Sorry about the wait everyone, but I was having some writers block during this chapter lucky I wrote though it. Thanks to everyone who has reviewed this story. I'm sad to say that the next chapter will be the last of this story, but it will be extra long. It won't be posted until after the holidays hopefully in the first couple weeks of January.
"Wait so grandpa didn't know you were pregnant with Uncle Jordy?" Theodore their fifteen year old grandson says.
"It was my fault." Santiago says not wanting them to blame their grandmother.
"It was both of our faults, but we did fix it." Brittany says grabbing her husband's hand.
"Honestly I don't remember him ever not being there." Jordy says knowing this part of the story quite well.
"Did you get back together when Uncle Jordy was a baby?" Gracie asks climbing into her grandpa's lap.
"You'll just have to wait to hear." Brittany says.
Flashback 2007 Brittany
"Shh Jordy soon your ears will feel better." Brittany says bouncing the seven month old in her lap.
"He's so cute." an older lady says sitting next to her. "How old is he?"
"He just hit seven months." Brittany says.
It's been a lot of work being in school with a newborn and working out to try and get back in playing shape. But now it's summer break and she made it through the toughest year of her life. Seeing news on Santiago, giving birth and trying to get back into top form was difficult.
"They're just so adorable at this age, enjoy it while it lasts." the older lady says.
"Oh I am." Brittany says.
When they land and she finally makes it down to baggage claim she's shocked to see her mom.
"Mom you didn't have to come pick me up." Brittany says handing her mom, her son.
"I wanted to see my grandson." Susan says trying to keep the tears at bay.
"Oh mom," Brittany says hugging her.
"No your dad would have wanted this." Susan says wiping away some of her daughter's tears.
"Don't cry mom or I'll start." Brittany says.
"Let's go home." Susan says.
The reason that Brittany is here instead of back at UConn doing summer training with the rest of the team is that her dad abruptly passed away two days ago. Needless to say she's been crying on and off and is only holding it together right now because she doesn't want to break down in public.
"Honey I can drive." Susan says when Brittany grabs the keys.
"I know you can, but I'm going to. You can sit in the back with Jordy." Brittany says noticing how her mom looks slightly happier when she's near her grandson.
"I hope you don't mind, but Maria is watching your younger siblings for me." Susan says knowing that Brittany hasn't seen or talked to any of the Lopez's in over a year.
"It's okay mom I know she's your friend and I'm thinking of telling her about Jordy. He's her grandson and deserves to know." Brittany admits.
"Your father would be so proud of you." Susan says tears starting to fall at the thought of her husband.
Brittany puts Jordy's car seat in the backseat of the SUV then puts the bags in the truck while her mom buckles Jordy in. Looking at how sad her mom looks it makes up her mind that she's going to stay here for the summer and head back in August for when practices officially starts again.
"Mom instead of just staying the week, I'm going to stay the summer." Brittany says.
"Okay," Susan says not even trying to fight her on this.
The rest of the drive is rather quiet as Susan falls asleep for the first time in over twenty hours. Brittany isn't looking forward to seeing Maria who no doubt will be able to tell that Jordy is her grandson. She regrets not telling her, but she couldn't see Santiago heck she still has to turn off the TV whenever she sees him on it.
"How are things going with getting back in shape?" Susan asks wanting some good news.
"It's been hard, but this last month I've been able practice and play four quarter pick up without getting winded. I think I'll be ready for practices in September with Coach." Brittany says.
"That's good, does that mean you're still planning on going pro?" Susan hopefully asks.
"Yes mom if I play like I did freshman year then I'll be drafted in the first round." Brittany tells her pulling into the driveway.
"Well if you need any help I'm here." Susan says glad for the distraction her daughter and grandson has brought from all the sadness she's been feeling.
"I know mom, I think I have babysitter set up already though." Brittany says grabbing her bags out of the trunk.
"Here let me take the bags and you come in with Jordy in a few minutes okay." Susan says wanting to get the kids upstairs so Maria and Brittany can talk alone.
"Mom," Brittany says. "Thanks for everything."
"I love you so much." Susan says hugging her before heading in.
She takes a deep breath looking down at her son in her arms. This is something she didn't think would ever happen. She never planned to do this. Every emotion is running through her as she nervously stands there willing herself to go in.
