Chapter 31
It’s been months now since my life was thrown into a whirlwind, and somehow, we’ve all managed to get most of our shit together. That is until my greatest fear comes true. All three of my guys will be away from home simultaneously. Foster is leaving today for a visit with his family. I insisted he couldn’t lose his relationship with his parents, and he finally caved. I hope they see his happiness and make peace with our makeshift family for his sake, not mine.
Talon has been gone for a week, officially kicking off his US tour. He made it clear to Vic that he wouldn’t be away from me for more than two weeks at a time. One more week on the road, then he’ll be back just in time for Christmas. We’ve been working out the best times for me to visit him. He’s already working on new songs for his next album.
Cole left yesterday for a long stretch of away games. The Ice Dragons are leading their division so far this season, and he’s having one of his best seasons in the league. He’ll be back for a holiday break to see his son and spend time with us as a family.
Connor is growing so much. His chubby cheeks and big eyes melt me every time I see him. He looks so much like his dad. Sometimes, when I see him, I still get a little sad, missing the son I lost, but more often now, I feel like this sunshine of a baby has healed me just by being his loving self. It hasn’t been easy, but slowly, a bond has formed. And Hannah has a new boyfriend, so she’s over trying to make Cole hers.
While I’m lost in my thoughts, Foster comes down the stairs carrying his suitcase. We meet in the foyer. When he sees the worry on my face, he drops the luggage and pulls me into his arms, “I’ll stay home. Just say the word.”
“No, you need to go, and I need to get over this fear. I’ll be okay.”
He pulls away and looks down into my face. “Are you sure?”
“Yes, is your car here?”
“Ten minutes away. I can’t leave you like this. You’re killing me, beautiful.”
I can handle this. I’ve been through worse. I take a deep breath and slowly say, “I’m sorry.”
“No need to apologize for missing me too much.” He holds his pinkie out to me, and I look at him confusedly, “Pinkie swear.”
Diffusing my emotions as only Foster can, I’m now laughing instead of crying. I wrap my small finger around his. “I pinkie swear that I love you, and I will be back home in one week, or else you get to break this finger.”
I nod and release his hand to go into his arms and absorb his strength before he leaves. He swoops me in and kisses my lips like he’ll die without me. While we’re kissing, his phone chimes. “Car’s here. Be good and don’t forget to call. I want some of that sexy Facetime stuff that Cole got.”
And then he’s out the door, leaving me alone in this big quiet house. My phone rings, and I answer without looking.
“Hey, Kitten, are you okay?” Talon asks.
“Yeah…he left,” I whimper.
“I know. I watched on the cameras.”
I shake off my emotions, focusing on talking to Talon, “I’ll be fine. What are you up to today?”
“I have a sound check in fifteen, then a break before tonight's concert. The fans are loving the music. Are you going to watch it? I’m making a change to the set list tonight.”
“Yeah, I’ll catch the live stream. Cole doesn’t have a game tonight, so I’m all yours.”
“Great, gotta go. Love you.”
“Love you too.”
As soon as I end the call my phone rings again. This time, it’s Cole.
“Hey baby,” I answer with a smile.
“How are you doing? I saw Foster leave and wanted to check in.”
I laugh, “I okay. I just got off the phone with Talon, who was doing the same thing. Are you able to watch his show tonight? I sent you the link.”
“I’m going to try. I’m having dinner with some teammates, but I’ll do my best to get back to my room in time. Want to watch together?”
“Sounds great.”
“Good. I’m off to workouts. I love you, Bumblebee.”
