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  Jamie giggled, staring around the large front room of the clubhouse, unaware of the tension radiating off the men.

  “Mom says I’m too young to go to the gym.” His eyes widened when he spotted the pool table.

  Rock scanned the room, knowing the threat had disappeared when the bikers turned away. Still, the men stayed ready. Nothing should ever be assumed.

  The front door opened, Wrangler going straight to Jamie and Rock, Tracker a few feet behind. Giving a quick shake of his head at Rock’s unspoken question, he set a hand on his son’s shoulder. “Thanks, Rock. Let Wrath know I need to talk to him before Jamie and I take off.”

  “You got it. See you later, Jamie.”

  “Bye, Rock.”

  Wrangler looked down at his son. “What do you think of our clubhouse?”

  “It’s cool. Rock said I could see the gym. Can we play pool afterward and go to the skate park?”

  Chuckling, Wrangler ruffled his hair. “Whoa, dude. That’s a lot to squeeze in before dinner. How about we play pool today? I’ll take you to the park later this week.”

  Confusion drew Jamie’s brows together. “You want to pick me up from school again?”

  Ignoring the lump in his throat, Wrangler knelt down. “I’m your father, Jamie. I want to see you as often as you and your mom will let me.”

  Looking away, Jamie didn’t say anything for a long moment before turning back. “I don’t want Mom to feel bad.”

  Straightening, Wrangler guided his son toward the pool table. “Why would she feel bad?” He picked up one of the shorter cues, handing it to Jamie.

  Studying the cue, he gripped it with both hands. “I’m all Mom has. We’re a team.”

  “And she’ll think you’re changing teams if you and I spend time together?”

  Lips tilting into a frown, Jamie nodded. “Maybe.”

  “I’d never do anything to come between you and your mother. All I want is time to get to know you. I made a bad decision years ago, Jamie. I’m hoping you and your mom will give me a chance to make it up to both of you. Do you think I can have that chance?”

  “I want to, but Mom is still mad that you left us. She tries to hide it, but she’s been crying a lot the last few days.” He looked up at Wrangler, his eyes clouded in misery. “I don’t like it when she’s sad.”

  Neither did Wrangler. Guilt slammed into him. While he’d been out saving the country and playing hard, Becca had struggled as a single mother.

  Wrangler had built his dream home, avoiding commitments, except those to his job and fellow SEALs. Becca and Jamie scraped by to pay for a two bedroom apartment with a balcony but no yard. He’d never felt as much a failure as he did looking into the distressed gaze of his son.

  “Your mom should never be sad, Jamie. I’ll talk to her and make certain she’s okay with us spending time together. Would that be all right?”

  “I guess so. Can we play pool now?”

  Stifling a chuckle at the swift change of subject, Wrangler grabbed his own cue. “Do you want to rack the balls and take the break shot?”

  Jamie’s face brightened. “Yeah!”

  Standing back, Wrangler watched his son carefully rack the balls and aim, hearing the crack of the cue ball. It struck him how much older Jamie seemed compared to most nine-year-old boys. Quick smiles and unbridled enthusiasm didn’t hide his serious nature, or the way he protected Becca.

  Wrangler guessed he’d suffered his share of disappointments. One being the fact he’d grown up without a father. Wrangler had great parents and two older brothers who loved him, would have his back without questioning the reason.

  He wondered if Jamie had any buddies, boys he hung out with after school or met at the skate park.

  The crack of one ball crashing into another pulled his thoughts back to the game.

  “I got a striped ball in the corner.” Jamie grinned, taking two more shots, pocketing the first, missing the second. “Darn.”

  “Hey. You’re doing great. Seems I’ll have to up my game to win this one.”

  Leaning on his cue, Jamie’s eyes sparkled as a grin split his face. “Good luck with that.”

  Chapter Twelve

  “I know I should’ve called and explained the situation, Mom. Honestly, the last few days have been overwhelming.”

  “How did Quinn find out about Jamie?” Janet North’s voice crackled in and out. Mobile coverage south of Claraden had always been spotty.

