Page 74 of Crew

My dad glanced at the clock. “You boys need to get going?”

“Yeah. We’ve got a game tonight.”

“What time is your flight?”

“Soon, but there’s actually one more thing.”

I sat back down and could feel three pairs of eyes landed on me at once.

“I ran into Mallory yesterday,” I began. “At the Dixie Mart.”

My mom blinked. “You did?”

“Yeah. She was there with her son. His name’s Grady.” I let out a breath. “And she said he’s mine.”

My dad’s brows shot up. Finn froze. My mom’s hand went to her mouth.

“I guess she got pregnant right before the draft and that’s why she broke up with me. She’s been raising him on her own.”

“And you just found out?” my mom questioned.

“Yeah, she told me this morning. We went to her parents’ housebefore coming here. I asked why she didn’t say anything. She said she wanted me to focus on my career. That she didn’t want to hold me back.”

Finn let out a slow breath, dragging a hand over his jaw. “Three and a half years …”

“Yeah.”

My mom’s eyes welled. “Does he know who you are?”

I shook my head. “No, but I asked her to bring him to Raleigh so I could spend some time with him. I want to be a part of his life.”

Dad leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “You really think you’re ready for all this?”

“I have to be,” I replied. “He’s mine. And I don’t want him growing up wondering why I didn’t show up.”

My mom reached for my hand. “We’ll help however we can. Just say the word.”

Finn’s face softened. “Damn, man. First you come out, then you then you tell us you have a kid. You really don’t mess around.”

I huffed a laugh. “Yeah, well … figured if I was gonna drop bombs on y’all, might as well do them at once.”

After we said goodbye, I gave my mom one last hug that I didn’t want to end. My dad clapped me on the back. Finn walked us out and told me to text him when we landed.

Once we got in the car, I pulled away from the curb and headed out of town.

“You good?” Knox asked gently.

I blew out a long breath. “I think so.”

“You did it, you know. All of it. And you’re still standing.”

“Yeah.” I turned my head to look at him. “And what about you? Not only did I find out I have a kid, but you found out the guy you’re dating has a son.”

Knox shrugged like it wasn’t even a question. “Then I guess I’m dating a hot dad now.”

Something in my chest cracked open again, but this time it wasn’t panic. It was relief. I grabbed his hand and kissed the back of it. “I loveyou.”

“I love you too.”