Chapter 15: Chapter Fifteen

Ford hesitated before getting out of his car, not sure he should even be here, meeting up with Luke so he’d have backup while visiting his son. That he even needed it was fucking stupid, but Cort wouldn’t let him leave the house until he’d found someone to go with him.

He’d considered Scott, they’d grown close over the years, but Scott had his own scars. Last thing he wanted was for the man to have them torn open if Kyle did pull something. Ford had ignored all his messages over the past few days, speaking directly to Anthony instead. Kyle would be pissed and might retaliate somehow, but Ford still didn’t know how to deal with him. Or if he even should.

This will be over soon.

If things went well with the lawyer. Who he’d be meeting with Monday. The lawyer, Mrs. Kim Monsch, seemed to think he had a strong case, but wouldn’t tell him more until they’d gone over all the details. She had said it could take months for all the paperwork to be finalized, but the courts would look into the best interest of the child in the meantime. Kyle and Andrea had no income, no place of their own, and couldn’t provide Jaxon with any kind of stability. Anthony could, but he was an older man with limited mobility.

Sounded good on paper, but he wasn’t waiting for legal stuff to be finalized before he saw his son. He’d already missed the first nine years of Jaxon’s life. He’d do anything to make sure he didn’t miss any more.

A soft tap on his window brought his head up. He frowned as Jami leaned over, holding her big belly and grinning at him.

Rolling down the window, he glanced at her stomach, even bigger than the last time he’d seen her, just a few weeks ago, then met her eyes. “I thought you were on bedrest.”

“I’m supposed to take it easy, but still keep active. Walks every day, at least around the block.” She looked from his car to the path to her house. “I think I’m good.”

He sighed and shook his head, stepping out of the car and to her side, not sure if he should take her arm or simply stick close. They’d dated a few years back, and had been toxic together, but had finally settled into a friendship he valued more than anything.

Not the type of friendship where he could tell her what was going on with his father—she would stress and carrying twins was already hard enough on her—but close enough that he didn’t hesitate before asking for details about her treatment, and the issues she’d been having, and if there was anything he could do to help.

She laughed, patting his arm as they reached the huge, gleaming wood doors of the house she shared with Luke and Sebastian. “Lots of vitamins, blood tests, checkups, and the works. Compared to what your sister went through, this is nothing.”

“Silver’s pregnancy was easy until she gave birth to Amia. And you’ve got two in there.” He gestured to her belly. Damn it, she was so small, and her stomach already looked way too big for her body. She still had a few months to go. How was she going to manage if they got even bigger? “If you’re having pains already—”

“Then my muscles are getting a bit of a strain and it’s normal. I’m not afraid, so don’t you be.” She reached for the door, sighing when he grabbed the handle and pulled the door open for her. “Besides, you have your own shit going on. You have a son and I had to find out from Luke? Really?”

He cringed as she stepped past him. Her tone was light, but he knew her well enough to see past the front she’d put up. She’d act all tough because she was scared. And now she was hurt.

Because of him.

At one point, she would have been the first person he told. But life had changed. They were both in relationships, her engaged and having babies, him in a serious relationship—two of them—for the first time, trying not to fuck up too bad…

“It took me a while to tell Akira too, if that helps—”

“It doesn’t.” She glanced over at him, settling her hands on her stomach as she slowed a few steps down the short hall. “But I don’t blame you. Everyone is being so careful, not telling me the bad stuff, only wanting to hear how I’m feeling. It’s like being in a bubble all the time. And then the bubble pops and everywhere around me is a mess I wasn’t allowed to see.” She pressed her eyes shut. “Did you know the team might be moved?”

He chewed at his bottom lip, not sure what the right answer was. Probably the truth.

She let out a rough laugh before he could say a word. “Of course you did. But I wasn’t allowed to know. The only reason I do is because Luke and Seb were talking about it when they thought I was sleeping. And I can still be sneaky, even with the kiddos making me awkward AF.”

Lips quirking at the last, Ford nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me at all.”

“Oh shut up.” She shoved his shoulder, then continued to the living room. “I’m also a better sidekick than Luke. You sure you don’t want me to come with you instead?”

How the hell was he supposed to answer that? He had more history with her, but his friendship with Luke was different. He wasn’t worried about messing Luke up, but he’d already done that to Jami. She was a strong young woman, but she’d been through too much. A lot of it because of him.

