Free Playing Fate (Endgame Series Book 1) by Leigh Ann Lunsford Page B

don’t have to work—ever. That’s not me. I was raised that hard work is the only way to get ahead. Yes, my parents pay for my schooling and expenses while I’m in school because that is their choice. My dad didn’t come from money. He is ex-Air Force and now an anesthesiologist. My mom was born with a silver spoon but still had to work every summer unless she was involved in activities. We don’t look down on anyone—money or not. That isn’t a priority for us.”
    I see her sigh. “I just keep making horrible assumptions.”
    “Yeah, you do.”
    “Sorry.”
    “Forgiven. We’re here. Come on and get it over with.”
    “Back so soon?” My mom frowns as we walk in.
    “Woman, you’re gonna give me a complex. Stop pretending you don’t love me.”
    “Deacon, quit being a drama king. You’ll understand when you’re a grandparent.”
    I freeze. “Quit that crazy talk. My princess won’t ever leave me.”
    My parents both start laughing with Saylor joining in. “Maybe you should set an example for her,” she whispers to me. As if.
    “Hey, Saylor. Come meet my husband, Josh. Our spawn seems to have forgotten his manners. Warning, he always makes it about him.” She smirks at me as she is pulling Saylor farther into the house. “I think it’s a trait he picked up from his father.”
    “Don’t fill her head with lies. All his bad traits are from your side of the family, Sara.” My dad joins them and hugs Saylor as she tries to withdraw.
    “Good thing for Mom, I don’t have any bad traits.” They both roll their eyes. “How was she?”
    “Perfect as usual.” My dad grins and looks to the bassinet she’s asleep in.
    “I don’t know why you had to get a sitter. I told you I’d keep her.”
    I sigh. “I know. The drive back and forth is too much. Besides, we need a routine. It’s not like I hired a hot, young, co-ed to keep my daughter. I doubt my Sunday school teacher counts as a misfit. After all, you trusted me in her care.”
    “That’s where we went wrong.” My mom smiles at my dad like she just found the seventh wonder of the world.
    “You are hilarious.” I kiss her cheek as I pick up my daughter. She snuggles into my neck, and I sigh in contentment. I meet Saylor’s eyes, and she’s pulled back but still mesmerized with our dynamic.
    “Can I come get her one day a week for a few hours?” I hate my mom thinks I’m punishing her.
    “Yes. Anytime you want. Can you keep her overnight next weekend?”
    “Yes. How about all weekend?”
    “How about no. Just Saturday night.”
    “You’re just mean,” she huffs at me. “Don’t come get her until Sunday afternoon. At least give me some time with her.”
    “Because I keep her held hostage all the time. You see her as much as I do.”
    “Lies.” She sticks her tongue at me.
    “I’m sorry. You seem like such a sweet girl. Normal. Not like the ones he usually brings home. I don’t want to scare you off.” My dad is teasing Saylor, but I don’t want her to think I bring girls home often. Besides my friends and Adriane, nobody else has been important enough to meet my parents.
    “Dad,” I warn.
    “Lighten up. He’s so sensitive,” he says to Saylor. “He doesn’t bring girls home. If it weren’t for Julie, we’d think he was gay. Which is okay, we’d love him the same. But I think he’s lacking in other departments so he can’t keep a girl.”
    “Oh my God,” Saylor chokes.
    “Dear, that’s not giving yourself such a good reputation. He is your son,” my mom joins in, and watching Saylor turn five shades of red, I’ve never been so grateful for my parents.
    “Hush your mouth, woman.”
    “Okay. I’ve had enough. Say goodbye, children,” I tell both my parents and snake an arm around Saylor, pulling her towards the door. “Sorry,” I whisper.
    She beams at me, “That was classic. Don’t be sorry.”
    “You know they’re liars?” I wink at her.
    “Of course. I happen to know you aren’t lacking in