Total pages in book: 99
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 95520 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 478(@200wpm)___ 382(@250wpm)___ 318(@300wpm)
“Don’t worry, son. Daddy isn’t going to let them take you from me. We’ll be together.”
Bentley
I lean in the entryway of the living room with a smile on my face and my arms folded across my chest, watching my little family. Zahirah and Aaron are knocked out. They’re on the couch, fast asleep, Aaron resting on his mother’s chest.
I guess the party wore them both out. My heart swells from the perfect picture they make. I’ve been in my feelings all day.
Watching my son’s happiness brought me a kind of joy I can’t even explain. Seeing all our friends and family who love him celebrating with him was another level of joy.
“That has to feel good,” Garret murmurs as he appears at my side and nods his head toward my girl and my son.
“Yeah, it does,” I say then gesture with my head for him to follow me.
Aaron might not wake, but we could wake Zah. I don’t want to disturb them. Zah deserves the rest. That was one hell of a kiddie party.
“This all looks good on you. Are you ready for this new team?”
“Yeah, I’m going to dig into this new playbook first thing tomorrow. How’s the house hunting going?”
“I’ll have a few lots for you to check out this week. A new build seems like your best option. I know you want to be settled before the season starts, but nothing out there fits the checklist you gave me.
“Between me and Sarah, we’ll make sure the house is done. I mean, it will give Zah a chance to give her input and put her stamp on it since you are technically buying it for her.”
“Fair point. Speaking of Sarah—”
“She arrives in the morning. The movers already took care of her place. She just has to turn the key and enter. She’ll be back to work by Tuesday.”
“Thanks for all you do, man. I couldn’t have done any of this without you.”
“Are you kidding me? My big brother is Bentley Coswell. Bro, I have the best job in the world and got a degree out of it.”
I breathe a quick chuckle. “But I still want to say thanks. I appreciate you.”
“I appreciate you more. You know, I didn’t want to go to college because I had no idea what I wanted to do. Enlisting seemed like I wouldn’t have to make a choice.
“Losing Dad and seeing that you needed me changed all that. It gave me purpose. I’m meant to have your back.
“You don’t need to thank me. There’s nowhere else and nothing else I’d rather be doing,” he says and pats me on the back.
“I love you, man.”
“I love you too. I’m glad I showed up when I did. I needed you as much as you needed me.”
“Yeah.” I nod my head as I think on that. “You want a beer?”
“Sure. You want me to help you get them to bed first?”
“Yeah, that would be cool. Thanks.”
“Anytime. I’ve got you.”
CHAPTER 37
What I do
Bentley
I find Zah sitting on the couch in her little office. I walk over with my tablet in my hand and place my free hand on her shoulder. She looks up from her laptop and smiles.
I gesture with my head for her to scoot out of the way so I can climb behind her to sit with her. She makes room for me, and I settle into place. I’ve been going through the new playbook and some film Coach wants me to look over.
“Where’s Aaron?” I ask as she gets comfortable between my legs with her back pressed against my chest.
“Tara and Eddy came by to pick him up. Something about a movie date. Code for they and your mother want to spoil him some more and my mom most likely will be there to help,” she laughs.
I join her laughter as I glance at her computer screen. She has a few tabs open to what look like bank accounts and social media dashboards. Seeing the balance in the accounts, my brows shoot up.
“What are you up to?”
“Just looking through my finances to see what’s happening and trying to figure out my next pivot. The travel vlogs are drying up without new content.
“It’s not as easy to up and go with a baby. I had enough in the bank to take a break after having Aaron, but I think it’s time I get back at it. Not travel vlogging, but I need to find something else to do to keep my income flowing,” she replies.
“Wait, that’s from your vlogs?”
“Yeah, my channels were pretty popular. I did well for myself.”
I snort. “Well for yourself? Baby, I’m taking Aaron, and I want child support. I can stop punishing my body,” I tease.
“Ha, you’re not even built like that.” She laughs.
“Have you thought about getting back into sports?”
“Sometimes. The stats on sports channels have been enticing. I would love to start a sports podcast. I just haven’t come up with an angle or concept yet.”