No way was he letting her near this situation.

Thankfully, Sebastian was in the room and didn’t hesitate to intervene. He set the Saturday morning paper aside, a soft smile on his lips as he rose, flipping his long, black hair over one shoulder before crossing the room in two long strides and pulling Jami into his arms. He kissed the top of her head and whispered something in her ear.

Her cheeks, which were already nice and round from the weight she’d gained during her pregnancy, reddened. She pressed her face against Sebastian’s chest. “You’re not playing fair.”

Chuckling, Sebastian stroked her back, holding her close. “I don’t believe I ever have, mi cielo.” Sebastian met Ford’s eyes, nothing in his gaze indicating he was thinking of ‘The Party’, but Ford’s neck still heated, and he dropped his gaze as Sebastian’s lips curved.

Oh shit, did I just make this awkward?

“The scene is over, hombre.” Sebastian slid his finger under Jami’s hair, which was back to her natural light brown, save for a streak of blue. He lifted the hair from her throat, brushing his lips down the pale length, his eyes never leaving Ford’s. “Things will be normal between us.” He licked Jami’s throat. “For now.”

Ford shivered, resisting the urge to take a step forward. Or back. He’d done things at that party that were…out of his comfort zone. And he’d fucking loved every minute.

But it still didn’t quite fit in his head. He wanted that zone he’d found that night, the one where he didn’t have to think. Only feel.

He didn’t want that from Sebastian though.

He needed it from Cort.

“Great, Seb. You broke him.” Coming up behind him, Luke gave Ford a little shove. “Pull it together, man. You want out of your head that bad, we can swing by Callahan’s on the way back.”

Hell no. Ford shook his head and turned, blinking as he took in what Luke was wearing. “Are we going to a funeral?”

Luke shrugged, a slanted smile on his lips. “Maybe? If the dude messes with you?”

Jami let out a little snort.

“Hey, my buddy here needs backup. I’ve got him.” Luke smoothed the labels of his sleek, black suit jacket. “Let’s go.”

There was no way Ford was leaving the house with Luke dressed like that. His outfit was almost an exact match for Jason Statham’s in Crank. Like Luke was trying to come across as a tough guy. An enforcer.

With his boyish good looks and his mussed up, badly-in-need-of-a-trim blond hair, he looked like he was dressing up for a fancy Halloween party. For a Sugar Daddy that wanted his boy toy doing some kind of weird roleplay.

“Niño…” Sebastian sounded both amused and exasperated. “That suit is for our wedding.”

“Well yeah, but it fits for today, don’t you think?” Luke grinned, pulling his shoulders back. “I thought the hat would be a bit much, but the rest gets the point across.” He brought his fingers to his lips like he was smoking an invisible cigar. “You mess with my friends, you mess with me.”

“You know…” Ford tugged at the collar of his white shirt, which he was wearing with a few buttons open, paired with navy blue pants and dress shoes. Casual enough to be comfortable, but dressy enough that Anthony couldn’t complain. If he brought Luke to his father’s, looking like this, the man would know something was up. “I probably won’t be there long. Be nice to just take Jaxon out for lunch. Maybe show him the city. You don’t have to—”

“Cool it, I’m messing with you.” Luke rolled his eyes, pulling off his jacket, then his pants, before reaching into the hall to grab a pair of black jeans he’d clearly left right there for when he’d gotten the expected reaction. “Why so serious?”

Jami let out a strangled sound, like she was fighting back another laugh. “All right, no more movie marathons for you.”

“Agreed.” Sebastian’s tone was firm, but there was warmth in his eyes as he watched Luke quickly don the jeans and roll up the sleeve of his black shirt. “I appreciate you trying to keep things light, Luke. But the situation Ford is in is serious. He must prove he can be a good father. His past may make this difficult.”

“I know.” Luke expression shifted. Now, the enforcer look might have worked. His jaw hardened as he turned to Ford. “You sounded freaked out on the phone. I thought teasing you a bit would get you to relax, but I’m taking this very seriously.”

Ford’s throat tightened. He shoved his hands in his pockets, not sure how to respond to that. Now that the ridiculous costume was gone, he saw his friend, ready to stand by his side as he faced one of the many obstacles being thrown between him and his son. If he wasn’t fucking terrified he’d fail as a father, as he’d failed at so many things before, he’d probably have laughed at Luke’s antics.