"Brittany it's good to see you….." Maria trails off when she looks up and sees the baby in the blonde's arms.
"Hi Maria." Brittany says waving shyly at the older woman.
"Brittany, no one said you were pregnant or had given birth." Maria softly says staring at her.
"I made my mom promise not to say anything….." Brittany trails off as both women know what she's saying.
"I'm sorry about your dad, if you or your mom need any help myself and Rubio are here so is Santiago if you want his help." Maria says trying to stay calm and remember her dad did just die now is not the time to be upset.
"I don't think I want to see him yet it's still too fresh." Brittany softly says. "But you can hold him if you want." she offers.
Maria gladly takes her grandson in her arms staring at him in complete disbelief. Not even five minutes ago she didn't even know that she had a grandson.
"He looks just like San did as a baby." Maria whispers. "What's his name?" she asks.
"Jordy and he loves when you tickle his belly." Brittany says smiling at the pair.
"Finally I don't have to hold my tongue about this cutie pie." Susan says coming back down.
This is a very nice distraction from all the sadness, she's glad her daughter is staying for the summer.
"You two can take care of him while I go check on the little ones." Brittany says wanting to go say hi to her siblings. "Please don't say anything to San yet." she says.
Maria reluctantly agrees knowing that her son did completely break this poor girl's heart. She'll keep quiet for now, but will drop hints in hope that he can figure it out or just go see Brittany.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you, but Brittany made me promise." Susan says as they sit down with Jordy on Maria's lap.
"I understand, I wish I could have been there, but I get it. She's your daughter and you were trying to protect her." Maria says. "I agree this explains why I didn't see her playing last year when I'd watch the women's games on TV."
"Yeah she redshirted the year but will be back this next season." Susan proudly says.
Surprisingly the two women easily fall into a comfortable conversation about baby Jordy and how cute his is. While that is happening Brittany finds her siblings Kelli who is sixteen, Coby who is fourteen and Amelia who is only twelve in Kelli's room.
"Britty!" Amelia shouts running into her older sister's open arms.
"Hey little one." Brittany softly says. "Come over here Kelli." she says as she can tell she's trying to be strong.
"Thank god you're here." Kelli says hugging her older sister tightly.
"It's good to have you home." Coby says leaning against the wall.
"I'll be here all summer." Brittany tells them.
"Good mom will be happy." Coby says trying to be indifferent even though he's actually happy to have her home.
"We're all happy you're home." Kelli says as they're all trying to avoid the subject that will make them all cry.
"And I'm so happy to be back." Brittany says.
End Flashback
"Pee break," Santiago says getting up and running to the nearest bathroom.
Most of the kids head to the bathroom as well or to get food leaving Brittany with her oldest grandson Nick.
"That sucks about great grandpa." Nick says taking his grandma's hand and squeezing it.
"Your grandpa helped a lot." Brittany says winking at him.
"Grandma you took him back so soon?" Nick asks. "But he was an ass to you."
"Trust me I made him work." Brittany says.
Flashback 2007 Santiago
"Mami, I don't think she'll want to see me." Santiago says.
"Honey her dad just died, the least you can do is go to his funeral to show support." Maria says. "You were over at their house all the time."
"You really think she'll want to see me. That any one of them would want to see me after breaking up with her and the way I did it." Santiago argues.
"Just think about it." Maria says.
"Okay mami," Santiago relents.
She really wants to tell him about his son but won't since she knows that he'll find out soon enough. Instead she'll just push him to go see the blonde.
"Now go to your training session. If you want to get back by next season you need to work out." Maria orders.
"I know mami." Santiago says kissing her before heading out.
But instead of going to physical therapy, he heads to a bar to meet up with Puck. He should be rehabbing his knee to get back. The only problem is he's not sure he wants that life anymore. His rookie year was nothing like his dad used to talk about. He barely got any playing time and was injured most of the season.
"Hey big man." Puck says giving him a hug.
"Hey Puck, how's it going?" Santiago asks sitting down at the bar.
"Can't complain you know working at Burt's shop. I've been promoted to manager." Puck happily says. "What about you?"
"You know recovering still, hoping I don't get cut." Santiago says sighing. "Honestly I'm not having fun playing anymore."
