Page 42 of Every Beat of My Heart

“Something needs to change at the farm. It’s either figure out what can be fixed or shut it down,” Wes reminded him.

“I’m not giving up on the farm,” Teddy said, his jaw tight.

“Neither am I,” I said.

“We’ll do whatever it takes to bring things around. We can’t rule out the possibility that Ryder and maybe even Axel will move back home.”

“I’ll drink to that,” Teddy said.

It felt good to spend time with my brothers and plan the future of the farm. I couldn’t help but think it would be nice for all the Calloways to be home.

CHAPTER 10

CLAIRE

Owen couldn’t stop talking about how amazing the game was even though he only went in at the wide receiver position a few times, and Bryce didn’t throw him the ball.

When we got home, I ordered a pizza. When it arrived, I called Owen down for dinner.

Owen grabbed a slice from the box and took a bite out of it. “I like wide receiver. I’m fast, and I can catch. I’ll just keep practicing. Do you think Jameson could work with me this weekend?”

“Why don’t you sit, and I’ll get you a plate,” I suggested as I moved toward the cabinet and grabbed plates.

“Can I have a Gatorade?”

“Go for it.” When we were seated and I placed a napkin near his plate, I continued, “I don’t know if that’s a good idea. You don’t want the other players thinking you’re getting special treatment.”

His face pinched. “We were friends before I was on the team.”

“You know how some people think.”

“You mean Bryce’s dad? He’s always saying stuff after practice. He wants to make sure Bryce is the starter, and he doesn’t like me working as the backup.”

I frowned. “Don’t you need someone prepared to step up in case he gets hurt?”

“I guess he doesn’t plan on Bryce getting hurt.”

“Just keep doing what you’re doing.”

“Will you ask Jameson if he’ll work with me? Please.”

I couldn’t say no to Owen. Not when he was so determined to get better and be a part of the team. “Okay. But don’t get your hopes up. He might say no.”

“Can you text him now?” Owen said.

“Sometimes you have no patience,” I said even as I pulled out my phone and sent a quick text to Jameson.

Owen was wondering if you’d work with him this weekend. He’d like to improve his running and catching.

Are you sure that’s a good idea?

Is there somewhere we could go that no one would see us together?

I have the perfect place.

He sent me a link to the directions, and when I pulled up the map it was the Calloway farm. “Looks like we’re going to his Christmas tree farm.”

“Yes,” Owen said over the mouthful of pizza.

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