Chapter 14

Tim had been helping Jason, Herc and Billy fix up the house they bought from Buddy Garrity. Jason was so determined to flip the house because he needed to make money because his girlfriend and baby had moved to New Jersey he was always making the comment that he needed it more than anyone else. Tim never doubted him in that case, even though he always felt he and Jason were in the same situation, he was beginning to see the difference once Noah and Erin had moved away and in the back of his mind he always wondered when the day would come that he too would have to say goodbye to Lyla and Cam, so he was trying to do whatever he could to help. The house eventually sold but it did not seem enough, Jason was thinking about something long term for his family, and at the celebratory lunch he announced that he was going to New York to get a sports agent job. Tim looked the most surprise and was little hurt, he gulped down his beer and walked to the bar standing up he ordered a shot as the bartender looked at him as he didn't want to serve. He took out his fake ID and laid it on the bar as the bartender passed him a shot, Jason rolled over and knocked him with his chair:

Jason: What the hell man?

Tim: Hey, why ya hitting with your chair.

Jason: So I say I'm going to New York and you walk away!

Tim: I just don't see why you have to go all the way to New York to get a job.

Jason: Tim, You know better than anyone how it feels and what this life of being a father is like.

Tim: (looks down at Jason) New York huh!

Jason: Yea! So you gonna come with me or do I gotta beg you.

Tim: Sure! I'm in! (He bumps fist with Jason).

After the lunch Tim had to get over to Lyla's he promised he would go with her and her father to pick up her brother and sister coming in from California. Getting to Lyla's they were still getting ready to go and with Cam it was always more to be done. He walked in the front room as Lyla brought in the diaper bag and he saw his son sitting in the bouncer squatting down he smiled at him and said "hey pal", un-strapping him he picked him up and put him on his shoulder and walked in Lyla's bedroom watching her fixing everything over and over again. She grabbed two bags putting them at the door, she took a box of condoms she had hidden in her room and slid them into the bag. She walked over to Tim and gave him a kiss, saying "hey you". Loading into the car they drove to the airport and Buddy seemed the most excited talking about all the things there were going to do he looked in his rearview mirror at Tim and said "it's gonna be good wholesome family time", Tim laughed playing with Cam and said "Grandpa's really nervous". They got to the airport and took the stroller out snapping in the carrier and began walking through the airport. Buddy had begun panicking not knowing what gated the children was coming in at as they walked through the airport looking around:

Buddy: I think it was gate 4, Lyla honey do you remember what gate it was.

Lyla: (pushing the stroller) No daddy, you didn't write it down.

Tim: (walking behind them really closely) Well I remember it was gate 2.

Buddy: Well who asked you Mr. Tim Riggins?

Lyla: Okay daddy! Tim's just trying to help (she looks back at Tim) Here Tim how about you push Cam.

Tim: (looked at Lyla) I don't wanna push the stroller.

Lyla: (stops pushing and turns and grabs his hands guiding them to the stroller) Okay sweetie, daddy's gonna push you now.

Tim: (begins pushing the stroller and looks down at Cam whom smiling and waving his arms around) Fine! You like when I push you and anyways. Right!

They finally arrived at the gate and waited about two minutes seeing the kids getting off the airplane. Tim reached down and raised Cam out of the stroller and passed him to Lyla. She walked toward her brother and sister and hugged them saying "hi guys" she stood with Cam on her hip and holding him tightly. This was their first time meeting Cam, because when she gave birth to him they were already living in California and they had not been back to Dillon since. She looked at both of them saying "guys I want you to meet your nephew", she looks at her baby boy and says "this is Cameron". Her brother and sister looked at him and they were smiling. Buddy quickly interrupted them saying "kids meeting the grandbaby, this only happens a few times in life." They all looked at him and Lyla walked over to Tim and passed him back Cam, she said "you guys remember Tim" Buddy Jr laughed saying "wow! You guys are still together." Tim strapping Cam back in the stroller replied "okay first yea! And second why not". They all laughed more as they exited the airport pushing the stroller and loaded into Buddy's Suv. Tim sat in the front with Buddy and Lyla loaded in the way back with Cam. Her brother and sister sat in the back seat as Buddy drove them:

Lyla: So you guys are gonna stay in my room an Cam and I are gonna stay over at Tim's

Buddy: (looking confused) Okay Lyla baby what are you talking about you're gonna stay at Tim's, we got plenty of room.

