Forever Our Boys: A Beaumont Novella

by Heidi McLaughlin

  With every throw, my jaw is clenched. I’m waiting with baited breath to see if he’s sacked, afraid that he’ll take off running with the ball only to end up tackled or thrown and an errant pass that lands into the opposing team’s hands, and when the ball does land where it’s supposed to be, my heart starts beating again and everyone in the bar cheers the Pioneers on.

  At halftime, I get up and stretch. I think about leaving, but the camera pans to Liam, Betty Paige, and Bianca. Paige has her nose stuffed into a book. Liam is focused on the field, probably the cheerleaders if I had to guess, and Bianca is talking to one of the people behind her. I find myself waving, only to realize that they can’t see me. I miss them, even Bianca. Over the years, the dynamic of our relationship has changed for the better. She’s very attentive to Noah and Paige, and has asked if Paige would like to come to California for the summer. She wants to try her hand at acting and with the connections that Grandma Betty had and with Bianca dabbling back into the business, Paige would have a fair shot at learning from some of the best.

  The best thing Bianca ever did was leave Sterling. He left Beaumont not long after their divorce was final. We thought Bianca would come back, but she sold the home she shared with him and Liam, which broke his heart a little bit. I understood where Liam was coming from with that, even though I have very few happy memories there. I hated sneaking around and always living in fear that I would be caught in his bedroom. At least at my house, Liam was welcomed, although not in my bedroom. Yet, we all know I didn’t follow rules very well.

  When you’re a teenager, you break rules. I broke each one ever set up about Liam. If I hadn’t, Noah wouldn’t be here right now. I can’t be sorry for not listening to my parents. However, I’ll be damned sure that Betty Paige is more careful. I plan to talk to her about sex, and make sure that Nick and Aubrey do the same thing with Mack. I see the way they look at each other. I’m not stupid. I look at Liam the same way, always have.

  “Hey, can I place an order for some food?” I ask the bartender.

  “Of course, do you know what you’d like?”

  “No,” I say, shaking my head. “Why don’t you give us two of each of the appetizers? There’s a lot to feed and make sure their tabs are covered.” I nod toward my table. I estimate about fifteen people sitting at or near my table.

  I get the stardom thing. I used to have stars in my eyes when Liam first came back. The racing heart, the sweaty palms, and stuttering speech wasn’t because I was in love with him, it was because he’s Liam Page, sexy rock star god who has women dropping their panties with one look. I should know because I was one of them.

  The night we rekindled it all was the night I asked him to be Liam Page when he took me out. I wanted to experience what others had in my place. But what I got was my Liam with a look I can only describe as smoldering. He had this presence about him, like he was in charge of the universe and it would sway on its axis any way he wanted. He treated me like a queen that night and I knew I wasn’t getting Liam Page the rock star, but Liam Page the man who has loved me since I was fifteen.

  I make my way back to the table and pull Jenna into a hug. “Thank you for being strong and dealing with these people. I owe you.” And I’ll pay her back, somehow.

  “I know how important the games are to you,” she says, squeezing me tighter.

  I do the same for Katelyn, but say, “I love you.”

  “I love you too,” she replies. When I pull away, she looks at me questioningly. I shake my head and turn toward the television just as our food arrives. The people who have commandeered our table have wide eyes and hungry stomachs.

  “Dig in,” I tell them. I can feel all eyes on me, trying to decipher if they heard me correctly. I nod and hands go flying toward the food. Katelyn and Jenna pull our favorites toward us, making sure that we have want we want.

  “You’re a saint,” Katelyn tells me. I don’t think of it like that, but see it as me doing a good deed. The people here may not ever get another chance like this, so why not make it worth something. They’ll go home, post about it on their social media accounts, and it will be something happy for them. That’s what I find to be important.