"It reminds you of Brittany and you feel bad about how things went when you broke up." Puck tells him getting them another beer.
"Dude I hate it." Santiago softly says. "I miss her so much and basketball just reminds me of her." he admits.
"Then win her back. I hear she's staying for the summer." Puck says taking a swig of his beer.
"But…."
"Listen man we both know that you won't be happy until you get her back. All I know is that if I had her I'd have never let her go." Puck says staring him down.
"I needed some time away to realize what she truly meant to me. You know we'd basically been together for ten years before I broke up with her." Santiago tries to explain.
"Dude I get it man, but you know you're going to have to grovel to get her back especially after all the women you've been sleeping with." Puck says winking at him.
"Shut up," Santiago says pushing him. "You don't think she knows about that do you?" he worriedly asks.
He has a feeling that if she does know about even a small number of the women, it won't be good for his chances. There's no doubt in his mind that she will hold a grudge about that.
"She knows, I talked to Quinn the other day and she said that Brittany was pissed about hearing about all the women you've been sleeping with." Puck tells him.
"Damn," Santiago softly says.
Puck just chuckles as they start drinking a bit more hard core downing three shots a piece. He's just happy to have his best friend back for the summer.
"Oh shit, duck." Santiago says pulling Puck down with him.
"What the hell?" Puck says trying to get up.
"Keep down, Brittany just walked in with Quinn." Santiago says trying to figure out if he can sneak out.
"Fuck I guess that you can start now." Puck says standing up.
"Puck," Santiago desperately says trying to pull him back down while staying down himself.
"Hey ladies," Puck says walking over hoping Santiago will man up and come out.
"Puck," Quinn says looking him up and down.
She has to admit that he looks fine and he'd make an amazing summer fling.
"Puck is Santiago here?" Brittany asks half wanting him to be here and half not wanting him here.
"Yes, Santiago get out here." Puck says looking back for him. "I'll be right back." he says.
Quinn looks over at her best friend to see what her reaction is. She figures that this will be hard for the taller blonde.
"Are you going to be okay?" Quinn asks.
"It's been over a year since I've seen him." Brittany says. "I just don't want to do something stupid."
"You won't, you know what he's done since you broke up. But you need to at least speak to him so you can tell him in the next few weeks about Jordy." Quinn tells her.
"I guess," Brittany sighs knowing she's right. "I wouldn't want him to find out about Jordy from someone else."
"Oh look there he is." Brittany says when Puck pulls Santiago up from his hiding place.
"Dude she's right there so let's go talk to them." Puck says pulling the Latino with him.
"I can't," Santiago says.
"Yes you can." Puck says pushing him towards Brittany.
"We'll leave the two of you alone." Quinn says pushing Puck away.
Brittany watches her best friend and Puck walk away from them before turning to Santiago. He's still as hot as he was before but she's never seen that sad look on his face before.
"Hi," Santiago nervously says unsure of how she will react to him.
"Hi," Brittany says looking down at the ground.
Santiago looks around unsure of what to say to his ex-girlfriend the only woman he's ever loved and the same woman whose heart he broke. Honestly he has no idea what's going to happen and it scares him. All he wants is a chance to win her back.
"I'm sorry about your dad." Santiago says thinking this is a safe topic to talk about even though it's very sad.
"Thanks, your mom has been a great help as has your father especially with Coby." Brittany softly says.
"You know my parents love your family." Santiago says biting the inside of his lip.
"Yeah," Brittany says looking over at Quinn and Puck who are downing some shots.
He decides to take a chance and grabs her hand.
"I truly am sorry about your dad. He was an amazing guy." Santiago says holding her hand tightly in his.
"San," Brittany says shaking her head.
"I'm here for you, you don't have to always be the strong one." Santiago says knowing that she's been holding the family together.
"I can't," Brittany softly whimpers.
"You can, I promise you that from now on I'll be here for you. Anything you need I'll do it for you." Santiago says pulling her into him. "I'm so sorry for all the shit I've down over the last year. I'll do anything to make it up to you." he says trying not to get too emotional.
He needs to stay strong for her. She did just lose her dad and he wants to be the one to hold her when she cries.
"Santiago," Brittany says pushing away from him. "I can't rely on you after what you did. You broke my heart."