  Becca paced her small living room, brushing hair off her face while clutching the phone. “I took Jamie to the Burger Palace. Quinn walked in while we were there. We spoke for a few minutes, then he got up to leave. That’s when Jamie came running over and called me mom.”

  “I’ll bet it didn’t take him long to put it all together. He was always a real smart boy.”

  Gritting her teeth, Becca felt her stomach sink as she remembered the encounter. “Well, he’s turned into a real smart man. Not reliable or someone I could ever trust again, though.”

  “Yet you trust him to pick up Jamie from school. And on a motorcycle. Your father and brother are not going to like that.”

  “Then don’t tell them, Mom.”

  “Becca, you know I tell your father everything.” There was a slight tremble in her voice.

  “That isn’t quite true. You didn’t tell him or Austin about Jamie for months after he was born.”

  “Austin was away in the Army, and your father would’ve grabbed his gun and gone after Quinn. I knew once he saw Jamie, he’d forget about his anger. So what are you going to do?”

  Plopping onto the sofa, Becca rested her elbows on her knees. “About what?”

  “Custody, of course. I’m assuming he’ll want Jamie in his life.”

  Rubbing her temple, she sank back into the sofa. “He’s going to file for joint custody. And there’s some other news you should know. Cara is married to Caid.”

  “Quinn’s oldest brother?”

  “The same. I should’ve left town the instant I realized her last name was McCord.”

  “You absolutely should not run from this, Becca. I know how much you’ve sacrificed raising Jamie alone.”

  “Jamie’s not a sacrifice, Mom.”

  “You know what I mean. A single mother gives up a lot, especially when there’s no financial support. It’s time you shared the load. It’s also time Jamie got to know Quinn.”

  Closing her eyes, Becca continued rubbing her temple, getting no relief. “I can’t believe you’re on his side.”

  “You’re twisting my meaning. I am not choosing sides. All I’m saying is you’ve carried the responsibility long enough. It’s time Quinn became a part of Jamie’s life, and that includes child support.”

  “This isn’t about money.” Becca didn’t know if Quinn meant to help out or not, and couldn’t find it in herself to care. “I just want to do what’s right for Jamie.”

  “I know you don’t trust him with your heart, but are you sure you trust him with my grandson?”

  At the mention of her heart, the deceiving muscle began to thump in her chest. It had always been this way when she thought of Quinn. She reminded herself it meant nothing, only a surge of lust for a handsome boy who’d turned into an incredibly gorgeous man. Any woman’s heart would thrum at the sight of the tall, muscled man with a brilliant, charming smile.

  “I can trust him with Jamie, Mom.”

  “Then put the rest aside. Deal with joint custody and insist he help with money. Do his parents know about Jamie yet?”

  Becca’s stomach churned at the thought of facing Belinda and Stuart McCord. They’d hate her for not letting them know of Jamie years ago.

  “Quinn hasn’t mentioned it. I’m certain he would tell me if he planned to take Jamie to Freedom Meadow Ranch.”

  “Well, it’s time they knew. They’re good people, no matter what your father believes.”

  The strife between her father and Quinn’s had never seemed important until now. If she and Jam
ie stayed in Liberty Lake, there could be times both families got together for Jamie’s birthday, soccer games, or a hundred other reasons.

  “What happened between them? I don’t recall a time Dad said anything nice about Mr. McCord.” She heard a deep sigh.

  “It’s a long story. One I don’t like to talk about.”

  “I don’t want to cause you any pain, but with Quinn knowing about Jamie, it’s important I understand the bad blood between them.” When her mother didn’t say anything, Becca forged on. “Please, Mom. Just enough so I know what to expect if we all get together.”

  Janet let out a mirthless chuckle. “I doubt your father will ever agree to that.”

  “The shortest version you want to give me. I don’t need details.”

  After another long pause, Becca opened her mouth to speak, then shut it when her mother began to talk.