  During halftime, the broadcast flips to other games. When Chicago comes on, the three of us are focused on the screen, scanning the sidelines for any sight of Peyton. Every day I wish she were two years older so she and Noah could be together. I know that’s not what either of them wants but a mother can wish. I love the twins as if they were my own daughters, and Peyton has grown into such a well-rounded young woman. I think that is partly why I don’t care for Dessie but know I need to find a way to accept her because I fear she’s not going anywhere.

  When halftime is over, the bartender turns the volume back up on the TV. And when Noah comes out, the entire place erupts in cheers. I can’t help but smile for my boy and wish I was in that stadium with him right now.

  As the game goes on, I grow more worried they’re going to lose. That is until Noah throws a bomb of a pass for a touchdown. My hands are clasped together until I see us cross the goal line. I stand up and raise my arms, and start high-fiving everyone around me until I see the yellow flag on the field.

  “What the fuck!” I say, much to the surprise of everyone around me. When the official shows the signal for holding, I let it all out. “That’s fucking bullshit,” I yell at the TV.

  “Yeah, it was,” the guy in front of me says. Even as the play is shown again, it’s clear that there wasn’t a hold.

  “Assholes.”

  Everyone around me starts laughing. I do too, although it’s not funny. However, as Noah will tell anyone who listens, his mother cusses like a sailor when it comes to football.

  I think the game is moving at a snail’s pace, only it isn’t. It’s the two-minute warning and we’re down by seven. Each play is more intense than the last as Noah marches them down the field. Everyone is tired and the linemen are getting closer to tackling my son. I need to be at the game, to tell his line to stay strong and protect their quarterback.

  Noah takes center. He’s mic’d so everyone can hear his cadence. He drops back and fires a torpedo of a pass into the arms of his friend, Chase Montgomery’s, hands. I gasp loudly when a massive man tosses Noah to the ground, but my son picks his head up and watches the ball soar through the air, landing in Chase’s arms and he runs it in for a touchdown.

  “They gotta go for two,” I say, only to have one of the men at the table disagree with me.

  “No way, go for one. Tie it up.”

  I point at the screen. “Are you shitting me right now? There’s too much time on the clock to just tie it up. Go for two and pray that our defense can hold them.”

  “She’s right,” his friend says. I look at him smugly and wish I could stick my tongue out at him. Sadly, I must be an adult and refrain from such childish behavior.

  The Pioneers end up going for two, but in the end, it’s not enough. I’m sad, but it’s been par for the course this year. I order us all another round, knowing that I need it. Katelyn consoles me, which is ridiculous. Noah is the one who needs to be consoled, although he’d tell me things will get better. Sometimes I want to scream “when” because this mom is tired of them losing all the freaking time.

  It’s about an hour after the game when Liam calls. I honestly didn’t expect him to call at, but I’m glad to hear his voice.

  “Hey, babe.”

  “Are you with Katelyn?” he asks.

  “I am. Why, do you need to speak with her?”

  “No, I need you to excuse yourself so we can speak in private.” Liam’s tone has me worried so I tell everyone that I’ll be right back.

  “What’s going on? You’re scaring me.”

  “Fuck, Josie… the plane is on its way to get you. You need to get Katelyn on the plane immediately. If you don’t have time to pack, I’ll make sure housekeeping does it, but get to the airfield now.”

  “Liam?” My voice is shaky. I know
something is wrong.

  “It’s Peyton, Jojo. She was in an accident and Harrison says it’s not good.”

  “Oh, my God,” I say, covering my mouth as tears steam down my face.

  “He’s been trying to reach her, but she isn’t answering. He’s freaking out. I’m on my way to Chicago now. I’ll meet you there.”

  “Okay,” I say as he hangs up.

  My steps are wobbly as I make my way back to the table. Katelyn and Jenna see my face and immediately come rushing toward me. I take both their hands and lead them to the elevator.

  “What’s happening?”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “Is it Noah?”

  “Is it Paige?”

