Page 149 of Devious Love

He lifts his shoulders, a giddy smile lighting up his face, and barrels toward me.

“Daddy!”

I kneel, and he crashes into me, all smiles and sticky hands. I hoist him up, pressing a kiss to the top of his head. His blond hair smells like apples.

“Hey, bud,” I say then focus on Mia. “Hey, you.”

She gives me the kind of smile that sends my pulse skyrocketing, the one that leaves me at her mercy, that makes me fall harder every time.

Brushing back the flyaways that have escaped her ponytail, she steps up beside me. I shift Ty to my other arm and wrap the free one around her shoulders, pulling her to my side.

“Practice went long today?” she asks.

“Yeah, the boys were slow, and Rob was constantly on their backs. Plus, we’re still working on their footwork.”

“You’re a great coach. Give Rob time. He’ll learn a lot from you, just like you did with Coach McDermott.”

“Here’s hoping.” I study her face. “But I also have the right teammate. She’s always by my side when I need her the most.”

“Is that so?” She lifts her sunglasses, those blue pools full of mischief.

“Mm-hmm. I built this life with you and for you, Little Mayhem. You’re the only one I ever wanted to share it with.”

“Likewise.” She plants a kiss on my cheek. “Mom said to give you her love when I picked up the boys, and she asked me to remind you about Allan’s surprise party. She could use some help.”

I nod, watching Noah running in circles around the team. “Do you think your old man can make it to the party?”

Her face lights up. “He and Bianca will be here next week.” She licks her lips. “And Mom confirmed Brody, his plus-one, and Leo will be here. Ethan and his family too. The house will be extremely full, that’s for sure.”

“With Miles and Chiara and the baby, plus Matt and Luna and the triplets? I don’t even want to think about it.”

She giggles. “It’ll be fun. Allan will be thrilled to be surrounded by so many people who love him.”

She’s right. We’re fucking lucky to have them all.

As I hold Ty in my arms, Mia snuggled into my side and Noah laughing close by, I know without a doubt that I have everything I’ve ever dreamed of, even things I once thought weren’t meant to be. A successful business with Dad and Miles, a coaching job I love, amazing friends, supportive parents. And, most importantly, I have a loving and caring wife and the best kids in the world.

All because of the night I saw a girl dressed as Alice and decided to approach her.

That one night changed the trajectory of my life. Though the road was rough at times, it eventually led me to what I cherish most—my wife and kids.

I am a better man because of them.

And I strive to be an even better man for them, because they deserve nothing less.