“That’s not an unfair request. She is their social worker. We’ll have to take two vans,” he comments.
“No. I’ll take care of that too. If you could let the workers know, and the kids. Just keep my name out of it. I’ll be there at noon to pick them all up. I’ll have transportation.”
“Sure. Thank you, Mr. Reeves. This is going to mean a lot to those kids. Oh, and your agent sent over all of the background checks. Thank you for that. It’s important we know that the children are safe.”
“Don’t thank me. Thank Reese. She’s the one who cares enough to talk about those kids at home each night. I never would have thought to do this without her. As far as the background checks, as a team we do a lot of charity work, so all the players have routine background checks. We’ll talk soon,” I say, ending the call. I have transportation to arrange.
Three hours later, I pull up to the children’s home and see the bus that I ordered waiting. Locking up my truck, I walk to the door to talk to the driver. “Hi, I’m Cooper.” I shake his hand. “Thank you for being here on such short notice,” I tell him.
“It’s not every day the boss calls you on your day off for a special request from a professional athlete,” he jokes. “Sam Landerson, nice to meet you.” He offers me his hand.
Sam is an older gentleman, probably in his early sixties, if I had to guess. “I brought my wife.” He points to the first seat on the bus. “I hope that’s okay. We don’t get to see our own grandkids as often as we’d like, and this sounded like a good day to us.”
“That’s more than okay. I’m glad you’re both here. I’m going to run in and get the kids, and we’ll be ready to go.”
“We’ll be waiting,” he assures me.
With a smile and a wave, I exit the bus and make my way to the front door. “Hi, I’m here to see Todd Markum,” I tell the receptionist.
“Oh.” Her eyes light up. “Yes, he’s expecting you. I’ll buzz you through.” She hits the button and the lock on the door releases. “Right this way.” She motions for me to follow her.
“Cooper!” Todd Markum stands and greets me. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“Likewise,” I say, shaking his hand. “Are we all set?”
“Yes, but I didn’t tell the kids or the staff. Just told them to prepare for an outing. They’re all waiting in the common room. I thought I’d let you tell them.”
“Great. Lead the way.” I follow him out of his office and down a long hallway that I know ends in the common room for the kids.
“Kids,” he says, and all heads turn our way.
“Coop?” Reese asks in confusion when she spots me.
“Hey.” I go to her and wrap her in a hug. I want to do more, but I know she’s working.
“What are you doing here?”
“Well,” I say, looking away from her to the kids. “I thought we could take a trip.”
“What kind of trip?” Hank, the youngest of the group, asks.
“We’re going to the zoo.”
“Really?” the oldest, Jeff asks.
“Yep.”
“When?” Reese asks.
“Now. Are you guys ready to go?”
“Cooper?” Reese asks.
“Ms. Latham. It’s all been arranged. Mr. Reeves has funded the outing, and there’s plenty of staff to go and keep an eye on the kids. You will be going as well.”
I feel her gaze, so I look down to find her peering up at me with tears in her eyes. “You….” She shakes her head, biting down on her bottom lip.
I lean in close and whisper, “I love you,” then stand to my full height. “Now, before we go, I need your word that you’ll be on your best behavior. Can you do that?” I ask the twelve sets of wide, innocent eyes that stare back at me. Head nods, and a chorus of “Yes!” echoes throughout the room. “Great. Now, there’s a bus parked right outside. Everyone go load up. Ms. Reese and I will be there in just a minute.”
There is a flurry of activity while the workers and the kids head outside to the bus. “Thank you.” I hold my hand out for Todd. “For allowing me to do this for them.”
“Thank you for wanting to. This is a rare treat for them. We appreciate what you’re doing.”
“Like I said, thank Reese. Without her, this wouldn’t have happened.” He nods and turns to leave.
“Cooper,” Reese says once it’s just the two of us. “I can’t believe you did this.”
“You said the kids didn’t get to go out, and there was no funding, so I made it happen.”
“I can’t believe this. You are an amazing man, Cooper Reeves.” Her smile lights up her face.
“Behind every good man is a great woman.” I kiss the corner of her mouth. Sure, it’s cliché as fuck, but it makes her smile grow wider so it’s worth it. Besides, it’s the truth. I wouldn’t be the man I am today without her. She’s helped shape my past, and I can’t wait to see the way our future together unfolds. “Now, let’s get moving. There is fun to be had.” Placing my hand on the small of her back, I lead her outside to the bus.