  Those are the questions they keep asking until we’ve reached our room. Once inside, I break down. I take Katelyn’s hands in mine and hold them tightly. “We gotta go, okay? The plane is going to be waiting for us so we need to pack as fast as we can and get to the airfield.”

  “Who is it?” she asks.

  “It’s Peyton.”

  There has been only one other time I have seen Katelyn void of any color and that’s when Mason died. I’ve prayed every day since that I would never see her like this again.

  Continue onto the sneak peek of HOLDING ONTO FOREVER ~ Releasing October 12th

  Acknowledgments

  This book is purely for the fans who asked to hear from the wives!

  Thank you for your continued support.

  It’s good to be back in Beaumont.

  About the Author

  Heidi is a New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author.

  Originally from the Pacific Northwest, she now lives in picturesque Vermont, with her husband and two daughters. Also renting space in their home is an over-hyper Beagle/Jack Russell, Buttercup and a Highland West/Mini Schnauzer, JiLL and her brother, Racicot.

  When she's isn't writing one of the many stories planned for release, you'll find her sitting court-side during either daughter's basketball games.

  Forever My Girl, is set to release in theaters on January 26, 2018, starring Alex Roe and Jessica Rothe.

  Don’t miss more books by Heidi McLaughlin! Sign up for her newsletter, follow her on Amazon, Book Bub or join the fun in her fan group!

  Connect with Heidi!

  www.heidimclaughlin.com

  heidi@heidimclaughlin.com

  Also by Heidi McLaughlin

  THE BEAUMONT SERIES

  Forever My Girl – Beaumont Series #1

  My Everything – Beaumont Series #1.5

  My Unexpected Forever – Beaumont Series #2

  Finding My Forever – Beaumont Series #3

  Finding My Way – Beaumont Series #4

  12 Days of Forever – Beaumont Series #4.5

  My Kind of Forever – Beaumont Series #5

  Forever Our Boys - Beaumont Series #5.5

  The Beaumont Boxed Set - #1

  THE BEAUMONT SERIES: NEXT GENERATION

  Holding Onto Forever

  THE ARCHER BROTHERS

  Here with Me

  Choose Me

  Save Me

  LOST IN YOU SERIES

  Lost in You

  Lost in Us

  THE BOYS OF SUMMER

  Third Base

  Home Run

  Grand Slam

  THE REALITY DUET

  Blind Reality

  Twisted Reality

  SOCIETY X

  Dark Room

  Viewing Room

  Play Room

  STANDALONE NOVELS

  Stripped Bare

  Blow

  Sexcation

  Sneak Peek: Holding Onto Forever

  By Heidi McLaughlin

  Noah

  The crowd is deafening as I take the field. I don’t need to look up at the scoreboard to know that there is under two minutes left and we’re down by seven. Of course, if our last touchdown hadn’t been called back for a bullshit call, we’d be tied, although, my mindset wouldn’t be much different. This is our hurry-up offense that we practice the most. Some teams are better at it then we are, but we’re young and still building the expansion team. Truth be told, no one expects us to win, and when we do, the sports analyst have a field day, jumping on the temporary bandwagon of the Portland Pioneers.

  I’m used to the haters and have had to live with them badmouthing my dad for the past fifteen years. Being Liam Page’s son hasn’t been easy. Despite what critics say, everything that I have done, every achievement has been earned. My father was adamant that I make my own path, determine my own future. He didn’t want me doing something I didn’t want to do.

  There was a time when I thought baseball was going to be my calling. My coach and somewhat step-dad, Nick, was convinced as well. After we won three consecutive state titles behind my pitching, the colleges were ready for me to commit to them and Major League teams were ready for me to sign my life away on the dotted line.

  When I sat my parents down, which included Nick and Aubrey, I told them that I wanted to play football even though our high school team never made it past the first round of playoffs and the colleges weren’t scouting me. I had a few small offers, but nothing that stood out. My parents supported my decision and were the ones to drive me to Notre Dame weeks before school started so I could walk on. It was the best decision I had ever made because within six games I was the starting quarterback and once the season was over I was offered a full-ride in exchange for three years of playing football with them.

