Jayme & Tripp (Game Wardens 1)

“He’s a little fussy, and probably wants to eat. There’s bottles on the shelf down here,” she said, and pointed to the shelf under the cart. “And here’s a little booklet to help you keep track of his feeding times. He’s going to need to eat every two to three hours, and he’ll probably drink about two to four ounces.”

He took the booklet from her and glanced through it. “Okay.”

Jayme came up beside him, just as Zayne started grunting and squirming. He was gearing up to cry.

“You want to feed him?” Jayme asked.

“Do you mind?” he replied.

Jayme gave him a soft smile. “No, you go ahead.”

He popped a kiss on Jayme’s lips. “Thanks, Love.”

He grabbed one of the pre-made bottles from the pack, picked up Zayne; then took him over to the rocking chair in the corner of the room. Zayne had started full out crying by the time Tripp got him settled and put the bottle to his mouth. He immediately latched on and started sucking away. He stared down at his beautiful son. He just couldn’t take his eyes off of him.

“About halfway through, make sure you burp him,” Elianna said.

He nodded. “Okay.”

He did as his sister said, and halfway through the bottle; he sat Zayne up to burp him. He held his little face, while he patted his back. Zayne let out a huge burp that had everyone laughing.

After he was fed, Zayne was passed around to all of the grandparents. Tripp went over to Jayme, who was standing by the end of Elianna’s bed; and wrapped his arm around his waist. Jayme immediately put his arm around his shoulders, and gave him a squeeze.

“Besides marrying you, this is the best day of my life,” he murmured.

“Me too, Babe. Me too,” Jayme said, then gave him a kiss on the temple.

~~~

Jayme

TWENTY-TWO years later....

“Officer Zayne Flanagan,” Jayme announced.

He was now captain of the department, while Tripp was a lieutenant.

Zayne, who was now twenty-two; made his way across the stage. He watched as his boy, who was no longer a boy; walked with his head held high toward him. He could also see the flush that crept up his fair cheeks. Zayne was not one to be the center of attention. Zayne stopped next to him and he shook his hand. They’d have time for hugs later.

“I’m proud of you, Zayne,” he said quietly, not wanting to be heard over the microphone.

Zayne smiled. “Thanks, Dad.”

Zayne then shook hands with a couple of other people, before stopping in front of Tripp; who had his certificate. Tripp shook his hand and handed over his certificate. He saw Tripp say something to Zayne, and he was sure he said the same thing as he had. Hoots and hollers came from the crowd, and he looked out to see his brothers causing a ruckus. His parents, Donna, Elianna, Brett and their kids, Noah and Riley; along with Seamus, Mitch, their daughter, Cheyenne, and Ian and Jana, with their kids, Hunter and Colton. Ian, Seamus, and Mitch were standing as they cheered for Zayne.

Zayne got Jayme’s dark auburn hair and green eyes, but he had Tripp’s face. He was a handsome young man that had girls falling all over him. Zayne was a shy guy though and didn’t date too much. The girls tried, but he was more focused on becoming a Game Warden like his dads; than dealing with relationships and girls.

After the ceremony, the whole family went back to their house to celebrate. Zayne was standing in the kitchen with a beer in his hand talking to his cousin Noah. Jayme found Tripp in the living room, and gave him a nod. Tripp excused himself from the conversation he was having with his mom and went to him.

“Ready?” Tripp asked.

“Ready. I pulled it out of the garage and parked it in the driveway.”

Tripp smiled. “Great. He’s gonna freak.”

He nodded. “Yes, he is.”

They headed into the kitchen. He swung the key ring around his index finger.

“Zayne, Dad and I have a present for you,” Tripp said. “Since you worked really hard and graduated at the top of your class; we decided you deserved a little something.”

“We know your truck is kinda on it’s last leg, so, here, catch,” he tossed him the key.

Zayne caught it, his eyes wide. “No! No way!”

Zayne bolted through the house, and out the front door. They followed, as did the rest of the family. Zayne whooped, then ran to hug the brand-new midnight blue Ford F150 with white racing stripes down the hood.

Zayne opened the door and climbed in, started it up. The engine rumbled to life, and Zayne smoothed his hands over the steering wheel. He and Tripp stood off to the side with their arms around each other, and huge smiles on their faces.

Zayne looked over at them with wide eyes. “I can’t believe this. You really got me a truck?”