Page 74 of Game Changer

“He knew Mila and I were here.”

Max was Mila were not only Beau and Lindsey’s best friends in college, but during their senior year, they bought part of the Jersey Jags MLB team that Hudson’s brother, Roman, plays for.

“And you must be …” He pauses. “Fuck, babe, that looks like it hurts.”

I look back at him. “Max?”

He nods.

“Doesn’t feel good, that’s for sure.” I smile. “But Beau’s right; we’re all okay, and that’s all that matters.”

He claps his hands together. “Well, the good things keep coming, because Lindsey is fighting the vent and the doc’s with her.”

“Is she awake?” Beau asks.

“She’s not, but they’re thinking she’s gonna be soon.”

“That’s awesome, man,” Beau states as the nurse finishes up with me.

“Praise God.” I smile as I stand up and grab my shirt.

“Cupcake.” Beau nods to the duffle bag that was brought in from his truck. “Crew neck with your name on it is in there. Much warmer and less bloody than that, you with me?”

I grab it and head to the bathroom thinking,You with me?

Am I?

Am I with Beau and Lily? Team Beau and Lily? Always. And being on their team, I’m team Lindsey, too. Lindsey, who’s been abused by her parents, no doubt her entire life. Yes, abused in a way that a controlling boyfriend or spouse, who is supposed to love you but mentally and physically causes you harm, does.

What does it mean now that Beau has custody and with Lindsey waking up? Both unanswered prayers, blessings, miracles even.

“Sydney Sparks, you with me?” he asks again as I walk out.

“Yeah, right here.” I look around for my bag and spot it. “When we were at the spa today, Lily was saying her mommy loves makeup, so we decided to get her some.” I pull the bag out, turn, and hold it out to Max. “I’d love for you to give it to her. Maybe Mila could help her if she’d like to hide a bruise so she feels put together when she sees Lily and Beau.”

“Mila would love to meet you; why don’t you head up? Fourth floor, room 1424.”

“I’m …” I shake my head. “I don’t?—”

“She wants to meet you.” Max holds his phone up

Mila

Ask Syd to bring coffee

“I cannot go up there bringing hospital coffee to her; that’s insulting.”

“Told you she’s the sweetest.” Beau smiles.

He looks even more perfect with Lily sleeping on his broad chest.

“You can make it up to her with leftover wedding cake, yeah?” Max chuckles.

I look at Boone, and I don’t know how, but he sees it immediately.

“If you think we’re not doing our thing tomorrow because of the shit that went down today, the shit we survived and should be celebrating as a win, you’re wrong, Cupcake. Tomorrow is ours, and it’s going to be amazing.”

“When they fire you for fucking up the playoffs and getting yourself shot, you’ll make one hell of a coach.”

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