Next Generation (Book 4)

Blessings

|Paul's POV|

I'm sitting here watching Vaughn go through this bootcamp. Just a month ago, I wasn't sure if we'd be to this point as I had to belt her ass for lying and sneaking to a fight.

|Flashback|

We had just got back in town from Texas. It was great spending time with our two oldest, even if the time was brief. On the flight back home, I checked my emails and my gut told me to check the parental controls. I had them set for Murphy's location and recently I added all notifications for Vaughn's. I thought at first it was a tad bit invasive of her privacy, but she lost that right when she lied and snuck behind our backs. I mean, she had fractured ribs for Christ's sake.

Checking, everything looked normal. Looking to my side, Steph was asleep. No need to wake her up. After some more scrolling, I saw that a text had come in the day prior-

I know you're not 100%, but I have $1,000 for you if you're interested. Another $5,000 if you do a tournament. Let me know.

I didn't recognize the number, but I was even more shocked at Vaughn's response.

When's the fight?

The number responded.

Tonight. Think you can make it?

I'll see what I can do. I have fractured ribs.

You can make an appearance and we can hype up your rematch. I'll pay you half for getting in the ring and taking a bump or two. The tournament isn't for another few weeks. Your ribs should be healed by then.

Send me the location.

I was livid and couldn't get off this plane fast enough. Did she really sneak out last night to go to a damn fight that she had no business being in? Once we got off the plane, Steph saw I was upset.

"Paul, what's going on?"

"I'll let you know once I have the full details."

She didn't say anything else the remainder of the trip home. Walking into the house, we heard laughing coming from the kitchen. We entered to see Murphy, Vaughn, Bash, and Rory.

"Bash! Rory! I didn't know you two were coming into town," Steph stated, hugging them both.

"We're just here until tomorrow. We both have to get back to work. Didn't want to leave without seeing you and dad."

Rory looked over at me and I smiled, pulling her into a hug.

"Hey, sweetheart."

"Hi, daddy. You okay?"

"Better now that I see you."

She laughed.

"You're not that good of a liar, dad," she whispered.

"Everything is fine, I promise."

I greeted Bash and fixed my gaze on Vaughn.

"Where were you last night?" I questioned.

She started to choke on her water.

"What?"

"Where were you last night, Vaughn Evelyn!"

My voice echoed through the kitchen as everyone stared.

"Paul..."

"Dad, I don't know what you're talking about. I was here. Ask Bash, Rory, and Murphy. Right?"