  After my junior year, I was encouraged by money hungry agents to enter the draft. My coach knew this was happening but never said anything. He didn’t have to. I could see everything he was feeling in his expression. He was sad and worried that his star quarterback was ditching out a year early. It’s not unheard of for an athlete to leave school early, but that wasn’t for me. I made a commitment to the school that took a chance on me and really wanted to lead them to a bowl game. I did, but we didn’t win. Still, it was one of the best decisions of my life.

  And now here I am in my fourth year in the National Football League and the starting quarterback of a team that just wants to win. We have the tools in the players that we have. Our coach, Bud Walter, is one of the best but isn’t here for the long haul. He’s had a storied career and will be retiring soon, but until then he demands one hundred percent from us each and every time, and we do everything that we can to give it to him.

  I stand behind the center Alex Moore. He’s one of my best friends, not because he’s meant to try and protect my ass from getting tackled or sacked each play, but because he’s a stand-up guy who doesn’t give a shit that my father is famous. I yell out my cadence and tap Alex on his ass in the event that he can’t hear me. Once the pigskin touches my hands, I’m backpedaling with my arm cocked and ready to fire. My targets are the wide receiver, Julius Cunningham, who has been in the league for five years or Chase Montgomery the tight end. Chase is one of the best in the league and asked for a trade once the expansion team was announced. He’s from Portland and wanted to be at home so his ailing mother could come to his games.

  A monster of a tackle comes rushing toward me as I release the ball. I’m hit and thrown to the ground before I can see if it lands in Chase’s hands. By the roar of the crowd, it does and I scramble to stand so I can get back to the line of scrimmage only to find Chase dancing in the end zone.

  Coach yells that we go for two and I’m contemplating his thought process as I hurry toward my offensive line. Going for two means our opponent has to score. Tying the game means we can go a few more minutes. I have never second-guessed Bud, and I shouldn’t be trying to now. I call out the play and resume my spot behind Alex. Once again my cadence is repeated and the ball is put into play.

  The field before me is clear and I fire a rocket of a pass to Julius who catches it flawlessly in the end zone. My arms go up as I run toward him to celebrate, which is cut short because now we have to go back on defense.

  “We
stbury,” Bud yells my name as I reach the sideline.

  “Yeah, Coach?”

  “Next time run more time off the clock.”

  I nod and walk toward the bench and sit down. He’s right. I should’ve run some small routes instead of opening it up for the deep pass. Now we have to hold them on defense. I have faith in our cornerback, Cameron Simmons, but he can’t cover everyone.

  Behind me, I can hear my grandmother Bianca yelling. Usually my it’s my dad and mom, along with my little sister, but my mom, along with her friends are in the Bahamas for the week, taking a much-needed vacation. It’s a toss-up between my grandma and my mom being the team’s biggest fans. Both of them insist that they sit behind the bench while my dad prefers to sit in the luxury suite. I get where he’s coming from. He gets tired of the security always around him. He wants to enjoy the game and not be hounded by fans all the time.

  But my mom wants to be where the action is, and since they’re ridiculously in love, my father does whatever she wants. In turn, he tries to please my grandmother as well. They had a rocky relationship right up until my sister was born, but now they’re close and she’s making up for lost time.

  My sister, Betty Paige, sits in between my dad and grandma with her nose tucked into a book. She has no desire to be a football fan, but my parents are adamant that she comes each weekend to support me.

  Sometimes Nick and Aubrey, along with their two kids Mack and Amelie make the trip to Portland. It’s usually when the high school football team has a bye weekend. He’s still coaching and often asks my dad to help, especially with Mack playing now too. Nick and my dad are friendly, but will never be best friends. He saves that title for Harrison James and Jimmy Davis, his two band mates, both of whom are living in Los Angeles, far away from Beaumont.