Bad Bets (Bad News Series Book 3) *Under Major Edit*

Chapter 16

The day before.

 

Sitting in the lounge area at one of Jack’s many garages, himself, Sophie and Elliot had their catch up of the week. The place they met always differed but they were adamant to not let their newly busy lifestyles get in the way of a lifelong friendship. They had already pretty much lost Isabella, they weren’t going to let the same happen to them.

“Are you alright man?” Elliot asked as he watched his best mate run a hand over his forehead, readjusting his snapback before placing it comfortably back on his head.

“I’m good.”

He let his eyes drift to his two children who were playing in the corner, Ellie being her bossy self while Harvey contently ran a toy lorry back and forwards along the floor.

“You look fucking shattered.” He observed the obvious.

Chuckling, Jack shook his head before taking his phone which was now in strong possession in Ellie’s hands.

“Not that one baby, I need it.”

Crossing her arms over her chest, she puckered her lips as she watched him take it.

“Please daddy!”

Raising an eyebrow, Jack smirked.

“That works with your mum, not me.”

Laughing she ran straight to him, jumping onto his lap and cuddling into him stomach. Just like that, no tantrum, kicking or screaming. As much as it had been difficult, he had it all pretty much worked out.

“I am shattered, but it’s all worth it.” He said, looking down to one of the three people in his life he loved more than anything in the world.

“You know we’ll help anytime Jack, you just have to ask.” Sophie insisted, knowing there was nothing Jack hated more than relying on other people.

He like them to think he could cope, that he was fully capable on his own. He hated asking for help.

“It’s cool, I have it under control. Thanks though Soph.”

“Taking your kids to work every day? How can you focus?” She looked at him sternly.

“Not every day. Ellie has playschool, it’s just Harv, and mum has him when she’s not working.”

Lifting Ellie up from his lap, he made his way over to a grinning Harvey.

“And this little man has finally started walking.”

Helping him up to his feet, he moved a few paces back, watching while Harvey tried to steady himself from falling over. Once he had got his balance, Jack held out his hands.

The smile that spread across the little boys face was tear worthy, the constant happiness in him seeing Jack’s face alone was astonishing.

They all cheered him on as he took his steps towards his dad, even Ellie joining in, excited watching her brother in the achievement.

Butterflies filled the stomachs of Sophie and Elliot watching how much their bestfriend had grown up to be one hell of a good Dad. From being the complete player who repelled any responsibility to taking it on like a brick load, it was fascinating to watch.

As Harvey collapsed into Jack’s arms, Jack stood him up and ruffled the small amount of hair on his head, before pulling up the collar on his shirt.

“Nice one Harv.” He laughed, before looking back over to Sophie and Elliot.

“Jess missed it and it fucking sucks. She was gutted.” He spoke, covering Ellie’s ears as at the response of his language.