Page 76 of Coming Home
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Cole
After a nice make-out session with Reed, we went back out to the track, keeping clear of anyone with a camera. That didn’t mean people didn’t stop me, say hello, and wish me luck with the playoffs. I appreciated that. I was trying to keep my nerves settled, but it wasn’t easy. A couple of them even asked for a picture, but no one seemed to care that I was with Reed. That we were holding hands as we walked around. Maybe it was me, but I couldn’t help but think that Ezra had something to do with that. Or the WAGs. All of them were here today, including my cousin, Andy Olson, whom I hadn’t seen in years. He was probably there more for his husband, Leo, but that was fine. And the twins, Felix and Ford, who hadn’t left RJ Shepard’s side. I had questions. Lots of them. Only I wasn’t about to ask. It wasn’t my business.
“Uncle Maverick, Uncle Maverick!” Archer bolted over to Mav, who had just arrived with Jackson, and I smiled as they embraced. “Where’s Rhodes?” The littlest Olson was the spitting image of Jax, right down to the auburn curls and dark brown eyes.
Maverick ruffled Archer’s curls. “He’s home. I didn’t think he was ready for the track yet. But I promise you can come over to see him any time you want. Tomorrow, even. I’ll make pancakes.” He grinned.
Rhodes and Trish were with the same sitter, my dad had told me. They were best friends, my sister and little cousin.
“Spoiling my kid again?” Killian raised his brows as he approached. He grinned when Maverick gave him the finger. “Love you, too, Mav.” His eyes went wide when he saw me. “Hey, kiddo.” He moved in to hug me. Maybe it should have been weird or awkward, since he was my bi-awakening, but he was a good guy. Even though he tried to act like he wasn’t.
“It’s okay, Dad. You make the best pancakes,” Archer assured his father.
Kilian’s face softened. “Thanks, peanut.”
My dad walked over, his arm wrapped around Dean, and they both engulfed me in a hug when they got closer. Then they released me and embraced Reed, and my throat grew tight. Especially since Reed was completely caught off guard.
“Sorry we’re late.” Dean fist-bumped Killian. “Trish is having a day. She didn’t want us to leave. I know she’s going to give the sitter a really hard time today.”
Dad nodded. “We almost brought her, but I think it would be too much. Maybe next time.”
“She’s four,” I reminded them.
Reed laced our fingers together. “Who is Trish?”
“My sister.” Shit, he didn’t know? Had I forgotten to mention that my father and Dean had a baby via surrogate? “You’re going to love her.”
Reed smiled. “Tell me about her. When can I meet her? Who does she look like?” He giggled softly. “Does she play hockey yet?”
“You can meet her any time you want.” Dad grinned. “And she actually looks like Dean. They have the same white hair and big green eyes. She’s beautiful. Just like her father.” He leaned down to press a kiss against Dean’s head.
Dean blushed. “She likes hockey well enough, but she’s starting to ask about singing lessons and playing the guitar. Trish is obsessed with Uncle Maverick’s house and all theinstruments they have. And don’t even get me started on Killian and Matthias’s place. She screamed so loud the last time we had to leave I thought she was going to crack the windows in the house.”
“Trish is a little spoiled,” I murmured. I barked out a laugh at the surprised look on my fathers’ faces. “What? You’re going to tell me I’m wrong? She’s the only girl. Everyone loves to give her what she wants whenever she wants. No questions asked.”
“You’re not wrong,” Killian butted in.
Matthias groaned. “You’re not helping, Kill.” He slapped a hand over his husband’s mouth before he could say anything else. He maneuvered Killian away, then threw his hand in the air with a slight wave goodbye.
Reed’s parents arrived then, along with both his sisters, and I stood back as he said hello to them. I enjoyed the sound of his low laugh, the way his face lit up when he spoke with Hazel, teased Mia, and pulled his father in for another hug. This was a big day for all of them. Silas was making his NASCAR Cup Series debut, and if he did well, if he managed to finish the race, it would open so many opportunities for him. Including a full-time ride.
“Cole.” Hutch nodded at me, and my stomach twisted. “Good to see you again.” His lips twitched into half a smile. “Great job with the Panthers this season.”
I wondered if the click in my throat was as loud as it was in my head. “Thank you, sir. And it’s good to see you, too.”
“Sir?” Reed giggled. “This is my dad, Casanova. You don’t have to call him sir. Right, Dad?” He cocked a brow.
Hutch grunted. “Hutch is fine.”
Did he hate me? Was that what this was? He knew how much I loved Reed. I had told both of his parents that when he had left. When I saw them outside their house one morning before I went back to Boston. I was sitting on the dock,their dock, cryingand wishing I had done things differently. That I could go back in time and change everything. So Reed wouldn’t have left.
“Hutch, honey, let the kids have their fun.” Jillian squeezed my shoulder. “It is good to see you, Cole. I hope you’ll come by and have dinner with the family some night. After the season is over, of course.”
My vision blurred. “I would love to. Thank you.”
“We should probably go find Silas for pre-race ceremonies,” Hutch announced. “Are you two going to join us on the track?”