"And I regret it so much." Santiago says. "I want to be in your life again please." he adds.
She takes a deep breath as she stares into his eyes.
"Let's talk tomorrow, meet up at the park." Brittany says. "We have a lot to talk about and I want to do it when we're both clear headed."
"Okay how about noon." Santiago says happy that she's willing to talk to him.
"Sure and I'd love for you to come to the funeral on Friday." Brittany says knowing that having him there will make her feel like she can survive.
"Anything you need." Santiago says.
The rest of the night they don't really talk, but they both enjoy being around the other again.
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"So I need you three to watch Jordy while I talk to Santiago. When I text you come over." Brittany says to her younger siblings.
"Are you sure you're going to tell him about our little man." Kelli says cradling Jordy to her.
"Yes, he deserves to know." Brittany says taking a deep breath.
"We'll come over when you text." Kelli happily says.
"Is San going to be around more?" Coby asks looking very hopefully at his big sister.
"San's going to be around again." Amelia says with wide eyes.
"I think so now I have to go meet him." Brittany says kissing Jordy on the forehead. "Behave for your aunts and uncle."
She keeps looking back at her siblings who are all whispering while cooing over Jordy. She's not sure how Santiago is going to react to finding out he has a son which is why she brought her siblings so they can leave if necessary.
"Britt over here!" Santiago shouts from the basketball court where he's shooting some shots.
"I see you've finally have a good mid-range game." Brittany jokes.
"I've had to work on something since I was injured most of the season." Santiago says.
"I didn't know that. What happened?" Brittany asks sitting on a bench trying to see if she can see what's wrong.
"I tweaked my knee in the first month of the season. I tried to play on it and ended up tearing my meniscus. Two months ago I tore the meniscus in my other knee. Needless to say my rookie year didn't go well." Santiago tells her.
"That sucks, hopefully next season you'll be able to stay healthy." Brittany softly says taking his hand.
"Yeah," Santiago says holding back saying that he misses having her around, that basketball isn't the same.
The next ten minutes they talk about everything that they've done over the last year, catching up. With Santiago avoiding talking about his love life aka all the women he's slept with and Brittany avoiding mentioning Jordy or being pregnant. Though she knows that she needs to tell him soon.
"Britt I've missed you so much." Santiago says. "You have no idea how much. I now realize that I made a huge mistake when I broke up with you."
"San I have something to tell you." Brittany tries to say.
"No I need you to understand that everything that I've done since I broke up with you-"
Brittany silences him with a kiss before pulling back smiling at his dazed look on his face.
"I know you've been sleeping around like a man whore." Brittany says. "And as pissed off as I used to be about it I've decided to let it go because I have big news that you need to know if we're going to be in each other's lives." she starts.
"Whatever it is I don't care so long as you tell me that we have a chance to get back together." Santiago says not wanting to hear about any guy in her life.
"San shut up and let me talk." Brittany orders. "What I have to tell you is huge and something that will change your life forever." she rambles.
Santiago just nods and waits for her to continue. She sends a short text off to her sister saying head over.
"I didn't tell you sooner because I lost trust and faith in you with how you acted, but you need to know now. We can't move forward until I tell you….you have a son." Brittany says finishing very quickly.
"I what?" Santiago says thinking he heard wrong.
"We have a son." Brittany says again.
Santiago stares at her trying to take in what he just heard. They have a son together. As in a baby. He has a little boy with the only woman he's ever really cared about.
"I have a son." Santiago says finally able to form words.
"Yes, he's seventh months old and name is Jordy. Would you like to meet him?" Brittany asks unsure of how he's feeling about this right now.
"Heck yes," Santiago excitedly says.
"Sanny!" Amelia shouts running over to him and hugging him.
"Hey squirt what are you doing here?" Santiago says looking up to see the other two walking over with a baby in his arms.
"We're bringing you little Jordy." Amelia says. "He's my nephew."
"I know, he's very cute." Santiago says watching as Kelli hands Brittany, Jordy.
"Hey San, it's good to see you." Coby says nodding at him.
"You two Coby." Santiago says nodding back.
Brittany watches as her siblings all talk over one another to Santiago which makes her smile. She's glad to have him back in her life even though she doubts that they'll ever be back together. Sure he'll be there for Jordy, but after everything that happened she can't see being more than friends with him.
