Chapter 38
Julia
“Did he fall asleep?” I asked.
Cash nodded, patting Asher soothingly on the back as he rocked back and forth in Boone’s old rocking chair. We were all gathered in front of the TV, waiting for Red’s match to start. “He was out like a light after dinner. I think it was Irene’s cheesecake that did the little guy in.”
“It’s the graham cracker crust,” Irene said with a wink. “It hits the spot every time. Hell, I’m half-tempted to take a nap myself.”
The whole Callaghan clan was here, seated in Irene and Logan’s living room wherever they could find the space. Boone and his wife, Liv, had gathered all the children and kept them corralled in front of the TV on the floor.
Irene and her husband Logan sat together on the armchair next to the fireplace, Irene seated neatly on his lap. Clay and Robin stood behind us on the couch, his arm wrapped around her hip while they both sipped on chilled beers. Brody and his wife, Kate, were still in the kitchen helping themselves to another slice of cheesecake.
“Uncle Levi!” one of the older kids, Adam, complained. “You’re too tall! I can’t see the screen.”
Levi laughed. “Sorry, sprout. Here, let me—” He lay down on his side, propped up on one elbow. “Is that better?”
“We really need to renovate,” Irene murmured. “There’s officially no more space for family dinners.”
Logan hummed. “I’ll see what I can do. Maybe the boys will help me knock out the north wall and we can expand outward next summer.”
Clay waved his hand. “Shh! It’s starting!”
It was a massive spectacle, all sorts of graphics and sound effects flashing across the screen. The stadium was huge, every seat filled with rabid fans cheering at the tops of their lungs.
“Don’t you think this’ll be a little too violent for the kids to watch?” Kate mumbled. “I don’t want this to be a bad influence on them.”
“Lighten up, darlin’,” Brody teased. “Have you seen the video games and cartoons the kids are watching these days? Ten times more horrific. Cash, help me out here, would you?”
Cash chuckled. “Kids,” he said, totally serious. “What you’re about to see are two grown men slapping each other silly. We’re professionals and we do this for a living. No matter what, you will not repeat this behavior. This is for entertainment only. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes, Uncle Cash!” the kids cheered in unison.
I leaned over to kiss Cash on the shoulder. “You’re damn sexy when you’re serious.”
“I’ll have to remember that for tonight.”
Boone cleared his throat, giving us both the side-eye. “The kids, people. Think of the kids.”
Levi gasped, pointing at the television. “There they are!”
The cameras were right in their faces as Red exited the changing rooms and started towards the octagon. Dylan was only two paces behind, looking just as focused.
“Huh, that guy looks familiar,” Clay joked. “Where have I seen that guy before?”
The commentators spoke enthusiastically, rattling off statistics as quick as gunfire.
“Here we have Jonathan ‘Red’ Smithson, who so far has achieved an amazing six-nothing win streak,” the deep voice bellowed. “If anyone caught his p ast couple of matches, you’ll know that this guy is a force to be reckoned with.”
“That’s right, Bucky,” said the second commentator. “We’re in for a real treat tonight. Red’s known for his first-round knockouts, but I’m sure Devil Face is going to give him a run for his money tonight.”
“I second that, Larry! This is going to be the grudge match of a century. After Devil Face’s humiliating defeat against Red during their UFC debut matches, I’m sure there’s some built-up resentment there.”
“You’ve got that right. Devil Face has a lot to prove tonight. Let’s see which one of these heavyweights comes out on top!”
Robin took a deep breath. “God, how do you stand it? I’m already nervous and the fight hasn’t even started yet. Aren’t you worried?”
I laughed softly. “No, I’m not worried. He’s going to win, without a doubt.”