Page 127 of Their Perfect Daddy

“And together we’re we!” The group all laughs at Ean’s playful tone. “Seriously though, I really do think what you’ve done is amazing. We are so excited to see what else you’ve got planned for the future.”

Rhett comes over to help Ean when he moves to stand. Skye does the same for Monty. As soon as they’re on solid footing, Ean stuns us all again with a subject shift.

“Oh! Before I forget, I wanted to offer to help with Bellport Beginnings if you need it. Our buddy has a friend back home who has a youth center. It’s done wonders for the community. He knows a thing or two about starting from scratch. We could connect you two him if you want.”

Monty nods eagerly. “Absolutely. Let me get his number from you. What’s his name?”

“Dante. And his husband is Preacher,” Princess Aster adds.

Kendall, Monty’s other new friend who I met back on Easter, bounces into our circle. “I heard some familiar names. Why are we talking about the mobsters?”

“Mobsters?” I echo.

Princess Aster rolls his eyes. “They might have a few side projects that aren’t fully legal. Most of what they do now is on the up and up. Besides, they wouldn’t dare do anything to hurt the kids. Part of the reason they started their center was to help kids who would have wound up on the street in gangs anyway.”

“You’re not making much sense.” Monty rubs his jaw.

“It does if you think about it,” Kendall adds. “Dante and Preacher work with kids who have the potential to get out of their bad situations and do more with life.”

Skye speaks up next. “What about those they feel don’t have the potential? Are they left behind?”

Kendall groans. “It’s not like that. Some kids are traumatized. Or maybe they’re a touch too psycho for having a desk job. Dante and Preacher help those in a different way — mostly by giving them an outlet that won’t lead them to prison.”

“I’m confused,” I admit.

“It’s best not to overthink it.” Princess Aster pats my arm.

Monty shrugs, then types in the number he’s given. Once he does, Kendall and Princess Aster both text Dante to let him know they recommend Monty as someone safe to chat with. It’s kind of amusing to watch. The entire situation is like a scene in a movie. It’s surreal.

No sooner than the texts go out than Kendall’s phone rings. His eyes widen as he answers what is apparently a video call.

“Hey, big brother. What’s happening?”

“What’s happening?! Why are you messaging Dante? What kind of trouble are you in, Kendall?”

“Stop your panicking. I’m fine. I was trying to connect him to a friend of mine who could use a friend who has experience helping the youth in their community. That center of his does good work. Monty could benefit from the connection and so could the kids here in Bellport.”

There’s silence on the other end of the line, then the gruff voice says, “Monty Tempest of the Bellport Bulldogs?”

“Tell Memphis to chill with the searching! I’m going to hang up if you keep interrogating me.”

Another voice comes through then. “Sorry about him, Ken. I tried to tell him to chill, but he doesn’t always listen, you know.”

“I do know. Thanks, Chance, for doing what you can. My brother is a big meanie.”

“He can be, yes,” this Chance fellow says. “But it’s because he loves you and he worries. Can you blame him with his line of work?”

Kendall deflates. “No, I guess I can’t. But he should trust me about my friends. I’m at a birthday party for Chrissake. Not in the midst of a gang war.”

Chance snorts, then the brother’s voice comes back. “Let me meet this Monty fellow. I need to see who you’re hanging out with.”

Before Kendall can turn his brother down, Monty is leaning into the camera frame. “Hello there! I’m Monty. You are?”

“Now he remembers his manners,” Skye huffs.

I giggle at the chaos going on around me. It’s the best birthday I’ve ever had.

“I’m Tank.”

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