won’t admit it herself.”

“I’ve been such a jerk, though, Amelia. Why would she care so much about me?” Drake looked confused and conflicted.

“It’s not because you’re famous or a football player, I can tell you that. She’s loved you from the moment she saw you in her house. She sees something in you nobody else does. You need to grab hold of that and earn it buddy. Not just keep giving her a reason to love you but earn her love. Bethany’s special. One of a kind and wonderful. Anyone else would be second best.” Amelia stuck up for her friend but she truly believed the words. Bethany was a great person and she was good for Drake.

“Wow, way to burden a guy!” Drake spoke with a laugh but Amelia could see the truth of his words. He looked like he’d just realized something major. “What do you think of this?”

Drake pulled out the ring he’d bought Bethany from his pocket and shoved it into Amelia’s face all of a sudden. She almost fell off of her stool when she saw it and her eyes boggled.

“Whoa!” She looked up at him with shock and glee. “Really?”

“Yes. That’s what I was planning to ask when Peter broke his arm. What do you think of the ring? Is it too much?”

“Maybe, but she’ll love it. It’ll push her to dress up a little.” Amelia smirked, knowing her intuition had been right. Drake and Amelia were meant for each other. “What’s your plan?”

“Plan? I was hoping you’d take the kids for a night and we’d be able to sneak off back to the house…” But he didn’t get to finish before she looked horrified and started shaking her head no.

“Uh uh, that’s not going to work big brother. Not for a woman that’s been waiting all this time. Nope. This is what you’re going to do.” Amelia pulled out her tablet and started showing Drake websites, booking sites, and when he looked at her in amazement and handed over his credit card, the details were put into place and the night was planned. And yes, Amelia agreed to keep the kids.

* * *

“Where are we going, Drake?” I looked out of the windows of the truck, noting they weren’t heading to my father’s house as he’d told me we were doing.