Page 99 of Waiting for Redemption

“Captain America,” he states simply, making me smirk to myself.

Hmm.Is that so?

CHAPTER33

RUBY

“Okay,so it’s one, two, duck. Back up, and do it again. Got it?” I hear Tank’s voice as I walk through the front door, the deep swagger to his tone instantly putting me at ease.

“Got it,” Hendrix agrees eagerly.

“Okay, tap gloves. Go.” When I make it to the living room I see Tank sitting on his knees with punching mitts on and Hendrix with tiny boxing gloves and a practice helmet on. Hendrix punches the mitts like Tank told him to, then ducks when Tank tries to get a hit in. Then they do it again, this time Tank comes around the opposite side, and Hendrix still dodges his attempt.

“That’s what I’m talking about man, good job.” They do it one more time, but Tank gets a hit on Hendrix, making me gasp by default. Hendrix starts giggling uncontrollably as Tank scoops him up to check on him.

“Hey, Honey, I didn’t hear you come in.” Tank looks up at me with that perfect, bright smile that sends my nervous system into overdrive.

“Mommy!” Hendrix runs over, hugging my waist with his glove-covered hands. “I’m learning how to fight.” He smiles, his cheeks squishing together from his helmet.

“Are you now?” I ask, looking at Tank for an explanation.

“I am. But heknows…” He prompts Hendrix to finish his sentence.

“It’s only for self-defense.” Hendrix recites proudly.

“And…”

“You don’t throw the first punch, but you make sure you throw the last,” he says as if Tank’s drilled it into his head within the three hours they’ve been together.

“That’s my boy,” Tank praises, unwrapping the mitts from his hands. He stands and walks over to me, spinning his ball cap backward on his head to kiss me before helping Hendrix take his gloves off.

“You know, it’s hard to disapprove of you teaching him to fight when you’re doing it in such an honorable way,” I tease.

“I’m not sure if I should apologize, say thank you, or you’re welcome,” he remarks, throwing their gloves on the couch.

“Yeah, me either and I’m way too exhausted to decide right now. Where did these come from anyways?” I ask, grabbing one of the discarded gloves as I fall onto the couch.

“There’s a little sports shop right next to where we got our haircut today, so we stopped in to kill some time. When I told Hendrix about how I used to fight, he asked me to teach him. So… here we are.”

“Oh, that’s right. I forgot about the haircuts. Should I be worried since you both have your heads covered?” I ask nervously since Hendrix still has his helmet on.

“No, I just have a habit of wearing this and you know… safety first.” He gestures for Hendrix to walk over so he can help take his helmet off.

“Ready, Mom?” His face is so full of excitement, I better love whatever haircut he chose for himself today because I can already tell he’s completely obsessed.

“I’m ready.” I sit up a little straighter as he looks up at Tank, and when he winks down at him, they both take their hats off—revealing that they have the same haircut. It’s just long enough on top to either style to one side or wear as a fohawk, with a perfectly blended fade, and they both looksohandsome.

“Do you like it? I lookjustlike Dad now.” Hendrix smiles, looking up at Tank again, but this time Tank looks over at me nervously, though there’s also a hint of pride in his eyes that makes me smile.

“You sure do. You two are basically twins.” I smile at him, opening my arms as he runs over for a hug.

“I’m glad you like it.” Tank leans down to kiss my forehead. “I’m going to start dinner.” I’m stunned silent as he walks into the kitchen, leaving me and Hendrix on the couch while he cooks. I’m not used to this,obviously, but it feels good—being taken care of, having time to just sit with Hendrix and talk before we ever make it to the dinner table.

“So, tell me about your day. How was school?”

“Well… Tommy was being mean to me again today,” he says, but he doesn’t seem sad about it.

“I’m sorry, buddy. Did you tell Tank when he picked you up?”

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