Page 47 of Follow the Play

* * *

“Swoan, Daddy, ball!” Camden says, running into the kitchen where I’m putting some snacks out on the counter.

“That’s right. We’re going to watch Daddy play ball.” I smile at him. Grabbing my phone out of my back pocket, I snap a picture of him holding his little football, wearing his Sinclair 32 jersey, and send it to Baker.

* * *

Me: Cam says, “Good Luck, Daddy!”

* * *

I don’t expect a reply. I know he’s busy, but I also know seeing the picture of Camden will make him smile. However, my phone vibrates with his reply immediately.

* * *

Baker: Thank you. What about you? You got any luck for me?

* * *

I debate on what to send him, but decide to take a selfie blowing him a kiss. It’s a bold move, but things between us have been… more. I don’t know how to explain it. We don’t talk about it. It just is, and I’m okay with that. Talking about it makes it real, and I enjoy my time with both of them. I’m not ready for it to end yet. I send off the message and bite down on my bottom lip, waiting for his reply.

* * *

Baker: Now, I know we’re going to win. My two biggest fans.

Baker: You’re watching the game, right?

Me: I am. Bellamy is coming over with Coral, and Amanda is coming, too, since the team stole Corie and Rowan from us.

Baker: I should have bought you and Cam a ticket so you could be here.

Me: We’re good here.

* * *

I take a picture of the snacks out on the counter.

* * *

Baker: Have fun. I’ll call you after the game.

Me: I’ll be here. Good luck, Daddy Sin!

Baker: Thanks, babe.

* * *

I stare at his message for I don’t know how long. It’s not until Camden pulls on my shorts to get my attention, handing me his football, that I lock the screen of my phone and slide it back into my shorts pocket.

“This is your football,” I tell Camden.

“Cam ball,” he says, taking it back from me and rushing as fast as his little legs will carry him back to the living room.

The doorbell rings, and I look in on Camden, who’s standing in the living room, staring at the television. Knox’s face is on the screen as the announcers talk about his season so far. Jogging to the door, I pull it open and greet Bellamy, Amanda, and Coral. “Come on in,” I tell them, stepping back. “Cam’s already glued to the screen. Knox’s picture was up there, and he was fascinated.” I chuckle.

“We’ve got snacks.” Amanda holds up a bag.

“Put them in the kitchen. I already have some laid out, as well.” I take Coral’s car seat from Bellamy while they get settled. Sitting on the couch, I lift her out of her seat and snuggle her. “Hello, sweet Coral,” I coo, and she giggles. At five months old, her personality is starting to show more and more.