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Ben steps up, and for a young beginner, he puts on a good show, sinking three balls in a row before bouncing the fourth off the corner of the pocket.
Edward reaches for his hand, and the two boys shake companionably. The room is silent as everyone holds their breath. I glance around at the amazed faces, and I can’t help a smile of pride.
“Is my friend Eddie about to nail it?” Miss Gina’s low voice cuts the silence, and a low chuckle ripples across the group.
“I think he is.” I answer.
His eyes are focused as he steps up to the table, rubbing the chalk square on the tip of his pool cue. I’m not sure if he’s aware, but he’s doing a great job building drama.
He steps forward, surveying the table, then leans forward and quickly finishes the game in three plays.
When the eight ball sinks into the corner pocket, the entire place erupts into cheers. Eddie ducks, lifting his shoulders defensively against the noise, and Rachel steps forward to gently hold his arm.
“I’m so proud of you,” her voice is quiet, and their eyes meet.
I wasn’t there when they were children, when she would go into his room and lift him out of his crib because he was crying. When she was the only one who comforted him. I only know she won’t be doing it alone as long as I’m around.
Stepping forward, I put my hand on her back, ready to congratulate them when a scratchy voice cuts through the din.
“That’s my boy!” Loud clapping causes the voices to fade, drawing all our attention to a stocky man in a corduroy jacket. His light-hair is streaked with gray. “Another Wells for the win.”
Rachel’s body stiffens. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Jayden Wells, and I turn, stepping between him and my girl.
“Jayden.” My hands are on my hips, and I’m gratified to be several inches taller than him.
Not to mention a few years younger.
He’s a fighter, though. Stepping forward, he squints one eye at me. “You’re one of those Bradford boys, aren’t you?”
“He is.” Jack’s voice at my side gives me the backup I need. “I’m Jack Bradford, and this is my brother Zane.”
“And I’m Logan Murphy.”
My eyes cut to Logan, and I give him a nod before turning to Jayden again. “What do you want here?”
“Well, you sure have grown up. I came to get my son.” He’s not intimidated by the three of us, which gets my back up more. “Edward, pack your bags. You’re coming back to Birmingham with me.”
“Eddie’s not going anywhere with you.” I step forward, arms crossed.
Jayden only laughs, shaking his head and looking down. “I appreciate the welcome wagon.” He circles his finger between the three of us. “But he’s my son. You can’t stop me from taking him, unless you’re planning to commit a crime.”
“I’ll stop you.” Rachel steps around from behind me. “I’m taking care of Eddie now. I always have, and you can’t come in here and disrupt his life this way.”
He shakes his head slowly. “Sorry, daughter, but in fact I can. You see, I’ve been getting calls from the school for a month wanting to know where he is. It seems you drove up to Birmingham and took him, and now he isn’t in school anywhere.”
“He’s starting school here in January. In the meantime, he’s been studying at home.”
“Looks like he’s been hanging out in a pool hall to me. Gotten pretty good at it, from what I can tell.”
“You don’t look like my dad anymore.” Edward steps forward, still holding his pool cue. “You look old.”
He pushes his light brown bangs off his head and frowns up at the man standing at the door of the pool area.
“Don’t be stupid, boy.” Jayden’s tone has my fists clenching. “Of course, I’m your dad.”
“Eddie’s not stupid!” Kimmie stomps forward, brown curls bouncing around her little shoulders. “He’s a genius! He knows about kittens and turtles and giants and pool…”
Jack reaches down to lift his angry tornado onto his hip.
