Page 44 of Run the Play (Nashville Rampage #2)

R owan

It’s been a month since Landry and I said I do, and it still feels like a dream. Every day, I find myself staring at my rings. I can’t believe this is my life. I’ve found where I’m supposed to be. Finally, I have a home. Not just Nashville, but the people I love. My family.

I have a family.

Today we’re celebrating. The Rampage made it to the league championships for the second year in a row.

The big game is in two weeks, and the girls and I decided a celebration was in order.

No matter if the Rampage wins or loses the championship game, they’re still winners in our book.

We’re using it as an excuse to get everyone together. Not that we need one.

We’re having dinner at Knox and Corie’s.

It’s Monday night, and we’re ready to eat, just waiting on Baker and Camden.

Baker has been asking Natasha for weeks if he could have Camden tonight, for our celebration, since this is her week.

She waited until thirty minutes ago to call him and tell him yes.

However, he has to keep him the rest of the week, and all next week, which he was already supposed to do.

Apparently, she got a last-minute modeling contract and needs to fly out of the country.

I hate the way she made him wait, but we’re all thrilled that our little buddy will be here for our celebration.

His nanny is off this week, traveling to see her kids, so Corie, Sloane, and I volunteered to help out.

We even got the okay for me to have Camden with me in the training room.

The Rampage cares about their players and their staff, and I could not be more thrilled to be a small part of their organization.

“There he is,” Reid says, rushing to take Camden from Baker. He places the baby carrier on the couch and quickly unstraps the baby, pulling him out and settling him against his chest.

At seven months old, Cam is growing like a weed, and he’s all smiles for his Uncle Reid.

“Let’s eat,” Landry calls out.

Everyone scurries around to make their plates and is at the table.

Once everyone is settled, I tell them about the call I got earlier.

“I got a call from the prosecutor's office today. Five more women have stepped up. Making the total over twenty, all with proof regarding their similar stories with Chaz. They’ve been keeping silent about Chaz and his treatment of them. I won’t go into details, because this day isn’t about him, but the prosecutor assured me he’ll be going away to prison for a very long time with the evidence they have stacked against him. ”

“Hell yeah,” Knox says, nodding at me.

“Thank you all for your never-ending support through all of this. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“That’s what family does,” Corie says, smiling at me. “Do you know what else family does?” she asks.

No one answers her, so I do. “What?”

“They give presents, and surprises,” she says, practically vibrating in her seat.

“Are you trying to tell me you have a surprise present for me?” I chuckle at her enthusiasm.

“Nope, but I know someone who does.” Her grin goes wider as she winks dramatically at her brother.

“Core, what part of surprise do you not get?” my husband asks, an amused smirk playing on his lips.

“I understand just fine. However, you’re taking forever,” she groans.

I turn to look at Landry. “You have a surprise for me?”

“I do.” He reaches out and tucks a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “You want to see it?”

“That’s like asking a kid if they want ice cream for dinner. Yes.” I nod. “I want to see it.”

He pushes back from the table and stands. “I’ll be right back,” he says, walking out of the room.

I glance at my sister-in-law. “I need a hint.”

“Nope.” She dramatically zips her mouth closed.

“Now she wants to be quiet.” Baker laughs.

“Roe, close your eyes!” Landry calls out.

I do as he says, shutting my eyes, wondering what in the world he has for me this time. My husband likes to spoil me, so it’s hard to tell what he’s come up with. Although, he doesn’t usually give me gifts with our entire family here.

“Open,” he says.

Slowly, I blink them open and find Landry holding a puppy. A red golden retriever puppy, who looks so damn soft and fluffy. “A puppy?” I ask, not sure I’m understanding. Did he buy me a dog?

“Yeah. You said you always wanted one growing up, so now you have one. I know it’s going to be tough while we’re on the road with the team during the season, but we have some time before we have to think about that.”

“You can always bring him to my place. If it’s a week I have Cam, the nanny can help. Mrs. Ward would love it,” Baker offers.

“What are you going to name him?” Landry asks.

“Phoenix,” I say, my voice cracking. “He’s hope for the future, and a symbol of rising from the ashes and working through the flames.”

“Crying at dinner was not on my bingo card,” Sloane says, wiping at her eyes.

“Phoenix, go say hi to Mommy,” Landry coos at the dog.

I take the tiny puppy into my arms and snuggle him. He’s so soft, and warm, and utterly adorable. “I can’t believe he’s mine.”

“Hey, Roe, can you tell your husband you want a Lamborghini?” Reid asks.

“What?” I turn to look at him. “I don’t want a Lamborghini.”

“I know, but I do, and we can do some trading. You know he’ll buy you anything you want.” Reid smirks.

I point my index finger at him. “No cars for you, young man,” I playfully scold, and everyone bursts into laughter, even little Cam is grinning because we are.

There have been so many low moments in my life. There were times when I wasn’t sure it was worth fighting to move forward, but I kept pushing, and it brought me here. For the first time, I feel like I have a home, a family, and a future I can’t wait to live every moment of.