Page 129 of Their Perfect Daddy

“You’re with me today,” he says, clapping my shoulder.

I nod, though I’m not sure why he’s got me before the others. My place is usually behind him and Merry, as well as a few of the other first-string guys. I enjoy being in the midst of the group. It helps center me to know I’m part of the team.

But at the same time, I understand Bellport wanting to give me an unobstructed view of the stadium. Practice time is great for getting a feel for team dynamics. Still, few things beat tens of thousands of fans shouting your name and hoping you give them the performance of your life.

The announcers voice comes through. “And now… let’s welcome… your Bellport Bulldogs…”

When the music kicks on, we take off at a jog across the field. Within seconds, I realize why there was a change in position. The stadium is full to capacity and there are coordinated signs to welcome me back all over.

“We’ve missed you, Monty.”

“Let’s show them, Tempest.”

“Protect Monty at all costs.”

“Tempest Time.”

It takes everything I have not to cry. Except the feeling lasts only another minute because as we reach the sidelines, I’m greeted by the most beautiful sight in the world.

My two men wait there holding their own signs to welcome me back. And beside them are several of the kids from Bellport Beginnings. I recognize them all in an instant, which has my heart soaring.

I rip my helmet off right before reaching them. Danny is the first to leap into my arms. He plants a kiss on my cheek, which isn’t at all good enough. After laying a hard, hot kiss on his mouth, he stumbles away to stand with the kids.

It’s then I turn to Skye, my Daddy. He’s waiting with a smirk, eyes full of heat I know means he’d much rather be bending me over the bench than watching me play this game.

“Come here, Brat,” he whispers.

In the next second, I’m pressed against him. He kisses me as if there’s no tomorrow. His arms around me feel like coming home. They give me safety and reassurance.

He pulls back first, which leaves me damn near whining. Who cares about the game anymore? I want to go home with my men and forget the world for a few hours.

“Please welcome back the one, the only, Monty Tempest!!” The announcer's voice rings out.

It becomes a roar of sound as the fans shout their excitement. I’m overwhelmed as I spin around to look at all the effort put in to welcome me back. I never imagined people could care for me in this way. Never thought I mattered much outside of my ability to play for the team.

But with the help of my men and my friends, I see those thoughts weren’t true.

Skye calls Bellport over. “Don’t let anyone hurt my boy,” he tells my teammate.

Bellport nods, his face as stern as ever. “You’ve got my word. We’re going to protect him now more than ever. No asshole is taking him down again.”

It’s hard to take in the exchange with a straight face. Part of me wants to melt at the possessive tone in Daddy’s voice. Another wants to demand they treat me fairly. I’m a fully capable man, after all.

In the end, I accept it for what it is.

They care about me. And I can’t be mad at that. Not truly.

“Enough with the lovey dovey shit,” Merry says, coming up to throw an arm over my shoulders. “It’s time to win this game.”

Skye and Danny move further back on the sidelines after helping all the kids off the field. Each one gives me a high five to show their support. It makes my chest ache in the best way.

Knowing I’m making a difference in their lives, that I’m giving them an outlet they might not have had, fuels me. It makes me want to continue to be the best so I can continue to fund the program. Though it’s not really up to me alone anymore. Once things got off the ground, people from all across the city jumped in to donate.

Still, it’s a mental game for me as much as a physical one. I need the motivation to do the best I can

In the end, we wind up winning the game. We fight hard for the points all four quarters. Just as Bellport told us, the other team knew us inside and out. They didn’t intend to go down in a blowout game.

“To Tempest!” Merry shouts in the locker room after the game is done.

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