"Okay Kelli you can take my car home and I'm sure that San can take me." Brittany says looking over at him.
"Of course," Santiago says looking at his son.
"Cool thanks," Kelli says whispering something to the other two as they walk off.
"So…." Santiago says looking at his son.
"This is your son Jordy." Brittany says putting him in Santiago's arms.
"Oh my god he's so cute." Santiago says awkwardly holding his son.
"He looks and acts so much like you." Brittany says all smiles as she stares at them.
"You going to be a mini me little man." Santiago coos at his son. "I can't believe I didn't realized you missed the season last year." he says looking at her.
"You were a little busy sleeping around." Brittany says raising an eyebrow at him.
"Hey you can't hold that against me, we weren't together." Santiago argues. "You should have told me."
"How was I supposed to do that when you wouldn't return any of my attempts to contact you. Then I heard about all the women you've been sleeping with and frankly I lost all faith in you." Brittany says trying to stay calm. "Do you know how hard this was to do without you, I felt like I didn't have a choice."
Santiago has to bite his tongue to not say something mean or hurtful back. Even though he wants to blame her deep down he knows that it's also his own fault for the way he acted after dumping her.
"Well I'd like to be here for Jordy and you." Santiago softly says.
"Of course San, I want you to be a part of his life." Brittany says.
They spend another hour talking about Jordy and making a plan for Jordy to spend some time with the Lopez's.
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"I can't believe she didn't tell him." Rubio says when his son tells him about his grandson.
"Honey don't harp on this and be glad she told us period since Santiago didn't really end things well at all. His actions after their breakup played a part in her decision." Maria reminds him.
Rubio goes to say something, but Santiago cuts him off.
"Dad I'm glad to have my son in my life. That he'll always know me as dad and not know I wasn't there the first seven months of his life. I'm going to try and win her back so the last thing I need you doing is upsetting her. She's already made it clear that she's not optimistic about us getting back together."
"Fine, but I want to see my grandson." Rubio counters as he has yet to see him.
"You will we have a plan worked out for Jordy to spend time with us." Santiago says parking the car.
"Enough of this talk we're here to support the Pierce's in burying Paul." Maria says.
"I'm going to go find Britt." Santiago says getting out of the car.
"Are we really okay with this?" Rubio asks his wife.
He's not sure wither he can be happy or should be upset about the fact she just told them they have a seven month grandson. He wants to be upset at her, but she's Brittany and like a daughter to him so really he's just upset at everything that happened.
"Yes we are and we're going to support whatever happens between the two of them." Maria says.
"I hope they get back together that would make everything easier." Rubio says getting out and running around to open his wife's door.
"Yes it would." Maria agrees kissing her husband's cheek before getting out.
Heading into the church Maria makes a beeline for Susan who immediately hugs her.
"I'm here for whatever you need me to do." Maria says.
"Thanks," Susan says sniffling.
Kelli, Coby and Amelia are all right next to their mom sniffling as Maria hugs each of them. Rubio stands behind them all as their emotional support if any of them need it. Coby walks back and stands next to him.
"If you need any advice or just want to talk you can always talk to me." Rubio says.
"Okay," Coby says.
Across the church Santiago has Jordy in his right arm and his left arm around Brittany's shoulders.
"Thanks for being here." Brittany sniffles.
"I told you I would be here for you." Santiago says kissing the top of her head.
"I'm really glad you're here. I need you to be my rock right now even though we're not dating." Brittany says tickling their son's belly causing him to smile.
"I'll always be your rock no matter where our relationship goes." Santiago says.
"Oh Britt," Quinn says coming over and hugging her best friend tightly.
The service is nice with Maria reading the eulogy that Susan and Brittany wrote as neither could speak about him yet. Coby spoke about his dad for the family as no one else thought they could. It ends with a slide show of pictures of Paul throughout his life. The last picture being Paul and Susan holding newborn Jordy.
End Flashback
Brittany starts sniffling and Santiago wraps his arms around his whispering calming words in her ear.
"I wish we could have met him." Carter whispers to his siblings.
"We all do." Tyler whispers back.
"Grandma," Ruby says getting up and walking over to her. "I love you."
"I love you too little one." Brittany says giving her a watery smile.
