Page 78 of The Wrong Man

“And I’ll take care of you.”

Epilogue

ESSA

Breastfeeding at a football game was not a very comfortable place to do it, but the warm blanket covering me and my son, Leo, helped. Eli was busy entertaining Atlas, our second born, while Nico, our first-born son, was sitting still on the bench next to me, mesmerized by the high school sport.

“Are you ready for your vacation?” Adon asked, leaning closer to me.

“So ready. I can’t believe it’s been five years already. Thank you again for watching the boys.” Adon nodded while monitoring Odin playing quarterback on the field.

Our five-year wedding anniversary was coming up, and Eli was taking me on a honeymoon away. Both of us had been too busy the last few years with college coursework and kids to take the time for a proper vacation. Now, I was looking forward to spending time alone with my husband.

“Yeah, she’s ready. I’m ready. Besides, I’m kinda sick of these boys. I’m putting a girl in her while we’re there.” Eli’s eyes lit up every time he talked about trying for another baby.

“You’ve about used up your paternity leave,” Adon said, but the corner of his lip curled into a smile.

After graduating last year, I started my job at the forensic lab and greatly enjoyed my work. Eli was the office manager of Griffin Motors, which expanded to five locations. He was never too busy to be home for dinner and would often get there before me to relieve Glenda from watching Leo and Atlas.

Nanny Glenda had turned out to be our sons’ surrogate grandmother. Despite us moving out of my father’s old house, she still came over to our new place just a neighborhood over. She said we had given her a new purpose in life by helping us to raise the kids.

“Go, Eagles!” Eli jumped up with Atlas in his arms and Nico threw his hands in the air as we watched Avery’s high school team win their second game of the season. Our niece was in her uniform, cheering on the sidelines.

“Better get used to these games, Essa. Looks like you’ve got a future player.” Adon pointed to Nico, who sat down again, still staring at the players on the field.

I nodded. “You know he’s always been obsessed with the game. And Eli is teaching him to throw.”

Adon reached across me to tap Nico’s leg with his finger. “Odin’s been dying to teach him.”

“That would be great! He’ll learn from the best.”

Rhodes made his way through the crowd of our row with arms filled with snacks and drinks. A very pregnant Piper followed him with a hotdog and bag of popcorn. Piper slid in and sat on Adon’s lap before kissing him.

“Hey, Boss. Sorry, I’m late.”

Adon stroked her long pink hair back. “Always are. It’s one reason I love you. You drive me fucking crazy.”

“Here.” Rhodes passed out snacks from his trip to the concession stand. “How’re the Eagles doing? I miss anything big? Oh, they scored.”

Eli filled him in on what he had missed. I finished up with Leo and put him over my shoulder, straightening our clothes. Piper slid off her husband’s lap and squeezed between us to sit down next to me while snacking on her bag of popcorn.

“I’m thinking you can have this girl. You guys want one so bad. You’ve given birth before. Several times. You’re a pro.”

I laughed. “I told you, you got this. You can do it!”

Adon rubbed her shoulders gently. “I told her the same thing. She’s the strongest person I know. You’ll do great.”

“You’ll get plenty of practice with Leo and Atlas and Nico while we’re on our honeymoon,” I said to Piper.

Her shoulders slumped dramatically. “Hopefully, I’ll be able to keep them alive. Odin and Avery swear they’ll help.”

Adon snorted. “Wasn’t Odin the one scared of having to share his room with Nico?”

“Nah. He’s not the one wearing diapers. It’s Avery who’s worried Atlas will pee in her bed.” Piper leaned in closer to me. “Yeah, and now, regretfully, Avery seems to be getting baby fever, knowing she’s going to have a new little sister.”

My bottom jaw fell open. “What?! She’s only seventeen!”

“Shh! I don’t want Adon to know. She told me this in confidence. She has a huge crush on the tight end over there.”

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