  “All four of us attended high school in Claraden. I always had a crush on your father. It went back to the fourth grade, if I remember right. Anyway, Jonathon never noticed me. He only had eyes for Belinda. At the time, Jonny and Stuart were good friends. Neither knew the other wanted Belinda.” She stopped long enough to suck in a slow breath. “Belinda chose Stuart. Your father never got over it.”

  Becca could her the resignation in her mother’s voice. “But he married you. Dad must love you.”

  “Let’s just say he came to care about me over time. You’ve seen how we are together. Ours isn’t the passionate love Stuart and Belinda share.”

  “Then why did you marry him?”

  “It’s not important now, Becca. What’s done is done, and there’s no going back.”

  A flash of understanding caused her throat to tighten. “It was because of Austin, wasn’t it?”

  “As I said, there’s no point in rehashing what can’t be changed. I love you and Austin more than anything in the world. If I hadn’t married Jonny, you two wouldn’t be in my life. That’s something I won’t spend time considering.”

  Her mother didn’t have to say the words. The truth came through in her voice and the way she refused to discuss it further.

  “Now, tell me when I can see Jamie again. I can drive up to Liberty Lake this weekend.”

  “That would be wonderful.” Becca’s thoughts moved to Quinn. “Would it be a problem if Quinn joins us for a little while? It might be good to have Jamie see you with his father, help him see Quinn’s not the enemy.” At least not Jamie’s enemy.

  “If he’s with his father today, I doubt he views him as the enemy. That boy always had too much charm for his own good.”

  Pursing her lips, she stood, walking to the sliding glass door leading to a tiny balcony. Leaning down, she rested her arms on the wrought iron railing. Her mother was right. Quinn had always been a charmer, and for a short period, all his interest had been directed at her. The loss caused another fissure to her heart.

  “Given time, I think Jamie and Quinn will do fine.”

  “It’s you I’m worried about, Becca. I know how much time you’ve put into raising Jamie. If half his time is spent with his father, you’ll go crazy if you haven’t figured out something else to do.”

  A small smile curved her lips. “I forgot to tell you. I’m applying for law school.”

  “That’s the best idea I’ve heard in a long time. Do you have a good chance of being accepted?”

  “Cara thinks I do. She’s going to personally deliver the application to the admissions office tomorrow. There’s a chance I might be able to start the upcoming session.” Becca didn’t mention the grants or student loans she’d need.

  “You’ll finally get your dream. I’m so happy for you.

  “Oh, I hear your father driving in. I’d better get dinner ready. You know how he is when he’s hungry. I love you, Becca, and I’ll see you Saturday.”

  “Love you, too, Mom.”

  Hanging up, she walked back inside, staring at the completed application. She had enough money set aside for the fee and books, but not nearly enough for tuition. Picking up the documents Cara would submit tomorrow, Becca wondered if this was the right thing to do.

  She’d set aside emergency money, funds for weekend trips with Jamie, and a dismal amount should the chance arrive for her to enter law school. Her credit card carried a small balance, which she paid each month, but her limit wouldn’t cover much. Plus, the interest would be astronomical. But if she didn’t forge ahead this time, the opportunity would slip away.

  Grabbing her laptop, Becca’s excitement rose as she began a search. No matter the cost, she was determined to go ahead, even if it meant stretching her meager savings. Cara had given her back the dream she’d lost years before, and no matter what, Becca would make it happen.

  Wrangler pulled into an open spot not far from Becca’s apartment, glancing around as he dismounted. Jamie had already gotten off, a shit-eating grin on his face.

  “This was one of the best days ever!”

  Wrangler had to agree. The only person missing was Becca. He’d never been as acutely aware of all he’d lost as when he and Jamie finished their pizza. Jamie had shot toward the arcade area after spotting one of his friends. That was when the jolt of longing began.

  Three women had approached his table, asking if Jamie was his son, their eyes sparkling a little too much. One had a daughter, one a son, and the third had come into the place alone. Before Becca came back into his life, he wouldn’t have hesitated to go after one, or all three.