Instead, he was wondering if not facing this alone was weak.

If he was even strong enough to give Jaxon what the boy needed.

“Shit, I just made things worse, didn’t I?” Luke stepped up to Ford and put a hand on his shoulder. “Listen, I’m not great at giving advice. But I can say I’m going to be a father soon and some days I look in the mirror and my stomach drops. I see me, The Mouth, the guy who’s always in trouble, and I think ‘You’re gonna be someone’s father?’” Luke inhaled roughly, squeezing Ford’s shoulder. “Then I shut down the voice in my head that’s laughing at me and remember I’m not in this alone. Every parent is clueless when they start out. They dream of that cute little baby, smiling up at them and trusting them, but they haven’t earned that trust. Not yet. A baby doesn’t know that. You’re not trying to prove to your children that you deserve their trust. You’re trying to prove it to yourself.”

“But Jaxon isn’t a baby. He doesn’t know me, and he has every reason not to trust me. Every single person in his life has let him down.” Ford rubbed a hand over his face, tension building between his eyes. “I know what that’s like.”

“And that’s why you’re going to be an amazing father, Ford. You know. And you’ll be kicking your own ass for the rest of your life trying to be the best. To give him what you never had.” Luke gave Ford’s shoulder one last squeeze, then lowered his hand. “Jaxon might not trust you right away. But he’ll want to. He’ll want to believe there’s finally someone that will put him first.”

“I want to be that person. But needing to bring you along to make sure that doesn’t include blackmail is pathet—”

“Is smart. No one gets to use that kid as a weapon. Accepting help is what’ll prove you’re willing to do anything for him. Letting Kyle manipulate you keeps you in the same life you fought to get away from.” Luke gave Ford a level look. “Do you want that to be part of the life you start with your son?”

No, but it’s too fucking late. Ford had slipped back into his old habits by giving in to Anthony.

Nothing could be done about that.

But he didn’t have to sink any lower than he already had.

“His life will never be what mine was.” Ford lifted his head, sounding more confident than he felt, but that seemed to satisfy Luke.

“Good.” Luke crossed the room, kissing Sebastian, then Jami, then bending down to kiss her belly. Rejoining Ford, he motioned for him to lead the way. “Let’s go.”

The drive went quickly with Luke’s tone-deaf singing keeping Ford distracted, but when he parked in the underground parking lot, everything came rushing back. He gripped the steering wheel, staring at the cement wall in front of him. He thought of Kingsley, sending his thugs to ‘teach Ford a lesson’. The man he’d seen as his father for most of his life lashing out at him again and again, the pain nothing compared to the knowledge that Kingsley could kill him on a whim without a single regret.

And Anthony hadn’t taken over as his ‘real’ father. He’d simply slipped into the role of using Ford, as though DNA gave him that right. If he found out what Kyle was doing he might feign outrage, but he’d probably approve of any method that kept Ford in line.

Ford could insist he wanted to be a better father, but maybe the men in his family were just too fucking damaged to be that selfless. As messed up as Trista had been, maybe she’d known their son would be better off without him.

Thinking back over the last decade, she was right. Sure, he wanted to believe he’d have given Jaxon more than any foster home could, but if Jaxon had grown up under Kingsley’s rule, he’d have been just as desperate to earn the man’s respect as Ford.

Never mind how much power Kingsley would’ve had over Ford with his son’s life in his hands.

“Hey.” Luke opened the driver’s side door, having somehow gotten out without Ford hearing. He gave Ford a bracing smile. “As someone who’s been disowned by the sperm donor he once called ‘Dad’, I get it.” Luke punched his shoulder lightly. “Either way, kid needs you. You don’t get to be too scared to show up.”

Inhaling slowly, Ford nodded. “You’re right.”

“Of course I am.” Luke gave Ford some space as he climbed out of the car. “You’ve got this. Seriously.”

Once they’d reached the door to Anthony’s condo, Ford had a grip on his conflicting emotions, confident that he could at least have another good day with his son. Whatever else was going on, Luke was right. He had to show up.

The door opened, revealing Anne, whose bright smile shifted to confusion for a split second before she schooled her features and invited them in. “Jaxon’s excited to see you.” She hesitated, as though considering her words carefully, finally clearing her throat and lowering her voice. “I don’t think he was expecting to share you with one of your…special friends.”

