Page 48 of Their Perfect Daddy

MONTY

“ Y ou sure you’re ready for this?” Merry asks as he slips on his gloves.

I tilt my head to the side. “Of course I am. You’ve been at practice. I’m good as new.”

The words ring hollow as we continue getting dressed. Since it’s the first game of the season, things are both high energy and somewhat tense. We all want to start the season with a win. It’s the best way to set the tone for how we believe the year will go.

On top of the stress, there’s the excitement of me being back with the team. I’m not saying I’m the only important player. It’s far from the truth.

What I am saying is no matter what happens today, it’s going to be good with us all back together on the field. My team is my family. More than I ever realized before I got hurt.

At my first practice back, they welcomed me with open arms. It was the best feeling in the world.

And now we get to work together to prove to ourselves and all of Bellport — hell, the whole country — my time away was worth it. No matter how many interviews I give or practices where the proof show I’m ready for this, there is still lingering doubt.

“I know you are, dude. I’m just making sure you aren’t nervous or anything.

It’s a big deal. People are going to lose their shit over you being back on the field.

Especially after all the work you’ve done for the community since you’ve been gone.

It almost feels like you’re vying for the golden boy title Bellport’s got. ”

Laughing at his taunts, I shake my head. “No one will take that from Bellport. He’s local royalty. I simply want to do some good for the people. What’s the point in all this wealth and fame if we don’t do good?”

“Holy shit… you’ve gone all philosophical on us. Who are you and where is playful Tempest?”

“Still here, Merry. I’ve just matured a bit.”

Chadwick snorts from the stall to my left. “I’m not sure mature is the word I’d use.”

“Don’t you dare gang up on me. I’ve got enough on my plate. Your shit talk can wait until later. Let the results speak for themselves.”

“Agreed,” Bellport says as he moves to stand beside Merry. “We’ve got more to think about than Monty today. This game isn’t going to be easy. People are tired of seeing us win. They’ve studied our plays and know what they’re up against. We’ve got to give it our all.”

The room chants a “yes, sir” to affirm his words. Bellport smirks and shakes his head.

“You idiots are too much.” He turns to the entry where Coach is leaning with his arms crossed. “Anything you want to add?”

The other man shrugs. “Not particularly. We’ve done everything we can up to now. I know you men are ready to take home the win. All you have to do is focus on the goal one touchdown and field goal at a time.”

“Yes, Coach!” The locker room echoes with our agreement.

Bellport claps his hands together. “Let’s go win us a game!”

Cheers break out as everyone stands to make their way down the tunnel.

It’s a familiar routine. One I’d missed all these months I’ve been recovering.

Between the PT sessions, my own training with Skye, and the now consistent mobility work I’ve done, my body feels better than ever.

Taking the time off really did help me heal properly.

While I know it won’t always feel this good, I can trust myself to play this game full tilt and not fall apart.

As we reach the opening to the stadium, I see Bellport waving me forward. The guys part to let me through.

“You’re with me today,” he says, clapping my shoulder.

I nod, though I’m not sure why he’s got me before the others. My place is usually behind him and Merry, as well as a few of the other first-string guys. I enjoy being in the midst of the group. It helps center me to know I’m part of the team.

But at the same time, I understand Bellport wanting to give me an unobstructed view of the stadium. Practice time is great for getting a feel for team dynamics. Still, few things beat tens of thousands of fans shouting your name and hoping you give them the performance of your life.

The announcers voice comes through. “And now… let’s welcome… your Bellport Bulldogs…”

When the music kicks on, we take off at a jog across the field. Within seconds, I realize why there was a change in position. The stadium is full to capacity and there are coordinated signs to welcome me back all over.

“We’ve missed you, Monty.”

“Let’s show them, Tempest.”

“Protect Monty at all costs.”

“Tempest Time.”

It takes everything I have not to cry. Except the feeling lasts only another minute because as we reach the sidelines, I’m greeted by the most beautiful sight in the world.

My two men wait there holding their own signs to welcome me back. And beside them are several of the kids from Bellport Beginnings. I recognize them all in an instant, which has my heart soaring.

I rip my helmet off right before reaching them. Danny is the first to leap into my arms. He plants a kiss on my cheek, which isn’t at all good enough. After laying a hard, hot kiss on his mouth, he stumbles away to stand with the kids.

It’s then I turn to Skye, my Daddy. He’s waiting with a smirk, eyes full of heat I know means he’d much rather be bending me over the bench than watching me play this game.

“Come here, Brat,” he whispers.

In the next second, I’m pressed against him. He kisses me as if there’s no tomorrow. His arms around me feel like coming home. They give me safety and reassurance.

He pulls back first, which leaves me damn near whining. Who cares about the game anymore? I want to go home with my men and forget the world for a few hours.

“Please welcome back the one, the only, Monty Tempest!!” The announcer's voice rings out.

It becomes a roar of sound as the fans shout their excitement. I’m overwhelmed as I spin around to look at all the effort put in to welcome me back. I never imagined people could care for me in this way. Never thought I mattered much outside of my ability to play for the team.

But with the help of my men and my friends, I see those thoughts weren’t true.

Skye calls Bellport over. “Don’t let anyone hurt my boy,” he tells my teammate.

Bellport nods, his face as stern as ever. “You’ve got my word. We’re going to protect him now more than ever. No asshole is taking him down again.”

It’s hard to take in the exchange with a straight face. Part of me wants to melt at the possessive tone in Daddy’s voice. Another wants to demand they treat me fairly. I’m a fully capable man, after all.

In the end, I accept it for what it is.

They care about me. And I can’t be mad at that. Not truly.

“Enough with the lovey dovey shit,” Merry says, coming up to throw an arm over my shoulders. “It’s time to win this game.”

Skye and Danny move further back on the sidelines after helping all the kids off the field. Each one gives me a high five to show their support. It makes my chest ache in the best way.

Knowing I’m making a difference in their lives, that I’m giving them an outlet they might not have had, fuels me.

It makes me want to continue to be the best so I can continue to fund the program.

Though it’s not really up to me alone anymore.

Once things got off the ground, people from all across the city jumped in to donate.

Still, it’s a mental game for me as much as a physical one. I need the motivation to do the best I can

In the end, we wind up winning the game. We fight hard for the points all four quarters. Just as Bellport told us, the other team knew us inside and out. They didn’t intend to go down in a blowout game.

“To Tempest!” Merry shouts in the locker room after the game is done.

“To Tempest!” our teammates cheer.

I smile and shake my head. These guys are ridiculous. I couldn’t have asked for a better family to play with.

And when my two men enter the room moments later, all is right with the world. I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.