Page 124 of Fighting the Odds

My eyebrow raises. “I don’t think I understand.”.

“Sam has become like family to us and with that, we’ve become close to you. I hope you feel the same. I know how much you want to petition the court for custody of her and I’d love to see that happen. But I have a proposition for you.”

He clears his throat and I shift nervously in my seat.

“For the court to give that to you, then you would need to prove you are able to provide for her. Your best chance of that is going to college and getting a degree. You’re an intelligent girl and could have any number of scholarships to help cover tuition costs. John and I have talked, and we would like to continue as foster parents for Sam, allowing you the opportunity to provide the best future possible for the both of you by going to college and getting a degree.”

My heart races and I’m at a loss for words. What he’s saying seems genuine and in our best interest, but I can’t help the nagging voice that says he’s trying to take Sam from me.

I open my mouth, but he speaks first. “Please, let me continue.”

“Okay.”

“We are not taking Sam from you or keeping her from you. She’s told us all about what you’ve sacrificed to care for her. The jobs you worked to put food on the table and how you never did anything fun. If it helps, we talked with Sam just like I am with you, and asked her what she wanted. Sierra, Sam wants you to go to college. She wants you to get the degree your mother always wanted you to do. Like I said, she’s your sister and you will have a say in any decision made in regards to Sam. You can see her whenever you want and she can visit you. Nothing changes in that aspect. You’re just able to go to college with no added pressure of caring for your sister.”

“You promise?” College was always a dream, but I thought I had to give it up. Now I’m being handed an opportunity to make that happen.

“I do, and I’d ask you to come and stay here with us, but I’m not sure how your uncle would react to that. It’s also a hard choice, seeing how you’re dating my sons.”

My eyes go wide. He knows.

Oh shit!

“You know we’re dating?” Maybe he just thinks it’s one of the guys. Maybe I misunderstood, and he said son, as in singular, not plural.

“I may be old, but I’m not blind. I’ve seen the looks and the casual glances. At first I wasn’t sure it was all three, but it became clear.” He smiles.

“And you’re okay with that?”

“I wasn’t at first. Then John reminded me that we can’t dictate love. From what I’ve seen, you’re all handling it well. And just to confirm, there’s four of you? The boy, Cyrus, is dating you as well?”

I nod, tears streaming down my face.

“If they ever treat you wrong, come and tell me. You make them happy, and that’s all I need to know. So, are you okay with Sam staying here while you continue college?”

“I’ll talk to Sam, just to make sure she is, but if so, then yes. As long as you promise not to cut me out of her life.”

“I’d never do that. Now let’s get out there and see how those houses are coming along. I know some kids who need to go to sleep so Santa can come.” He winks, and we both stand.

Mr. Stevenson moves around the desk, wrapping me in a hug before we leave the office.

Braxton offered his room to me, and is crashing with Colton. I inhale deeply, his pillows and sheets smell just like him. I’d be a liar if I said I wasn’t turned on by sleeping in the bed he usually sleeps in.

He’s told me stories of how he lies in bed at night, jacking off to pictures of me. Before we were in a relationship, that confession would have creeped me out, but now, not so much. I find it hot as hell.

The door creaks open and I sit up, trying to make out who’s at the door.

“It’s me,” Braxton’s voice whispers as he slowly shuts it and makes his way over to his bed, crawling under the blanket beside me.

We both lie down, and he pulls my back flush to his chest.

“I love the fact that you are sleeping in my bed.” His warm voice skims across my ear before he places his mouth on my neck, kissing up it.

His hand slips around my waist and disappears under the waistband of my sleep shorts. I open my legs, giving him access to my bare mound as he slides his fingers through my already wet folds.

“Hmm, someone was ready for me.”

We’ve been experimenting, but haven’t gone all the way yet. I think tonight is going to change that.

---