Luke let out a soft laugh. “I don’t think the kid would mind meeting Ford’s boyfriend or girlfriend—since he’ll be living with them soon—but I’m neither. Just here to play some video games with my buddy’s son.”

“I see.”

Something about Anne’s tone had Ford questioning all his ‘Maybe she’s not so bad’ thoughts. If she’d wanted him here alone, it wouldn’t be for Jaxon. Not when Kyle always had to come with them, preventing any one-on-one bonding time between Ford and his son.

Anthony might have wanted a progress report. Which he wouldn’t get in front of Luke.

Tough.

Forcing a smile, Anne motioned for them to follow. “Jaxon is upstairs in his room. Why don’t I introduce…”

“Luke.” Luke’s tone was still friendly, but there was something guarded about his posture. He kept glancing over at Ford.

Ford had no idea what to tell him.

“Luke.” Anne nodded. “Luke Carter? I’ve heard your name when my husband is watching the sports analyses shows. You’ve had an amazing career. I’d love to hear more about it while I bring you to meet Jaxon.”

Oh hell no. Ford shook his head, catching Luke’s eye this time to let him know he had this. “If you don’t mind, I’ve been looking forward to introducing my friends to my son myself. Let Anthony know we’ll be down in a bit.”

Anne’s eyes narrowed, but just like before, she smoothed her features so quickly he’d have missed it if he’d blinked. With a light laugh, she waved them on. “Of course! I’ll go put on some coffee. We also have cake from a lovely little bakery down the street. Would you care for a slice, Luke?”

“So long as it’s not poisoned,” Luke said, under his breath. He shot Anne a neutral smile over his shoulder as they headed upstairs. “Yes, that would be…lovely.”

The sour look Anne shot Luke the second he continued up made it hard not to laugh, but no matter how irritated she was, Ford was damn happy Luke was here. The man didn’t do fake. The only game he played was on the ice.

And…roleplaying as a mobster for his wedding?

Maybe Ford could talk him into a biker costume instead. He’d look hot in some tight leathers.

“I can feel you staring at my ass.”

Blinking at Luke as he reached the top step, Ford frowned. “I wasn’t.”

“I know, I’m just keeping things light.” Luke winked at him, looking over the loft-style living room with a low whistle before following Ford to the hall to the bedrooms beyond. “This place is a lot bigger than I thought. How’s Anthony affording all this? I thought he was broke?”

“He was.” Ford shrugged as they reached the door to Jaxon’s room. “Not sure I want to know the truth, but he said Anne made some good investments.”

“Sure she did.”

Grunting, Ford set aside his suspicions so he could focus on his son. He really was excited for Luke to meet him. And also aware that Jaxon didn’t warm up to people easily, but he had a feeling Luke could handle whatever the kid threw at him.

As he opened the door, a shoe came flying. Ford ducked.

“Oww.” Luke rubbed his forehead, joining Ford in the room. “If you were aiming for my head, buddy, you’ve got a good arm.”

Sitting on the floor in front of his bed, Jaxon stared up at them, all the color gone from his face. “Shit, I didn’t mean to hit you. Whoever you are.” He tugged his bottom lip between his teeth and looked to Ford, his eyes wide. “Honest. I thought he was Uncle Kyle.”

Closing the door behind him, Ford kept his voice low. “Why would you throw a shoe at your uncle?”

“He said you weren’t coming. That you’d probably been bored at the arcade and just pretended to enjoy yourself to be nice.” Jaxon’s eyes glistened, as though he was close to tears, but he glared at the wall, not blinking, a trick Ford knew well. One that held the tears at bay. His voice tightened as he spoke. “I told him he was a liar and he laughed at me and said I needed to grow up. So fuck him.”

“What a dick.” Luke sighed and crossed the room, dropping to sit beside Jaxon on the floor. Then he held out his hand. “I’m Luke. Your dad couldn’t wait for me to meet you, but I was a bit slow getting ready. Sorry I made him late.”

Jaxon took Luke’s hand, shook it quickly, then hugged himself. “It’s okay, I didn’t know he was late. No one tells me shit.”

Ford inhaled a slow, measured breath. He couldn’t lose it. Not in front of his son. He needed to do something dad-like. Lecture him about the swearing—but he couldn’t get past how Kyle had decided to retaliate. How he’d callously played on Jaxon’s insecurities and fears.

