Page 33 of Along Comes Trouble

I shrug it off. “And maybe all the second born Carmichaels have been just like me. I’m not saying I’m special, but that doesn’t make it any less challenging. My family needs me. They love me and I love them, but none of this is mine .”

“What if you find something that is yours ?”

“Like what? The only things I’m good at are football and working on this farm .”

“I don’t know.” Tessa leans on the counter, arms crossed, thinking. “What if you applied for a coaching position at the high school?” Her face lights up. “How perfect is that? Think about what you could bring to the team! And, you could be part of something that’s so clearly a part of you. Oh, Colton, it could be exactly what you need .”

“It sounds good in theory, but I have zero coaching experience. It’s been a decade since I played. Why would the school want to hire someone like me ?”

“Uh, because you’re Colton fucking Carmichael ?”

“I’m not sure if that’s quite a big enough accomplishment to list on a resume. Now come on, Blue Eyes. Let me grab an extra coat and some blankets for you. It’s time for us to leave or we’re going to miss kick off .”

As much as I want to brush her coaching idea away, it sticks in my head for the rest of the night. As I watch those kids down there on the field, I imagine the things I would say to them after each play. I look for their weaknesses and strengths and wonder how I could help each of them grow. The thought takes root, planting itself firmly in my heart, and for the first time since I gave it all up, I start to think I’ve found a way to matter again .

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