Page 145 of Scores Of The Heart

“You’ve done well for yourself,” Coach says, looking around, when he walks in the entryway holding hands with his attractive wife. I’m pretty sure she would have put him up to this, but I’m glad either way. “Spending your money wisely, by the looks of it.”

“I set my folks up for life,” I tell him as the girls grab some drinks in the kitchen and Henry makes friends with Angelique. “That felt like the best achievement I’ve ever done.”

“Cindy told me about what happened with Stacey, and for what it’s worth, I’m sorry she lied about it.”

I nod, running a hand through my hair. “It’s been a troubling week, at best.”

“Angel made me realize how much it took for you both to come to me and lay it out on the line. I know you have been getting to know each other, and there’s no crime in that,” he says. “I just want my daughter to be happy. She’s been through a lot, and things with her mother…” he shakes his head.

“Your daughter is an amazing woman. She’s stuck by me, even through all this crazy stuff. That shows her character through and through.”

“She is amazing,” Coach agrees. “And I may be biased because I’m her father, but I’ll always want the best for her.”

I swallow hard.

“The reason I got so upset was about the whole other business with your ex-girlfriend. It all came out of left field. Dating Cindy was one thing, but then revealing Stacey’s pregnancy was a lot.”

”I understand.”

“But in saying that, I’ve always liked you, Tyler. You have a strong character too. You were still willing to do the right thing by Stacey, even if you weren’t together anymore. So that tells me you’ll do the best by Cindy as well.”

I almost can’t believe my ears. “Does that mean we have your blessing?”

He pats me on the back. “I guess it does. But you better look after each other.” He points at me. “No more articles in the Seattle Times, for heaven’s sake.”

I cover my face with my hands momentarily. “Well, I didn’t have much say in it the last time. But I know what you mean.”

Coach gives me another one armed pat. It’s as close as I think I’ll get to a hug.

“And you’ve both made it known to the committee, so you’ll have no problems there. I’ll see to it.”

We both look over to the women in the kitchen pouring the drinks and chatting away.

It warms my heart. I never thought it could be like this, and certainly not after last week with leaving coach’s house the way we did. I guess he’s had time to stew over it.

“What about her mom?” I ask quietly so the girls don’t hear.

“I wouldn’t worry about Adele,” he sighs. “I stopped worrying about what she thought a long time ago.”

“I think I’ll follow that advice.”

“Trust me, I’ve been there.”

“Thanks, Coach.”

“For what?” He asks gruffly, I guess I do sound like I’m getting all mushy.

“For being the no bullshit kinda guy you are. You’ve kept me on the straight and narrow over the years.”

“Someone has to.” He gives me a wink and we both laugh.

Cindy looks up at us then and smiles. And it warms my heart that finally things seem to be getting on track.

* * *

A week flew by since I found out about not becoming a father and we’re going over to my parents tonight. They’ve been beside themselves with worry, but I’ve needed some space and time to get my head around things. I’ve been bad at getting back to anyone this week, Luke included.

I’ve no idea what will happen with Stacey now. She’s sent me at least a dozen texts during the week, telling me she was sorry and she never meant to hurt me. How she was sure it was my kid, yadda, yadda. It’s all white noise to me. And I’ve no intention of messaging her back or seeing her again. I am curious as to what she will do when she gives birth. It could be any day now.

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