A couple of hours later, Thorn was pacing the floor in his living room. Bella was screaming, the babysitter was a no-show, and he was already late to get to the casino for the event.

“Please, Bella. Don’t cry. Daddy doesn’t know what’s wrong.” He bounced her softly against his chest as he walked, trying to calm her.

((Ring. Ring.))

Thorn picked up his cell phone, balancing it on his shoulder while holding Bella with the other. “Hello?”

Maven could hear Bella crying in the background. “Dude you’re late. Is Bella okay?”

“I can’t get her to stop crying.”

“Coach is about to blow a gasket. He said you should...