Lyla: Daddy! There's no room with Cam and me there. So I can just stay at Tim's only for a week.

Tim: It's no problem! I mean I got plenty of room.

Buddy: You stay out of this Tim Riggins.

Lyla: Dad! Don't be like that to him, it was my idea

Buddy: Well we're a family and I'm not giving up on this family. Cameron's a Garrity too and we're all gonna stay at the condo. Now Tim Riggins is happy to come over as usual but we're all gonna be family together.

They all ride in silence the rest of the way home. When they get home Tim carried Cam's carrier into the house and sat it down in the living room. He looked around as everyone was getting settled in. He looked down at his son and said "well pal I gotta go", as he reached down un-strapping him and carrying him in around to the kitchen. Lyla came out of her bedroom and looked around saying "I really don't know where we're all gonna sleep." He looked over at her while her dad was outside gearing up the grill and said "I mean you can still come over, and just not go home. I hate to see you and Cam squished together in here. Besides I know someone (raising his eyebrows) that will love to have you over at the Riggins house." Lyla took her hand and slid it down to his belt buckle saying "someone or something" Tim smile and said "well…. When you put it like that…" She took Cam from him and Tim began making a bottle for his son, she watched as he went through motions while still chatting with her, he had become a pro at making bottles. Just not too long ago he wasn't very helpful in that department but ever since they had begun using the formula too. He had took a more active role in the feeding time, so that he could experience some of the bonding time he envied so much that her and Cameron shared. Finishing the bottle he waved in front of Cam's face saying "let's do it dude!" and he took him from Lyla once again. He walked over to the couch and sat down feeding him looking into his son's eyes as he quickly drifted off to sleep. Lyla's brother and sister were keeping to themselves and Tim felt maybe it was because he was around so he told Lyla he was gonna go after he put Cam down. Once Cam was complete out he looked over at Lyla and said "that's my cue", walking his son to the play pen and placing him down. He kissed his hand and placed it on his cheek just as he always did; Lyla got off the couch and walked him to the door.

Tim: (wrapped his arms around her) See you later?

Lyla: (looking in his eyes) Oh I don't know, I might stay here and see how it goes, it's their first night back and daddy can come off strong. SO…

Tim: Yea! Yea! Sure, hang here with the family! Because…..

Lyla: Tim!

Tim: I sort of promised J I'd go to New York with him.

Lyla: Tim? What about Cameron!

Tim: It's three days. You can still stay at the house if you need to, I'll leave you the keys.

Lyla: WOW! New York! You hate the city. So what are you going for.

Tim: (pulling her tighter) I'm going for J to help him but trust I'm coming right back here, Texas Forever! (rubbing his nose with hers)

Lyla: (kissing him) Texas Forever!

As time went by Lyla was spending time with her family but her brother and sister were being brats, they had turned into Californian children and nothing in Dillon was good enough for them. Buddy had planned lots of family activities and Lyla was on board with everything but her brother and sister just turned everything down. Driving in the car they were on their way to a rodeo, they kids were very unhappy and Buddy proposed a sing a long but everyone was rather against it. Lyla's sister Tabitha was more interested in talking about Tim.

Tabitha: Where's Tim? I mean isn't this a family outing and since you two had a baby aren't you like a family.

Lyla: Yea we are! (Looking in the rearview mirror) and we love each other.

Buddy: Yea I'm sure Tim loves lots of women.

Lyla: Daddy let's not argue about Tim besides (turning around to see her brother and sister) what do you think of your nephew.

Buddy Jr: He's pretty big!

Buddy: That's because we got us a Dillon Panther there, Tim did give add to the Garrity line there.

Tabitha: He's really cute! He looks a lot like Tim.

Lyla: I think so too.

Buddy Jr: He doesn't do much though, he just sleeps.

Lyla: He's still a baby! He's almost four months but he does a lot when Tim's around.

Tabitha: Well why isn't he here.