"Maybe we should skip to a more happy part of the story." Portia their eighteen year old granddaughter says. "I for one want to hear how you two got back together."
"Well it took me quite a while to finally win her back." Santiago says smiling.
Flashback 2009
Santiago pulls his hood up as he walks into the gym praying no one recognizes him. He's here to see Brittany play against Notre Dame and to see his son as he hasn't seen him since the NBA season started four months ago. Thankfully his team the Warriors have three days off and he's able to come to Connecticut.
The summer after the funeral had gone really well with him building a solid friendship back up with Brittany. He hasn't made much headway with getting her back, but is still trying and hasn't done anything with any other women. He's been devoted to three things his son, Brittany and being a great NBA players. With Brittany back in his life, his game has vastly improved and is averaging twenty-three points, eleven rebounds, five assists and three blocks. And thankfully he's been injury free. Since his game has improved he's been getting way more playing time and some endorsement deals. Everything in his life has improved thanks to Brittany being back in his life and of course his son.
"Santiago?" Kelli says setting him first.
"Shh, I don't want anyone to recognize me." Santiago says ducking down even more trying not to be so tall.
"What are you doing here?" Susan asks handing him Jordy once he's sat down next to Coby.
The last she knew he wouldn't be able to come out until after the season as he didn't have any time off.
"I could ask you the same thing." Santiago says not wanting to answer since he's sure that she doesn't want him back with Brittany and he's here to keep pushing to win her back.
"The kids and myself are up here for the long weekend." Susan says smiling softly as the eleven month Jordy grabs at his dad's face and babbles to him holding his thumb tightly.
"I wanted to come see my big man. I haven't seen him in person for four months." Santiago says looking down at him lovingly.
"Britt will be surprised to see you." Susan says.
"That's the plan, you don't mind if I steal her and Jordy for the night after the game. I have to leave tomorrow." Santiago says.
"Cool this means we can go to the hockey game." Coby hopefully says.
"If your sisters agree." Susan says.
"Look there's mommy." Santiago says to Jordy pointing to Brittany who has just run out on the court.
"Maa," Jordy says.
"That's right little man that's your mommy." Santiago says smiling as he watches Brittany warm up.
She is the hottest woman he's ever seen and watching her play is turning him on. All he wants is to have his family back together.
"She's better then you." Coby says to Santiago.
"When hasn't your sister been better than me." Santiago jokes back.
"Never," Amelia happily says. "You need to be around more San, Britty's always more happy when you're around."
"I'll try, but my season is going on right now." Santiago says.
"Okay," Amelia says snuggling into him.
Once the game starts Santiago has Jordy asleep in his lap, Amelia's head on his shoulder and Kelli's head on his other.
"Looks like you're going to be used as a human pillow the whole game." Susan says.
"He always is." Coby says glad it's not him this time.
Connecticut ends up blowing DePaul out of the water, winning 109 to 60. The Pierce's all stand in front of Santiago wanting to really surprise Brittany when she comes over.
"Mom where's Jordy?" Brittany says looking around them.
"Hey Britt," Santiago says standing up with Jordy in his arms.
"San," Brittany says gasping and scrambling up to hug him.
"It's good to see you too Britt." Santiago says wrapping his free arm around her.
"How did you manage to get away? Don't you have a game in two days?" Brittany asks still snuggled in his embrace.
"I have three days off and figured that I'd come see you and Jordy even if it's only for a day." Santiago says kissing the top of her head.
"Mom….." Brittany says looking over at her.
"Go have fun with San and Jordy." Susan says.
"Thanks mom,"
Santiago has his arm wrapped around Brittany as they leave glaring at a few guys who are eyeing her.
"So I was hoping to go back to your place and spend some alone time with you and Jordy. Maybe make you dinner?" Santiago hopefully says leading her to his rental car which he bought a baby seat for already.
"San should we get the baby seat out of my car?" Brittany asks looking to see if her mom has left.
"Don't worry I bought one." Santiago opening the back door to put Jordy in the car seat.
He stares at the buckles unsure of what the hell he's supposed to do with them. Brittany or his mom normally handles this, but he wants to learn.
"Um Britt," Santiago says looking over his shoulder to see her smiling at him.
"Yes San," Brittany says walking up to him and putting her hand on his shoulder.