He’d hurt his own nephew to get back at Ford.

No wonder he gets along so well with Anthony.

“Let’s get out of here.” He tried to control his tone, but by Luke’s warning look, he still sounded pissed. Which might scare Jaxon. Fuck. He cleared his throat. “Your uncle doesn’t know me, Jaxon. I had so much fun the other day I missed work and got some flak for it, but I didn’t give a damn. I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

Letting Luke give him a hand up, Jaxon glanced over at Ford, his expression wary, but hopeful. “Yeah?”

“Hey, I’m missing work to bring you to your first day at your new school.” Ford grinned at Jaxon’s hesitant smile. “Face it, kid. You’re not getting rid of me anytime soon. And I’m working on getting you to start spending the night at my place. My girlfriend got a room set up for you already. It’s a lot nicer than this one.”

“Really? That was cool of her.” Jaxon’s brow furrowed. “But I thought you had a boyfriend.”

“I do. And I’ll explain it to you one day, but I’m not sure how much time we have.” Ford put his hands on Jaxon’s shoulders. “I’m glad you trusted me to be here. If I ever can’t, I’ll tell you myself. Deal?”

Jaxon nodded. “Deal.” He rubbed his hand under his nose. “You think grandpa will let us go out? Just me, you, and Luke?”

Inclining his head, Ford ruffled Jaxon’s hair. “I guarantee it. Hang here with Luke for a bit, I’m just gonna tell grandpa we’re heading out.”

For a second, Luke didn’t look like he’d let Ford leave. Then his jaw hardened and he nodded to Ford. “We’ll give you five minutes.”

“Perfect. Meet me at the bottom of the steps.” Ford left the room, not letting his anger take over until he’d hit the lower level of the condo. He strode across the short hall, past the sitting area where he’d sat with his sisters, ready to give their father another chance.

Chances were over. He knew exactly who the man was.

It was time to deal with him on his level.

Anthony was sitting in the large living room just off the kitchen, speaking to Kyle, Anne standing by the side of the large, dark grey armchair, nodding at whatever he was saying. A French press sat on a silver tray in the middle of the coffee table, with several dainty mugs and plates around it and a fancy little white cake.

Considering the three people in the room, Luke might be right about the thing being poison.

They certainly were.

“Ford, I’ve been waiting for you, son. I—”

“Don’t.” Ford glared at the old man, then made a sharp motion before Anne could step in. “You ever let this fucker tell my son I won’t be here for him, or that I’m faking having a good time, and our agreement is over. I’ll take my chances with the lawyers. You want to mess with me, use me? Fine. But leave him out of it.”

“Calm down, son.” Anthony gave Kyle a hard look. “Why would you tell Jaxon that Ford wasn’t coming?”

Not seeming fazed by either Anthony or Ford, Kyle sat back again the stiff, grey sofa and took a sip from his coffee. “I hadn’t heard from Ford and I didn’t want my nephew to be disappointed. I won’t apologize for that. I’ve been Jaxon’s guardian for a long time. And still am.” He arched a brow at Ford. “Or had you forgotten?”

“Anthony is the one taking care of him.” Which Ford didn’t much like, but he wasn’t sure who was worse anymore. “You’re here because you can’t.”

“I’m here because I want Jaxon to know his family. Wanted to see if you’d be able to raise him.” Kyle shook his head and sighed. “I’m still not convinced. Andrea’s been talking about going home a lot lately. Maybe she’s right. Maybe coming here was a mistake.”

Anthony looked from Ford, to Kyle, his lips thinning. “You don’t want a fight with me, Kyle. I spent a lot of money getting the boy here—”

“And we’re grateful, but we can’t stay here forever and you’re too old to raise him.” Kyle smiled over the lip of his cup. “Either Ford proves how far he’s willing to go for his son, or he’s not fit to have him. That will be my decision, not yours.”

And like that, Kyle had Ford cornered. Ford had hoped Anthony wouldn’t want to risk losing cooperation, but he’d been outmaneuvered by the other man. This was something his money couldn’t fix. Not without a lawyer siding with him. Which left him in the exact same position Ford was in.

Ironic justice, in a way. If only Jaxon wasn’t stuck in the middle.

