Full Court Press

by J Akridge

Landon comes back into the living room and sits beside me. He raises his arm for me to snuggle in closely. I pull the throw blanket from the back of the couch to cover me up.

  “I’ve been thinking.”

  I raise up slightly so I can see his face. “About what?”

  “How would you feel if I adopted Carson?” He looks at me, his features are hard to read, but I can tell he’s unsure of my answer. I’ve thought about this, so many times. It’s only been a short period in time, but he’s been more of a father to Carson than his biological father ever was. He’s always there for both of us, and you’d never know Carson truly wasn’t his child by the way the two are together.

  “Honestly, I’m fine with that. You’re the only dad he has ever known, and I know you’d always take care of him.” He smiles down at me and crushes his lips against mine.

  Eight Months Later

  We stand in the courtroom. Carson is positioned in between us. We have all our family here. Carson’s mom and sister, my parents and sister, Landon’s teammates, and my best friends. The judge enters and takes his seat.

  “Mr. Prince.” The judge nods at Landon, who just smiles back at him. “I understand you’d like to adopt this young boy?”

  “Yes, sir,” Landon says without missing a beat.

  “You do realize that he will be your responsibility. If something were to happen to your relationship with his mother, you would still be responsible for this child as if he were born to you.”

  “Yes, your honor. I understand.”

  “Good.” The judge looks down at the file on his desk.

  “Carson?” the judge asks and Carson freezes. He has a hand in each of ours. Landon lets go of his and gently rubs Carson’s back, giving him the assurance he needs to speak.

  “Yes?” Carson little voice is shaking. He’s been terrified that the judge would say no to the adoption.

  “Would you like Landon to be your father?”

  “Yes, I would. He’s nice and he plays dinosaurs with me.” Carson smiles at the judge.

  “That’s always a good quality to have in a dad, wouldn’t you say?” The judge tilts his lips slightly.

  “I think so, yeah.” Carson continues to smile.

  “Carson,” The judge asks. “What would you like your last name to be?”

  “I wanna be a Prince.” He smiles. He’s just lost his first tooth, so he has a big gap in the front and when he smiles his little tongue peaks through.

  “Well, I have no objection. I now declare this young boy adopted. His legal name will now remain Carson Andrew Prince, son of Landon Prince and Kelsi Fran.” Landon and I smile at each other over Carson, who jumps with joy and then launches himself at Landon.

  Many have asked if I’m okay with Carson having Landon’s last name and me not; truthfully, I’m thankful that my son has a father. A father like Landon who always, always puts him first in any and everything. I have no doubt that if anything were to ever happen to me, Landon would still treat him just the same as he always has. Carson can now feel complete with a father and I truly don’t think Landon and I will be apart ever again.

  Landon catches him with ease, lifting him up so Carson’s little arms can wrap around his neck. They squeeze for long time before pulling away from each other.

  “I love you, Dad,” Carson says and I can’t help the damn tear that slips down my cheek.

  “I love you too, son.” My heart bursts with love for both of my boys. “Are you ready?” Landon asks Carson and I’m momentarily puzzled before I realize what’s happening. Landon drops to one knee in the center aisle of the courtroom. All our friends and family are smiling as if they’ve known this was going to happen. I gasp and cover my mouth with my hands. Carson stands beside Landon with an arm around his shoulders, smiling up at me.

  “Kelsi, I’ve been wanting to ask you for a while, but I felt like today would be the perfect time to make our family complete. The first time I saw you, I was mesmerized. You were the most beautiful woman I had ever seen, even with cheese dripping from your shirt.” The courtroom fills with laughter at Landon’s joke. Tears silently fall down my cheeks as I stare at this man before me. “I didn’t expect to begin a family, I was prepared to be a bachelor for a long time. But then I met you, and I met Carson, and I knew that I wanted to spend the rest of my life with you. Kelsi Fran, will you marry me?” Landon slowly opens the black ring box in his hand, revealing a beautiful diamond ring. I slowly wipe my tears.

  “Will ya, Momma?” Carson askes and the entire room breaks out into laughter once again at my sweet boy.