Lyla: He had to help a friend. Besides I wanna spend time with you guys, I missed you.

Tabitha and Buddy Jr: missed you too.

In New York Tim and Jason were having no luck and now Jason was trying to figure out what his next step was. All Tim could come up with was to go strip club and get crazy drunk. He wasn't really too thrilled with Jason moving away so he wasn't being much help. Until Tim had the crazy idea of going to get the football star that got away from the sports company that Jason wanted to join. It made Jason think that this was the best way so he agreed to travel to go and try to convince him. Lucky for him, he's an honest man because the football star agreed to hear the company out and by doing that he was giving Jason the opportunity he needed to get in this business. It ended up working out for the best and Jason was excited and wanted to share the news with Erin and Noah. They loaded in a special taxi able to accommodate his wheel chair and headed for New Jersey:

Jason: I can't believe this, I can't believe it.

Tim: You did it six! You did it!

Jason: Now all I gotta do is convince Erin to move in with me and be a family.

Tim: It's in the bag! She'll do it!

Jason: What if she says no! What if she doesn't want to!

Tim: Then you convince her!

Jason: How?

At that moment Tim had a glimpse in his mind of Lyla and Cam, he thought of how much he loved them and he spoke from his heart

Tim: (looks over at Tim) you tell her…. That without her this doesn't work! She's the missing puzzle piece. You look her in the eyes and tell her…. I love you! I will do anything to be in my son's life and whatever you need, or want I will try my hardest to give to you so please, please….. (Tim looks away from Jason and out the window)

Jason: (smiles at Tim) Does she know?

Tim: I don't know! (Looks at Jason) I'm pregnant.

Jason: What!

Tim: What if she throws a curveball at you like that. (They laugh as they drive to Erin's parent's house).

As Tim watched all the happiness for Jason happen, he wondered when it would be his time, he knew that soon he and Lyla would have to look toward the future and that meant college. Lyla was smart and Vanderbilt had always been her dream but, now that they have Cameron he wasn't sure if he wanted her to give up any of those dreams. They never talked about it but soon they would have to and Tim knew either he would be saying goodbye or looking for ways to keep them just like Jason.

Back in Dillon Lyla and her family had gone camping but her brother and sister were not really cooperating. She was standing around holding Cameron with her dad talking about how much he loved camping:

Buddy: Here we go the nice outdoors; this is good for us all! Isn't this great guy!

Tabitha: I hate camping!

Buddy: Since when?

Tabitha: Kevin says this is how you get skin cancer.

Lyla: No that's from UV and tanning (bouncing Cam on her hip)

Buddy: (picks up the football) let's throw the old pigskin around, come on Little Bud.

Buddy Jr: I hate football Dad, I play soccer now. Besides Kevin says football's the only sport played here in Texas.

Buddy: You listen here! You're a Garrity and football is in your blood just like Cameron. And Kevin is not a Garrity that's why he doesn't understand. (Placing the football down) Fine you don't want to well let's just start dinner. (Pulls out steak) I got us some fresh cut prime rib steaks.

Tabitha: Dad! I'm a vegan

Buddy Jr: Kevin says it's wrong to slaughter animals.

Buddy: Kevin is not your father, and we can say a nice little prayer before we eat.

Tabitha: Yea because a real father wouldn't have cheated on mom. I'm not eating that! And how long are we staying here, aren't there coyotes out here. God how can you be my father?

Buddy Jr: Me either! Yea doesn't that just attract coyotes? Yea dad do you even think about us.

Buddy: (gets upset and throws the meat into the woods) Fine! Then don't eat it. Let the Damn Coyotes get it. I don't care and you know I wish to god I weren't you father either. (Walking away) All I've got from ya'll since you got here is hate. So do whatever you want.

Lyla: (holding Cam who begins to cry when Buddy starts to yell, and she tries to calm him down) Dad! Dad! (Walks over to the picnic table with a crying Cameron) You guys how could you? Dad is trying, he's done wrong and yea it sucked but he's your father. And ever since you got here you've been acting like spoiled little brats. I suggest you guys try to make the rest of your trip and find a way to accept him because he's our dad. (Hugging Cameron closer and trying to get him calm) Shhh! I know baby!