“Since you’ll be spending time with Jaxon, I think I’m going to enjoy something a little stronger than coffee. You don’t mind, do you?” Kyle’s expression was smug as Anthony silently shook his head. “Ford, if you’d give me a moment of your time, maybe we can discuss what’s best for my nephew.”

Pressing his eyes shut, Ford heard Kyle rise from the sofa and make his way across the room. He took a deep breath to steady himself. Didn’t bother looking at Anne or Anthony before turning to follow.

The door to the large wine cellar was open. Ford’s stomach sank and he stepped inside, tensing as Kyle stepped forward and pushed the door shut.

Around them the walls were lined with rows of bottles, likely all worth hundreds, if not thousands. At the far end of the room there were shelves with several different whiskeys and liquors. The room was dimly lit, a little cold, but the chill that crept up Ford’s spine came from the man standing next to him.

He held still as Kyle walked across the room, clucking his tongue. “That was a nice try, I’ll give you that. If I didn’t know how to deal with your old man, you would have had me there. I respect the effort.” Kyle took two crystal shot glass from the rolling tray at the end of the wine racks. “But while you were playing bad boy of the 1%, I was struggling to fucking survive. To keep myself and my little sister fed while our older sister wasted every cent we had on drugs and kept losing her son to the system. I managed to keep dealers from assaulting them both more than once. Learned how to find the right connections to keep my family safe.”

“I would have helped if I’d known.” Ford kept his voice low, hoping to reach whatever decency Kyle might have left. “You’re not living that life anymore. And I’m not the same man I was.”

“Oh, I know.” Kyle let out a soft laugh. “But I don’t care. I’ve always done whatever necessary to get what I wanted. What I needed. Here.” He held out one of the shots. “Don’t worry, one or two won’t hurt. Your buddy can drive, right?”

“Yeah…” Ford took the shot. It wasn’t worth fighting over. Besides, the way the heady, woodsy flavored whiskey burned on the way down steadied him. “What is it that you want, Kyle?”

Instead of answering, Kyle took Ford’s glass and poured him another shot. He waited for Ford to finish that one as well before speaking. “I told you I’d make things easier on you. You don’t get that by running to daddy.”

“But I get it if I let you fuck me?”

Kyle chuckled, draining his second shot slowly. “You would put it like that. Basically, yes. And before you whine about how horrible I am, save it. I’m not interested. All I want to hear is that you’ll keep me happy and I’ll make sure your boy stays right where you can find him.”

Two shots weren’t enough. Ford looked around the cellar, feeling even more trapped. “Here?”

“Tempting, but no. I suspect your friend will show up any minute to save you.” Kyle’s smug smile took on a cold edge. “Don’t do that again. If there’s nothing in this for me, I’m not sticking around.”

“You’re getting plenty from my father. Money, a place to stay—”

“And I will continue to get that. Which has nothing to do with you.” Kyle crooked his finger at Ford, beckoning him over. “Before we’re interrupted, give me one good reason to stay. I won’t force you, it’s more fun when you play along.”

If nothing else, Ford needed to convince Kyle he’d won until he could come up with a new plan. Which he would.

But the only way to get the fuck out of here would be to give in. At least a little.

He moved without giving himself time to think. Time to feel. Slamming his lips against Kyle’s, he kissed the man with all the anger and desperation he couldn’t hide. Kissed him in a way he hoped would feel like a victory. When Kyle’s hand slid over his ass, he didn’t stiffen, didn’t try to shift away. Even when Kyle’s hand slid into his pants, he simply let it happen.

Kyle’s lips moving from his to his throat, the sharp sensation of his teeth, snapped Ford back from the detachment he’d managed. His eyes teared and he sucked in a sharp breath even as his stomach turned. This was a means to an end. Another dirty deal to reach the final goal. He couldn’t let it fuck with his head. Couldn’t let Kyle suspect he’d search for another way around him.

He had to be here. Had to be convincing.

“Ford?” Luke’s call had Kyle sighing and drawing away from him.

Irritated, but he still had a smirk on his lips as he returned to the whiskey, taking it and two glasses. “Could you get the door?”

Quickly opening the door, Ford avoided Luke’s concerned look as the other man stepped into the kitchen. He stayed in the doorway, not moving as Kyle approached.