  Watching his son laugh as he focused on the foosball table, Wrangler couldn’t think about any woman except Becca. It had only been a few days, but he’d already come to terms with the choice he’d made and the severe consequences of the selfish decision. It had cost him not only the woman he still loved, but years without the son who’d already come to mean a great deal to him.

  Who was he kidding? Wrangler loved Jamie. Would die for his son.

  “One of the best days for me, too.”

  “Maybe Mom can come with us next time.” Jamie grinned up at him as they took the stairs to the second level. “We could get burgers. She loves ‘em with fries and a chocolate milkshake. She calls it our special night out. One time, we even went to a fancy place and got steaks. That was huge!”

  Wrangler wondered if everything Jamie said would twist his gut. Burgers and fries signaled a big night out for Jamie, while steaks were Wrangler’s common fare. Reaching the apartment door, he put a hand on his son’s shoulder, stopping him.

  “Do you think your mom would want to go to a steakhouse with us sometime?”

  Jamie’s eyes sparkled with excitement. “She’d love it. Can we ask her now?”

  “How about we see how it goes after we get inside? If it seems right, I’ll ask her about going Friday night. Sound good?”

  “Yeah. Real good.” Grabbing a key from a pocket in his backpack, Jamie opened the door. “Mom, we’re back!” He dropped the backpack on the floor before running into the living room.

  Looking up from her computer, Becca opened her arms for a hug. “Did you have a good time?” She hadn’t let her gaze stray toward the front door, unsure of how she’d react if Quinn stood there.

  “It was sooo awesome. Wrangler’s bike is the best. I want one just like it when I’m sixteen. And we got to go to the clubhouse. Did you know they have a gym and a pool table and a cooler where anyone can take a soda? You’ve got to see it, Mom.” He shifted toward the door. “Can we take her there sometime, Wrangler?”

  Taking a cautious step forward, Wrangler met Becca’s gaze, seeing nothing resembling the hatred expected. Instead, she looked relieved.

  “Maybe someday, bud. He’s already eaten.”

  “But I can eat again, Mom.”

  A short chuckle burst from her lips before she could stop it. “There’s leftover chicken in the refrigerator. Do you have homework?”

  “Nope. I finished it in class.” Leaving them behind, he rounded the corner into the kitchen.

  Wrangler took an
other step toward her, unsure of any mental barriers she may have established about him being in her home. “He did great. Did what I asked. Never complained.” Shoving both hands into his pockets, he took a moment to look at her, drink her in the way he used to. He nodded at the computer. “Work?”

  Pulling her attention from him, she stared at the screen. “Um…no. I’m searching for student loans.”

  “Yeah?” Walking closer, he nodded at the other end of the sofa. “Mind if I sit down for minute?” When she hesitated, he took a step back.

  “It’s all right to sit down, Quinn.”

  Lowering himself down, he stretched out his legs, allowing for plenty of space between them. “Are you going back to school?”

  “Cara’s encouraging me to start law school. She’s offered to take my application to the admissions office tomorrow.”

  “That’s great, Bec. Really great.”

  His reaction surprised her. “You think so?”

  “Hell yeah.” He winced, glancing over his shoulder toward the kitchen, lowering his voice. “You’ve wanted to be an attorney as long as I can remember. It’s time you got your chance.” Another of those unending flashes of guilt coursed through him. “So you’re looking for loans?”

  “Have to. My savings will cover the admission fees and books. Tuition?” She shook her head. “I’m searching for a loan that can be expedited. If they accept me, I’ll be able to start the next session, which is just a few weeks away. The problem is they won’t let me begin classes unless I pay my tuition or have an approved loan.”

  “Let me pay it for you.”

  The look she shot him said more than words ever could. “Absolutely not.”

  “Why?”

  “For one, you don’t have that kind of money. And two, I don’t want a dime from you.”

  Wrangler didn’t allow her outburst to faze him. “How much is it?”

  Smirking, she tapped a few keys on the computer, then turned the screen in his direction. “That’s for a year.”

  “Whew. That’s a lot. But not a problem. How much of it do you need now?”

  Becca’s jaw dropped open. She wanted to tell him, verging on accepting the money.