Page 73 of Savage for You

Karissa is looking between Rocky and I with wide eyes.

“Wait! How did I not put two and two together? Monti, I didn’t realize you are Montana.”

I smile up at Rocky, and then look back at her. “Yeah. We met again when I moved here in June, and we’ve been dating since July.”

“I can’t believe you’ve been here this whole time. Why did you move back from Ohio?”

I wince. “That’s a long story, but basically my boyfriend cheated on me with my best friend. I found out on my birthday, so I finished my semester there and my cousin and I moved back home.” I blow out a breath I don’t realize I was holding.

“Is Talon here too?” Chris asks.

I smile. “Yeah, he came too. SBU has been looking at him to play for them for years, but he wanted to be like the big brother and came with me to Ohio. Then, when I decided to come back home, he took the offer from SBU. Coach was happy to take him.”

We all sit around the kitchen catching up. Rocky looks over at me, and I give him a smile and a nod. He’s going to talk to his parents about Johnny.

“Mom, Pops? Can I talk to you two for a moment?”

“Sure, baby, what is it?”

Here we go.

thirty

Rocky

“Pops, I love you. You know that, right?”

“Yeah, kid, I know. Is everything okay?”

“Well, last month, a man came to my game. Coach Mackenzie wanted me to meet him.” I sigh and look up at my parents. “The man Coach wanted me to meet was Johnny Henry.” I hear an audible gasp. “Except, I already know who he is. I’ve known for the last two years.”

I look at my mom's teary eyes, and my dad looks heartbroken. I move to give them each a hug.

I don’t care what the blood test says. Christopher Savage is my dad. My best friend. The man I have always looked up to, and wanted to be when I grew up.

“I don’t care who that man is. You are my dad. My best friend. I heard you and mom talking one night, and that’s how I know. I wasn’t purposely eavesdropping. You two did what you thought was best for me. I heard more than just who he is. I don’t hate you for not telling me, but it also makes sense why I’m not great at hockey,” I chuckle.

“Son, you are mine through and through. It doesn't matter that we don’t share the same DNA. You. Are. My. Son. I can’t believe he showed up to your game. What did he think, since you’re a great player you’d want to have him in your life?” He shakes his head, and I know he’s very upset.

“I walked away from him and Coach Mack, and he said, ‘Don't walk away from me, son.’ And I told him that I wasn’t his son, and that I’m a Savage,” I say with a smirk and then continue. “I am a Savage. You are my dad. You taught me how to ride a bike, how to use a drill, how to treat people we love. You showed me that DNA doesn't matter, you loved me even when I was a shit head kid. A teenager and now. You’ve never made me feel like I wasn’t your son. You’ve always made me feel loved and wanted. You’re the dad I hope to be when I have kids. You are everything I could have ever wanted. You didn’t hate the fact that I can throw a ball better than I could shoot a hockey puck. You still love me. You’ve never missed a game or practice when you could make it. You’ve always made me feel like I’m your favorite boy in the world. You and grandpa are the best men that I could have asked for to look up to over the last twenty-two years. I wouldn’t trade you for the world.”

I swear, I see tears in my pop’s eyes. I walk up and hug him tight.

“I understand why you didn’t tell me. I don’t know how I would’ve reacted if I found out when I was younger. I’m glad I have you. Autumn doesn’t know. I never told her.”

“Autumn doesn't know what?” she asks as she walks in, and everyone to turn to look at her.

“That I got into NC State but decided to stay close to home,” I say with a smile. “I didn’t want to leave my favorite sister.”

“I’m your only sister,” she replies with an eye roll.

“Yeah, and I didn’t want to leave you. Mom and dad either,” I say with a pouty lip, and she laughs.

“Hey, Mami, Daddy! I missed you guys so much. How’s Papa doing?” She runs over and gives them each a big hug.

“He’s doing okay.” Our mom gives her soft smile, but I don’t buy that.

I look over at Montana and I’m so glad that she’s here with me today.

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