  “Of course, I will.” Carson plows into me with the biggest hug he’s ever given me before running off to tell everyone I’ve said yes. Landon rises to his feet; I lift my hand out for him and he gently slides the diamond ring on my left ring finger. I hold my hand in front of me, admiring my new ring, then look at my fiancé.

  He bends to scoop me up against his chest. I wrap my arms around his neck as he spins us several times before placing my feet back on the ground.

  “I’ve got something to tell you too.” He leans back to see my face. “You’re going to be a daddy again.” I move Landon’s hand from my hip to my stomach. I’m still early in the pregnancy and just found out a couple of weeks ago. It’s been the hardest secret I have ever kept but I knew today would be the most amazing day for him to find out.

  “Really?” he asks.

  “Really,” I reply. Landon yells, causing the entire room to fall silent.

  “Hell yes!” Landon kisses me hard before pulling away and running to where Carson is with everyone we love. “We’re having a baby.” He scoops Carson up and brings him over to where I stand. We all hug before we’re closed in on by our closest friends and family to congratulate us.

  I never would have imagined my life would end up this way, that a small elementary school teacher, who was a single mom and didn’t feel loved, would fall in love with such an amazing man who loved both of us unconditionally.

  Life has a funny way of working out. I just had to trust someone other than myself for once. I’ve always dreamed of being a teacher, but for now I'm taking some time off from work. I’m focusing on this pregnancy and making sure Carson adjusts well to all the changes in his life. I still get to do some teaching, we’ve enrolled Carson into a homeschooling program, so I work with him each day doing that. It’s not the same as being in the classroom, but I'm with my boy every day and that’s what matters the most.

  Mr. Spence was able to get Sandra fired for publishing that story, resulting in me losing my job. Apparently, once he started digging, there were others she had harassed just like she did Landon and I. Last I heard, she was forced to get an entry position job at a business downtown filing letters.

  We haven’t seen or heard from Kyle since the accident. He was arrested at the scene, and I believe he is awaiting trial. Apparently, he was involved in some type of drug scheme and ripped off some of the dealers, which is why he needed the $20,000 the day of court.

  My life has certainly turned out much differently than I ever imagined, but I wouldn’t change a bit of it. Happiness can find anyone.

  THE END

  Acknowledgments

  To you.

  Thank you for picking up my very first book. This story will always be one of my favorites. I began this story on the way to a book signing a few years ago and felt so inspired to finish it.

  This has been one of the most exciting, yet anxious times of time but I’m so thankful that I chose to push through it and finish. I’ve wanted to publish a book for years, but truly thought my stories would remain word documents on my laptop forever.

  I wouldn’t have been able to complete any of this without the people I have met along the way.

  First, thank you to my husband. He has been my rock for ten years and continues to run the house when I just felt the desire to write. He has always supported this dream and never allowed my fears to keep me down. He has pushed me and pushed me to
continue on and truthfully, I would have given up a long time ago if it wasn’t for him.

  Thank you to Amanda Walker. I stumbled upon her when I was searching for a cover designer and we hit it off immediately. She has helped me in so many ways, not just cover design but with general knowledge of the business and I’m so thankful to call her a friend. In fact, I believe I told her she was my best friend the first time we spoke. LOL

  Thank you to my amazing Book Bitches-Crystal, Jessica and Georgia. I couldn’t have pushed through without you ladies either. You all inspire me more than you truly understand and I’m so thankful for out long friendship and many signings we have endured.

  Thank you to my beta readers, who provided such wonderful feedback and encouragement and gave me the boost I needed to push it out.

  Thank you to my sweet momma. When I first told her, I was writing a book, I was scared at what her reaction would be, but she said, “how cool” and wanted to pre-order my book as soon as I opened the link. I, of course, wouldn’t let her because Momma deserves the very first copy.

  About the Author

  J. Akridge is a romance author that loves all the feelings she gets after reading a good love story. She enjoys watching reruns of Criminal Minds because, duh Derek Morgan, and all things leopard. Whenever she isn’t reading or writing, she’s cheering her kids on at competitive cheer competitions and t-ball games. She would love to hear your thoughts and any questions, so feel free to reach out.

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