Page 229 of The Trouble With Bad Boys

Trevor’s eyes soften when he looks back at me. “That’s a very noble thing to do, Lincoln.”

Warmth spreads through my body, and my chest feels light. “Thank you. It’s the least I can do after the battle they’ve faced. If I can help them recover some of their self-worth, then I’m happy to help.”

Sophie rests her hand over her dad’s. “You should have seen the difference in Natasha from when she walked in here to when she walked out.” Her eyes grow glassy. “She was a different person. And her husband … he was so thankful that his wife could have that piece of herself back.”

Trevor’s eyes drop to the photograph and I watch him studying it closely. He raises his head and nods. “The artwork is very beautiful, sweetie. I’m glad you could help her.”

I watch Sophie’s throat move as her lips tip up in a tremulous smile. “Thanks, Dad. That means a lot to me.”

“I want a tattoo, Mom.”

Sophie’s head snaps up toward her son and she narrows her eyes. “No tattoos for you until you’re at least twenty-one.”

“Awwww, Mom. That’s not fair.”

Trevor looks at me with a smirk. “Good luck taming that boy.” A laugh huffs past my lips. “He’s a lot like his mother and grandmother.” He winks. “Wild ones. All three of them.”

* * *

Sophie

Lincoln congratulates the boys as they run off the field after winning their game. Every time James and Lincoln bond over soccer, my heart expands to the point I’m worried it might burst. I think James will always remember this summer vacation because Lincoln spent most mornings before we left for work teaching him the basic skills he needed to play the game. Because of all that time together, they’ve grown incredibly close. They high-five each other and make their way over to Dad and me with matching grins.

“You have a good man there, Sophie. I’m sorry I judged him so harshly.” He grips my hand. “Please accept my apology.”

I lean down and kiss his cheek. “Apology accepted, but you’re apologizing to the wrong person.”

“Mom! Grandad! Did you see my goal? It was awesome!”

I chuckle as he leaps at me. “I sure did. I’m so proud of you!” I kiss his sweaty forehead and he squeezes me tight, then releases me to receive congratulations from Dad. Lincoln wraps his arms around me from behind, and I cover his hands with mine, tangling our fingers together as we watch James recount every second of his incredible goal to Dad as if he weren’t watching for himself.

“He played well this afternoon.”

I lean my head back against Lincoln’s firm chest with contentment filling my heart. “Thanks to you.” I tilt my head back to look up at him and he kisses my forehead.

I feel him shrug. “I enjoy hanging out with him. He’s a great kid. You’ve done a great job with him.”

“Thank you.” I spin around and press up on my toes to kiss his cheek. “He loves hanging out with you. He’s missed out on having someone he can play outside with.”

“I’m hungry, Mom.”

I chuckle and step out of Lincoln’s arms. “All right. Let’s grab dinner, so Lincoln can come back in time for his game.”

“Can I watch tonight?” James asks with wide, excited eyes. We’ve been grabbing dinner and coming back to watch Lincoln play during school vacation, but that’s over now.

I tap his nose. “Nope. It’s a school night.”

He kicks the grass with his cleat. “Awww. That’s not fair.”

“Yeah, well, a lot of things aren’t fair. Let’s go.” He bends to grab his sports bag and Lincoln pushes Dad across the grass to the parking lot.

As he pulls up to our house, I notice the real estate agent placing a sold sticker on the sign in front of the house that’s been vacant for ages across the road. Lincoln parks and we climb out of the car, then he helps Dad out of the front seat and into his wheelchair.

“I wonder what our new neighbors will be like?” I muse out loud.

Dad and Lincoln glance at each other, then focus on the house across the street. “I hope they’re decent, community-minded people.” He glances up at Lincoln with raised brows.

“I’m sure they will be, Mr. Chalmers,” he responds, winking at Dad.

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