Practice was routine—the team (Andrew, Aaron, Nicky, Neil, Kevin, Dan, Matt, Allison, and Renee) running drills, the sound of sneakers and the rhythmic bounce of the ball filling the gym.

Then the doors swung open.

A toddler burst inside, eyes wide and tear-filled, their small frame tense with urgency. Without hesitation, they ran straight onto the court, weaving past stunned players without a second glance. Their destination was clear.

Andrew.

The gym fell silent.

The ball rolled to a stop. No one moved. No one spoke.

The child collided with Andrew, tiny hands clutching at his shirt, face pressing into him like he was the only safe place in the world.

The team stared, trying to process what they were seeing.

Because as far as they knew, Andrew Minyard didn’t do attachments.

But Wymack, Abby, Neil, Kevin, Aaron, and Nicky knew better.

This wasn’t just any child—this was Andrew’s adopted child. The youngest, most fiercely protected member of “The Monsters.”