Page 17 of Forever Player

Brett

“Come on, baby girl,” I coo to my daughter, who is seated in her high chair while I try to feed her this mushy rice cereal.

Maylee gives me an unimpressed face and spits the cereal back at me, moving her tongue around like she finds the texture gross.

That’s okay, little one. I get it. “My nephew, Asher, didn’t like his food at the beginning,” I assure my baby, then I start to sing, “The itsy, bitsy spider went up the waterspout.” She smiles and I take it as encouragement. I also up my game and sing the whole song, making funny faces while shoveling cereal in her mouth. She pushes half of it out with her tongue but I’m sure I got some food in her. Plus, she had the bottle of breast milk. Willow said not to worry too much about the cereal because she is just learning to eat now, so it’s more about routine.

The door leading from outside into the kitchen opens, letting in a cool breeze.

I make a shivering sound and I puff out my cheeks and blow raspberries.

“What the fuck is he doing with Maylee?” It must be one of Willow’s brothers. Jacob is standing beside him with his arms crossed in front of his chest. He winks at me with a grin.

“I’m Brett, nice to meet you,” I say, despite the rather unpleasant introduction. Jacob is continuing with his attitude but I don’t give a shit because I am spending quality time with my daughter, and no one is going to rain on my parade.

“Why is Willow leaving him alone with her?” the brother I don’t know asks Jacob.

“Because she must trust him.” Jacob shrugs and then he walks off and opens the fridge door.

“Where is Willow?” the dude barks.

“I told her to sleep. She clearly needs it. She’s exhausted,” I say.

“What the hell would you know about that? You show up now, after all this time,” the guy rants.

“Look, your beef shouldn’t be with me. If I’d known Willow was carrying my child, I would’ve been in the picture much sooner. We had one hell of a mix-up. I’m the one who lost out on being around her when she was pregnant. I missed the delivery and the first months of my daughter’s life. It’s me who should be pissed, but I’m not because it was a series of unfortunate events. I’m here now for Willow and Maylee, so it’s best you drop the tude because I’m here to stay.”

The guy’s brows raise and he looks at Jacob, who still looks amused.

“Mornin’, Maylee. You having a good morning?” Jacob coos, leaning forward and smiling at my daughter. Maylee smiles back, batting her dark lashes at him.

The other brother gives Jacob a WTF look and Jacob shrugs. “I was there for their whole miscommunication. It was some messed-up shit. I told you. You can’t go and make that stuff up,” he says to his brother.

“Fine,” the guy says. “I’m Lev, Willow is my big sister and if you do anything to screw with her or Maylee, you’ll be answering to me.”

Jacob laughs.

I stand from the chair I was sitting on and I extend a hand to the guy. “Like I said, my name is Brett and no one is going to be messing with my girls, but I do appreciate that you have their backs.” I’m used to being in charge and making sure everyone is good, so I appreciate what this guy is doing.

“Does Willow know she’s your girl?” Lev asks, looking confused.

Jacob elbows him in the stomach and he keels over. “Fuck, Jacob.”

“Language,” I chide, looking at Lev.

He winces.

“No, Willow hasn’t gotten the memo yet, but trust me, with time she will,” I assure Lev.

“Well then…” He chuckles deep and loud. “Welcome to Sugar Meadow and the Heaton farm.” He shakes my hand.

“Thanks,” I reply.

Maylee begins to cry, kicking out her legs.

“Come here, baby girl,” I turn away from Lev and pick up my daughter. “Don’t cry.” I bounce her a little and keep her close to my chest as I saw Maddie do with Asher.

I watch the brothers smirking at each other. “Look, guys, I got a nephew of my own and my sister was a single mom until recently. My nephew’s dad never owned up and I’m not that guy. I’m here to stay. So I get you feel protective of Willow but like I said, I am not going anywhere.”

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