"Do you think you could help?" Santiago asks.
"San one of these days you're going to have to learn how to buckle him in." Brittany chuckles easily buckling him in.
"Hey these things are hard to figure out." Santiago says.
"Just drive I'll tell you were to turn." Brittany says kissing his cheek.
The whole drive back to Brittany's apartment all he can think of is that kiss. Even though it's only on his cheek it's still progress since before she wouldn't have shown him that much affection. It's getting his hopes up that he stands a chance.
Brittany watches Santiago driving so focused on the road that he doesn't notice her staring at him. She loves that he has a little stubble and it looks like he's going to be growing a beard which she thinks he'd look good with. Since her dad died and they reconnected she's been surprised at how hard he's been working to get back in her good graces. He's really stepped up way more than she thought he would and she can see them getting back together in the future.
"Turn left here and the house with the oak is my place." Brittany says.
"Wow it's a nice house." Santiago says as he was expecting an apartment.
"My mom thought it would be better since I have Jordy." Brittany says getting out to grab Jordy.
"I'll get those." Santiago says grabbing her bags and their son.
"San," Brittany says blushing.
"Let me do the heavy lifting while I'm here since I've been gone for so long." Santiago says.
"Okay," Brittany says leading him in.
It takes them a while to settle Jordy down who woke up hungry and then wanted his dad reaching for him, pulling on his face once he got in his arms. After playing with Jordy for thirty minutes the little boy yawns and starts to get fussy.
"I think it's someone's bed time." Brittany says.
"I'll put him to bed." Santiago hopefully says.
"He's room is the first on the right." Brittany says leaning back on the couch.
She smiles glad that Santiago's here at least for the night to help out. Closing her eyes she falls asleep exhausted from the game. Walking out and back into the living room Santiago's surprised to find Brittany asleep on the couch.
"Britt," Santiago says kneeling in front of her and shaking her slightly.
Brittany grunts and turns away the annoyance.
"Britt Britt come on let me at least get you to bed." Santiago softly says.
"I'm up," Brittany says yawning rubbing her eyes.
"You can go to sleep if you want." Santiago says.
"No I want to talk to you. It's been four months since I last saw you in person." Brittany says getting up to make room for him to sit.
"I look forward to talking to you and seeing my son. You both are on my mind all the time." Santiago says.
"San really?" Brittany asks.
"Britt," Santiago says taking her hands in his. "I'm so in love with you and I know you've said that you don't trust me and won't be anything more than friends."
"San-"
"No Britt I need you to hear me. I love you. And I'm willing to do anything to win your heart back. You and Jordy are my life and all I care about." Santiago says cupping her face.
"Oh San," Brittany says pressing her lips against his.
End Flashback
"You took him back." Ben says.
"That was the start of us dating again." Santiago says smiling at his wife.
"Not officially though we dated for a few months before he asked me to be his girlfriend again." Brittany says.
"Hey I was scared you'd say no." Santiago says.
Flashback 2009
"And with the first pick in the draft the Seattle Storm has selected from the University of Connecticut Brittany Pierce." the WNBA commissioner says.
Santiago stands up clasping and whistling for his girlfriend. Brittany blushes as she walks up to take a picture with the commissioner. It takes almost an hour before she's finally able to get back to her family. Her mom is the first to hug her followed by her siblings. Santiago waits back with Jordy in his arms wiggling to get free. Once she turns to them he releases the two year old to run into his mom's arms.
"I'm so proud of you." Santiago says following his son and kissing her on the lips.
"Thanks," Brittany says burying her head in his chest.
"Britt I think our little man has something for you." Santiago says moving so she can see what their son is holding in his little hand.
Brittany gasps as she sees a ring with a rock on it as big as her thumb nail.
"Brittany Susan Pierce," Santiago says handing Susan, Jordy and getting down on one knee. "I have loved you for half my life and I plan on loving you for the rest of it. Even after all the shit I've done, you still love me and I want to spend the rest of my life proving my love to you. So will you do me the honor of marrying me?"
"YES!" Brittany shouts as she starts to cry as he puts the ring on her finger.
"Finally," Kelli says as they are engulfed by the Pierce's.
End Flashback
"Finally!" Portia shouts causing everyone to laugh.