Later on while Buddy was walking on the road thinking about everything when Lyla drove up:

Lyla: Daddy, Daddy! Get in the car (stopping the car)

Buddy: (stops walking and opens the door) Thanks!

Lyla: Daddy don't be hard yourself!

Buddy: Lyla sweetie, I've tried baby! I'm trying…. I'm so sorry that I ruined our family baby I am (sincerely speaking) But now I live for you kids! I love you all.

Lyla: I know daddy!

Buddy: (looks back to see the carrier in back seat) you and Cameron are my life here in Dillon baby; I will do anything to protect ya! I love that grandbaby. (Reaching over kissing her hand as Lyla smiles at him).

The next couple of days went by smooth enough until finally Tim came back, he had the taxi take him straight to Lyla's where he walked up to the door and knocked. He heard a lot of moment until Lyla came to the door yelling back "I got it." She opened the door and there stood Tim stand with his bag in his hand. She immediately ran into his arms gasping. He picked her up kissing her and backing her into the wall. He kissed her up and down saying "somebody missed me" he slapped her on the butt and kissed saying "where's the boy?" As she slid down and she took his hand bringing him inside and she kissed him some more, and wrapped her arms around his neck saying "he's in the room playing with Tabby and Buddy Jr." Tim smiled as he pulled her closer saying "sounds like everything is goin good." They looked in each others eyes for a moment until Tim asked her "so…. Friday!" Lyla knew what he was about to ask her; since the season had started he had wanted to have Cam at a game. But Lyla kept telling him he was too young to for the night air. He was hoping that because her brother and sister were there and the whole family was gonna be at the game that she would finally reconsider and plus Cam was nearly four months. He looked her in the eyes and said "can the boy come?" She pulled back a little with her head and thought about it replying "he can go! I think it's about time that he get to see his daddy play" Tim had the biggest smile "what did you just say" she smiled at him saying "he's coming". Tim hugged her tighter asking once again "really" She ran her hand on his face "yea we're both gonna be there cheering for you." She rubs his cheek "so you better win." He nods his head and says "Clear eyes full hears can't lose" and he kisses her lips as they stand in the living room.

At game Friday night Tim was absolutely on fire every time they put the ball in his hands nothing could stop him. Lyla was in the stands holding Cam, she had dressed him in a panther jersey of Tim's number 33, and a jean jacket with jeans and some soft toed infant cowboy boots Lyla had ordered online. She would point out to Cam every time "That's your daddy, look yeah Daddy." Her whole family cheered for Tim as they watched him with great joy. When the game was finally over Lyla made her way down to the sidelines just so she could let Tim see him right before he went into the locker room:

Lyla: (standing with the Cam in her arms with him facing outward, so he could see Tim) Tim! Tim!

Tim: (sees Lyla and moves toward her) Lyla! Lyla

Lyla: (face to face with him) Hi Daddy!

Tim: (with one hand he moves closer to her and scoops Cam out of her arms. Bringing his other arm around with the helmet in it to better hold Cam.) Hey you! In a few years that will be you out there.

Lyla: (takes his helmet) Good game!

Tim: (still holding Cam) only because you two were here (he leans over and kisses her).

Lyla decided to let Cam go home with the rest of her family while she stuck around and waited for Tim:

Seeing him out on the field made so horny for him, and then how he could be so gentle with her and Cam. She just knew he was perfect for her. All of the team started to exit the field house and Tim was somewhere in the mix as he congratulated all the guys on a win. They were trying their hardest to get Tim to come with them but he kept refusing saying "I got my gal, and my football that's all I need." Everyone laughed saying how much Riggins was whipped, he ignored and continued to the truck carrying his bag, as he approached his truck he saw Lyla leaning up against it with her arms folded:

Tim: (walked up closer to her, and tossed his bag in the back) Now I thought you were supposed to be waiting for me at home with the boy.

Lyla: (reaching out wrapping her arms around his waist) He's fine! So are you gonna pout about not having your son tonight or are you gonna take me back to your house. Tim Riggins.

Tim: (Kissing her) Well…. When you put it that way… I guess I better not waste time. (Kissing her).