Page 38 of Claiming My Grumpy Ex

Then I spotted it—the perfect football, sitting in a bin near the aisle endcap. It wasn’t on the list, but I couldn’t resist. Jake had mentioned wanting to practice more, and I figured thiswould be a good excuse to spend some extra time with him. I tossed it into the cart and smirked to myself. “Surprise,” I muttered under my breath.

The cool autumn air greeted me as I stepped out of the store, bags in hand. Loading the groceries into the back of my SUV, I strategically tucked the football behind the grocery bags, out of sight. Jake deserved a little excitement today, and I couldn’t wait to see the look on his face.

Closing the trunk, I patted my back pocket, feeling the distinct outline of my wallet. Inside was the check—ten million dollars made out to Elena. I hadn’t stopped thinking about it since Steven handed it over. How would she react? Would it feel like a blessing or a burden? I let out a slow breath, shaking my head. There wasn’t a perfect way to handle it, so I’d just have to trust my gut.

Sliding into the driver’s seat, I glanced at the grocery list one more time to make sure I hadn’t missed anything. Satisfied, I started the engine and pulled out of the parking lot, heading toward Elena’s house.

As I drove, a sense of contentment washed over me. It was subtle, but it was there—a kind of peace I hadn’t felt in years. The road stretched out ahead, the promise of a warm afternoon with Elena and Jake pulling me forward. Whatever challenges lay ahead, I knew this was worth it.

When I turned onto Elena’s street, I caught myself smiling again. Family. It was a word I hadn’t let myself consider, but now…

It feels like that glum cloud that follows me around is melting away.

The SUV barely came to a stop in Elena’s driveway before Jake burst out the front door. His grin stretched from ear to ear as he waved wildly. Elena followed at a more relaxed pace,wiping her hands on a dish towel, her warm smile making me forget the nerves I’d felt about the check in my pocket.

“Need help with the groceries?” Elena called, brushing a strand of hair from her face.

“I’ve got it covered,” I replied, stepping out of the car and popping open the trunk.

Jake beat her to me, darting past to inspect the bags. “What’d you get?” he asked, his eyes lighting up as he rifled through. Then he froze, pulling out the football from behind the marshmallows and chocolate. “Whoa! Is this for me?”

I chuckled, ruffling his hair. “Thought you might like it. Figured we could toss it around before dinner.”

“Awesome!” he yelled, clutching the ball like it was a trophy. Without another word, he bolted for the yard, calling over his shoulder, “Come on, Dad! Let’s play!”

Elena laughed, shaking her head. “Looks like I’ve lost you to the game.”

“Not for too long,” I promised, leaning in to kiss her cheek. “I’ll help with dinner after.”

She smirked. “I’ll hold you to it.”

Jake was all energy, sprinting across the lawn and calling out plays as if he were in the middle of a championship game. I showed him how to grip the ball properly, how to aim his throw, and how to catch without cradling it against his chest. He was a quick learner, and by the time Elena came out to rake leaves, Jake was already throwing spirals that made him beam with pride.

“You’re a natural,” I told him, tossing the ball back.

“I’ve got a good coach!” he yelled, catching it with ease.

Elena joined us, dragging a rake behind her. “You two having fun?”

Jake nodded vigorously. “Mom, did you see that throw? Dad says I’ve got a good arm.”

She smiled, leaning on the rake. “I did. And you do. Just like baseball.”

For the next hour, we worked together, raking leaves into piles that Jake promptly destroyed with running leaps. Elena scolded him half-heartedly, laughing as she joined in the chaos. The yard was filled with laughter, the kind that made everything else fade into the background.

As the sun dipped lower in the sky, we finally retreated inside to start dinner. Jake helped with setting the table, his excitement bubbling over as he recounted his best throws. Elena moved effortlessly in the kitchen, directing me with a list of tasks while Jake peeked into every pot to see what was cooking.

At one point, Elena brushed past me, her hand briefly resting on my arm. The simple touch sent a jolt through me, reminding me just how much I wanted this—not just the fun or the laughter but the quiet moments, too—the ones that turned a house into a home.

“Brisket’s ready,” Elena announced, pulling it from the oven with a triumphant smile. Jake cheered, grabbing his plate and piling it high as we all settled at the table.

Over dinner, I felt a strange calm settle over me. This—sitting with them, laughing, sharing a meal—was exactly what I hadn’t known I was missing. For the first time in years, everything felt right.

As Jake recounted every detail of his football throws, his voice full of excitement, Elena leaned back in her chair, her eyes flicking between him and me. Once Jake was occupied with another helping of brisket, she turned to me, her voice low enough to keep the conversation just between us.

“So,” she began, “have you thought more about where you’ll set up the Horizon Foundation?”

Her question caught me off guard, though I shouldn’t have been surprised. Elena had a way of zoning in on what mattered.

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