Kyle let out a dry laugh. “You must be Luke. I hope you enjoy the day with my nephew. Ford was just convincing me to stick around a little longer. But you suspected as much.”

Fuck.

Ford skidded across the tiled floor, grabbing Luke before he could take a swing. He pinned him against the counter, looking into the hall for Jaxon, who was putting on his shoes and didn’t seem aware of what was going on. Good.

Ignoring Kyle, who left the kitchen, completely unfazed, Ford grabbed Luke’s shoulders and gave him a little shake. “Don’t. We can’t expose Jaxon to this shit. Today is for him. And every fucking day. That’s all that matters.”

“I was here to keep him away from you. Why the fuck did you leave?”

“I thought my father could stop Kyle from fucking with Jaxon’s head when I’m not around.”

“Can he?”

“No. Kyle’s figured out how to manage the old man.” Ford lowered his head as Jaxon’s light footsteps sounded in the hall. “I needed more time. I got it.”

“Damn it, Ford.” Blinking fast, Luke pulled Ford into a quick hug, releasing him as Jaxon stepped into the kitchen. His smile was pretty convincing as he looked over at Ford’s son. “Hey, sorry I was taking so long. Ford just agreed to be one of my babies’ godfathers. I’m a little emotional.”

Wrinkling his nose, Jaxon shoved his hands in his pockets. “We’re not gonna be talking about babies all day, are we?”

Ford laughed and pulled his son against his side. When Jaxon stiffened, he wondered if it was too soon for that kind of affection, but Jaxon slowly relaxed and peered up at him.

Good. This is good.

“Nope. We’re going to the arcade unless there’s something else you wanna do?”

“Well…” Jaxon glanced toward the stairs as they made their way down the hallway. “I got the new drone, but I haven’t been able to use it yet. Think we could bring it out somewhere?”

“Yes.” Ford rubbed Jaxon’s arm, then waved him on. “Go get it. I’ll read up on where they’re allowed. I’ve been looking forward to seeing how it works too.”

As Jaxon cheered and rushed up the stairs, Ford tried to center himself and go over all the shit that had just happened as he searched for drone regulations. He couldn’t think about Kyle. Letting the man in his head would ruin the whole day and he refused to give the motherfucker that kind of power.

He’d deal with him later.

Also…Luke had just dropped a bomb and Ford hadn’t even gotten a second to acknowledge it. It might have been just a distraction, but if not…

“Do you seriously want me to be a godfather?”

Luke leaned against the railing, hands in his pockets. “Yeah. Landon will be the godfather for one, but I couldn’t choose between Scott and Tyler for the other. They’ll have other chances to be godfathers, but I thought it would be special for Jami too if we included you somehow. You’re a part of her past that was messed up, but got better. Stronger. Just like her.”

“Damn…” Ford rubbed his lips with his fist, his chest swelling as he tried to find the words for how much the gesture meant to him. Some days he still couldn’t believe his chosen family was so fucking big. All his life he’d only had his mom. Then Cort. Now he had…pretty much a team.

One he was fucking over to save.

His smile faded. “You sure about this?”

“Yep.” Luke gave Ford a sage look. “And believe me, I know you’ll make me wonder if I made a mistake. You’re still you. And I like you, twisted bits and all. Just…try not to make me regret it?”

“I’ll do my best.” Ford looked over as Jaxon rushed down the stair, carefully holding his new drone. “All set?”

“Fuck yeah!”

“You know, we really should discuss you swearing so much before school starts, eh?”

Jaxon snickered. “Why? I don’t swear at school. Detention sucks.”

“But…” All right, maybe Ford needed to grab some Parenting 101 manuals, because that answer made sense. And he didn’t want to start the day with a lecture. They could deal with Jaxon’s language. Later. “All right, but cool it at the park. We don’t need other kids picking it up and pissing off their parents.”

Nodding quickly, Jaxon led the way out the front door. “No problem with that. I do it more here mostly to piss off Kyle. He’s all stuck up and wants people to think he’s a good guardian. Aunt Andrea actually taught me some swear words just to irritate him.”

“Really?” Ford needed to get to know Andrea a bit better. Maybe she wasn’t like her siblings after all. A shame she hadn’t been around today.

But in the meantime.

“I probably shouldn’t be doing this.” Ford leaned down as they waited for the elevator, and lowered his voice. “How about I teach you a few more?”