Stronger

Chapter Three

Three Years Later...

"So I will eat them in a box. And I will eat them with a fox. And I will eat them in a house. And I will eat them with a mouse. And I will eat them here and there. Say! I will eat them ANYWHERE! I do like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you, Sam-I-am!" I looked up from the bright orange book and smiled. My beautiful son was completely passed out from hearing his favorite book. His curly blonde hair fanned out over the pillow as I put the book down and pulled the blanket up and kissed his head. I never believed I would be here when I first held my little bundle of joy in my arms. I kissed his head and turned the lamp off.

"Is he asleep?" A voice came from the doorway. I looked over to see my brother leaning on the doorframe looking in at my little angel.

"I broke out Green Eggs and Ham. He's been gone since half way through." I smiled at him walking out. My brother took me in after my mother kicked me out and I will forever be grateful. I can't imagine where I would be without him.

"He's growing up so much." He looked longingly at him. My brother took me in because he knew what it was like to be shunned by my mother, especially when he told her he was gay.

"Scares me how fast he grows up." I closed the door quietly as Liam poked his head out of the office.

"Are you two done ogling the poor kid?" I rolled my eyes at him but couldn't help but smile. The two of them were so in love but the fact that they can't adopt a child kills Jake more then it does Liam. It made me regret having to rub my son in their face but I know taking Sammy out of the house would be even worse.

"Shut up." Jake grunted walking back to the office. I ended up never going to college so when Liam offered me a job at his sport management company as his assistant saved me from working dead end jobs for the rest of my life.

"Charlie, you okay?" He put his hand on my shoulder. "You got that look on your face again." I shook my head of my darkening thoughts and smiled at him.

"Sorry, I was just thinking of how lucky I am to have you guys." Liam just winked at me as my brother pulled me to his body.

"What's family for?" They wouldn't strike you as gay men. Liam is this strong muscular type that loved nothing but sports, wings, and beer. My brother evened him out with a gentler side, but I'm still sure the restaurant he owns has no idea he has a husband.

"Char, you still up to go over the new files tonight or you want to wait for the morning?" Liam asked sitting back in his large leather chair.

"I'm good with now, I just have to put the laundry in the dryer." He beamed at me.

"That's what I want to hear." Jake followed me as I picked up the basket from the hallway and made my way to the laundry room.

"Charlie?" He asked looking at me. I looked up at him thoughtfully. "Have you heard anything from, uh, Avery?" My stomach dropped. I shook my head.

"I never got any answer when I called when Sammy was younger and I don't expect to get any now." I took the wet clothes out of the washer. "Why are you suddenly asking me this?" I put my hands on the washer and closed my eyes facing away from him.

"Sammy asked me about it when I picked him up from day care." I nodded at him.

"I'll deal with it." He walked towards me and pulled me into a hug.

"I'm sorry, I know it's a sore subject, but He deserves to know." I looked up at him. "I would want to." I let out a deep breath.

"I'll think about it." He gave me a nod and a gentle smile.

"That's all I ask." He kissed my head and walked away. I leaned against the door and covered my mouth as I thought of the last time I ever say Avery. I slide down the door as I cried silently to myself...

Sammy sat on his bed still in his pajamas with a sleepy look in his eyes. "Hey, Handsome, why you up so early?" I asked lifting him into my arms kissing his bundle of curls on his head.

"I wanted my mommy." He laid his head on my shoulder and put his thumb in his mouth.

"Mommy has to work, do you want to sit with me." He nodded sleepy closing his eyes again. I sat at my desk starting my work with Sammy still on my lap lightly snoring to himself, just like his father. I put my chin on his head and just stared at the computer screen.

"Jake told me what he said to you last night." I looked up as Liam sat down on his desk looking at me in only his pajama pants. He was one good looking man and if he wasn't gay, I swear he would have women hanging off him and he did. I just looked at him. "You do what is best for you, not Jake. You know you and Sam better then him and if you chose to not force the information on him, then that's fine. I just wanted to let you know, I'll always support you too." I smiled at him kissing my little man on my lap as he cuddled closer to me.

"Thank you, Liam, for everything." He just shrugged.

"You'll like my sister. I would do the same for her." A wave of guilt hit me as I knew that Liam's family didn't really talk to him either.

"You'll always be my brother, Liam." He gave me a rare smile at made his eyes crinkle. He was perfect because Jake and him brought the best out of each other.

"Now, remember that. We have a meeting with one of the big teams in the area looking for some help on getting more out there to get more fans. Lunch meeting." He wasn't telling me something and it was scaring me.

"Okay. I'll be ready." I stroked Sammy's hair opening up a tab I always have on my computer.

"Mama, who's that?" Sammy asked looking at the picture on the screen of the professional football player smiling at me. I looked down at him as his bright blue eyes stared up at me.

"That's your Daddy." I whispered looking at the picture of Avery, with his sports stats and pictures. I've watched him his whole career. He did so well and I cannot regret not forcing harder to tell him about Sammy. If I did, he wouldn't be where he is now. Not the star quarterback that every single team wants.

"I look like him." he smiled looking at the resemblance between him and his father. The hair, the eyes, the dimples, and that beautiful smile. "Why isn't he here?" I thought long and hard about his question. He sat patiently waiting for me to answer.

"Your Daddy loves you, Sammy. If he could be here he would be." I kissed his head closing my eyes fighting the tears. "Why don't you go get dressed and I'll make you some yummy breakfast." He beamed at me, jumped off my lap and ran to his room. I stared at the picture in front of me and sighed. Covering my face with my hands. What am I doing?

Sorry guys! I didn't really think anyone was reading this so I didn't update it. Sorry :( well here you go! I hope you enjoy it!