Page 125 of Rule Breakers Fall Hardest

“What?” He freezes, his eyes bulging.

“Yep.” I don’t stop, and Cree rushes to catch up. “They didn’t make it, but Sammy wasn’t injured, thank fu—thankfully.” My stomach roils thinking about how easily I could’ve lost my son before I ever really had him. “I have temporary guardianship. With any luck, it won’t take too long to make it permanent. I hope like hell none of her family gives me any trouble.”

“F—”

I cut him off with a glare.

“Frick. That’s crazy.”

“You’re telling me. It happened Christmas Eve night.”

“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me.” He doesn’t sound angry, just surprised.

“I’ve had a lot going on. It wasn’t on purpose, I promise you.”

“Wow.” He rubs his jaw. “I don’t really know what to say.”

I shrug. “We’re just taking thingsa day at a time.”

As we approach the coffee shop, the fatigue that’s plagued me for days creeps in. The caffeine is going to be much appreciated. If I thought life was exhausting before—between classes, practice, gym time, and games—it has nothing on parenthood.

Especially parenting an infant while still in college. This isn’t for the faint of heart.

The line for coffee isn’t too long, but Cree shoos me toward a table with Sammy while he gets our order.

Sammy babbles, blowing spit bubbles, as happy as ever.

“Look at you.” I pat his belly overtop the blanket. “You’re learning something new every day. Can you say Dada? Da-da.”

He blows more bubbles in reply.

“Dada.” I point at myself. “I’m Dada.”

He gives me a gummy smile that hits me straight in the solar plexus.

Rocking him gently in the car seat, I duck down and tickle his chin. “We’ll keep working on it, all right?”

My phone vibrates from my coat pocket with an incoming text, and my heart lifts, knowing it’s likely Rosie.

Rosie: I’m exhausted. Do you mind if I pick up takeout for dinner?

Me: Same. Takeout sounds great.

Rosie: What are you in the mood for?

Me: Whatever.

Rosie: Ugh. Give me more information than that.

I grin at my phone screen.

Me: I’m not falling into that trap. You probably already know what you really want.

Rosie: Five Guys?

Me: I’m not opposed to sharing, but Five Guys seems like a lot.

Rosie: DAIRE

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