Page 92 of Every Beat of My Heart

I was a little shocked by his confession. “I appreciate it.”

Dad smacked me on the shoulder. “I like Claire and Owen too. Don’t screw it up.”

“Thanks for that vote of confidence.”

“You’re an adult now, so I’m sure you’ll figure it out.” Then he turned to walk away. “I’m starving. I’m going to heat up that casserole Claire dropped off.”

“You just like her because she cooks for you.”

Dad grinned over his shoulder. “That is the quickest way into my heart.”

I shook my head, my mind reeling over everything he’d revealed in the last few minutes. My dad was proud of me, and maybe wanted me to become a full-time teacher? It was almost too much to process.

I wanted to be seen as responsible, and I didn’t think Claire would understand if I quit my full-time job to go back to school. I had enough going on with the farm. I didn’t have time to chase dreams.

I’d made my choice, and I’d have to live with it.

* * *

That Saturday night, I was on the sidelines in a nail-biter. The game was tied at twenty-one a piece. We were ahead by twenty-one. Then Bryce had thrown three interceptions, which had all been returned for touchdowns. I wasn’t sure if he was having an off day or what, but he wasn’t used to failing at anything and he was spiraling.

While the opposing team was celebrating the extra point after the third touchdown, I turned to Owen. “Are you ready to go in?”

Owen put on his helmet, ready to run out for the next play. “As a wide receiver?”

I loved how he was so eager to do whatever I asked of him. “No. As the quarterback.”

He sucked in a breath. “Are you sure?”

“You’re a phenomenal quarterback. You see the receivers in a way Bryce doesn’t.” I wasn’t sure how well he did under pressure. But what did I have to lose at this point? If I left Bryce in, people would be upset. If I took him out, Bryce’s dad, Brian, would be upset. As a coach, I knew this was what I had to do.

Owen squared his shoulders. “I’ll do whatever you need me to do.”

At this point, the rest of the offensive line, including Bryce, was getting ready to go on the field. “Bryce, you’re out. Owen, you’re in.”

“What?” Bryce’s mouth dropped open as Owen led the team onto the field.

What I said to him in this moment would be important. And I knew it wasn’t what he’d hear from his father. “We’re trying something different.”

“Are you saying I’m not any good? My dad—”

“I know what your dad is going to say. You threw three interceptions. It’s not like you, and I’m confident you’ll bounce back from this. But for today, let’s see if putting Owen in will get us a win. You know, a win could put us in the playoffs.”

Bryce nodded. “I know.”

“You’re an important part of this team, whether you’re on that field or not.”

Bryce sighed. “Okay, coach.”

“Good. Now, let’s cheer on the team.”

Owen called the play, his hands behind the center, Joshua, who hiked the ball into Owen’s hands. He passed it off to the running back, Tristan, who ran for three yards. I intentionally started with a running play so he could get over any nerves.

The next play was a pass, and I held my breath as Joshua hiked the ball to Owen, who backed up a few feet. I couldn’t see his eyes from here, but his movements were hurried. He threw it too quickly, and it landed on the ground, short of the receiver.

He needed to exercise more patience, moving around the pocket to give more time for the wide receiver to run the route. It was something that came with experience, which Owen unfortunately didn’t have.

“Are you sure this was a good idea?” one of the dads, Chris, asked. He was one that helped at practice and on the field because he wanted to, not because he thought it would ensure his son a spot.

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