Page 24 of Cannon

Did he need anything? Well, the range was now covered, but he needed to get a little semblance of control. Every single thing that had happened had been out of his control. From the time he’d graduated high school, he’d tried to craft a life where he was in control. He knew what he was doing and also what he was working toward. He kept his life neat and orderly. Only now, it wasn’t either one, and he constantly had to roll with whatever anyone said.

He wasn’t sure exactly how to process his emotions, so, for now, he’d leave them tucked away. He’d work on just getting through each day. War stood and patted Cannon’s shoulder.

“Let us know if you need anything. Dex and I are up for the next round of laser tag. The winners of this round are going against our team.”

A whistle blew, and Ezra, Phoebe, and Blake came running out of the tag area. Rascal and Baron high-fived them, congratulating them on their win along with the rest of their team. Cannon hid a smile at the show Roam, Whiskey, and Hennessy put on about being sad they lost. He couldn’t wait to see what Dex and War did when they played.

Cannon may not have understood how a family worked when he came here, but he’d learned along the way the give and take of wanting what was best for everyone.

Jesse stood to the side as Rascal and Baron handed out ribbons. She’d ordered them at the same time as the vests. She’d had no idea, though, that the guys would be as excited as the kids.

Dex and War had played hard with the team, but once it was down to just them, Jesse had watched how they made sure the younger team could win without it looking like they’d thrown it.

Now that the competition was over and it was getting dark, some of the guys were working to set up the fireworks. Despite trying not to stare, her eyes kept being drawn to Cannon. Having him in the house was really good. She only wished they slept by each other, but she wasn’t going to bring it up.

Sarah walked over and nudged her. “Doesn’t one of the new guys look really familiar?”

Jesse turned to where Sarah was looking. They all looked like the guys she’d been introduced to. Roam had met them at a tattoo competition and invited them to check out the MC. All three of them had been helping out and seemed like nice men.

“Maybe they look like someone you know? I don’t see it,” Jesse said.

Beth walked up and joined them, along with Remi and Winnie.

“Whatcha watching?” Beth asked.

“Sarah thinks one of the new guys looks familiar.”

“Which one?” Remi asked.

“Booker,” Sarah said.

Jesse and her sisters stared over at where Booker, Dex, and Twist were helping set up the fireworks.

“Nope, doesn’t look familiar to me, but he is nice to look at,” Winnie said.

“Here, sis, let me wipe the drool off your face for you,” Remi replied, trying to wipe Winnie’s chin.

“Very funny.”

“You know, I do feel like I’ve seen him somewhere. Now, it’s going to bother me until I figure it out,” Beth said.

Jesse giggled at their antics, though she had to admit that Booker was hot. Not as hot as Cannon but hot. Bear walked toward Winnie, carrying Joey but holding him at arm’s length.

“Nu-uh, you keep that smelly diaper away from me. I told you not to give him the prunes. I said give him applesauce,” Winnie backed away.

Bear turned toward Jesse. “Do you want a little practice?”

Jesse shook her head. “Nope, you’re on your own.”

Bear rolled his eyes and headed toward the back porch where most everyone had stashed their bags. Jesse wondered what type of relationship she and Cannon would have after Sparky was born. Would it be teasing like Bear and Winnie’s? Roam and Sprite had combined their families and honestly, Jesse wouldnever know the kids weren’t all Roam and Sprite’s from the very first. They acted like they’d been together for years.

“Hey, let’s go get seats for the fireworks and I hid a tray of pumpkin bread for us to have,” Sarah suggested. Jesse followed the group back toward the house, where everyone was setting up lawn chairs. She took a seat by Beth because the seats by Cannon had Clara and one of the new guys in them.

Her appointment was next week and Cannon was attending his. It was a long drive, but she was glad to be that much closer to Sparky joining them. If only she could have the happily ever after her sisters did.

Chapter Sixteen

Jesse waited to be called in to her appointment. Cannon and Clara were down at his appointment. Clara would bring Cannon up when he was done, and he should be here in time for her sonogram.