Page 122 of Mom Ball

She shakes out her hand.

“You know, I lived through both parents dying and didn’t take it well at all. When I heard the news about my sister and brother-in-law’s plane crash, I wanted to die too.” She shuffles uncomfortably. “I had nobody left but Willow and Carter. Then they tell me I need to come raise them. Me, a hippy backpacker, raise two kids.” She laughs.

I chuckle a little too.

“Scared as I was, taking in those two and moving back here was the best thing that ever happened to me.” She sighs and shakes her head. “Would I bring Jennifer and Luke back? In an instant. But we don’t get to go back, we only get to go forward. Life isn’t always as it should be, but we can make it into what it needs to be.”

I stare at her. That’s the most profound thing I’ve ever heard Aniston say. Of course, I’ve never spent much time around her. When we were in high school, she stayed away from the crowd and gave condescending jabs at all the athletes and people who actually cared about school.

“That’s very wise and thoughtful.”

She smiles at me. “It took a while, but I finally realized everyone has problems, even the ones who seemed perfect in high school.”

“I hate you didn’t hang out with everyone more. You’d see none of us had that easy of a life. I barely remember my dad.”

Aniston frowns. “I bet that makes this Timothy bombshell even worse.”

I nod, then pop my knuckles. The crowd cheers as two of our players score. Aniston claps, and I join her. I came to watch the game, but haven’t paid much attention until now.

“I want what’s best for him, no matter what.”

“It will work out. He needs both of you, and you two need each other. She still looks at you like she did in high school, you know.”

I smile. “I do.”

There’s those two words again, strung together like a lasting promise. Maybe I can say them to Brooke one day and have them declare my lifelong allegiance to her—and Timothy.

We stand on the slight hill watching the game. It’s nearing the end, and I need to decide if I want to stick around or go home.

At the top of the last inning, I turn to Aniston. “I want to protect Timothy at all costs, so you can’t say anything to anyone.”

“I won’t.” She half smiles.

“I’m leaving tonight. I don’t want to burden Brooke by showing up at church in the morning.”

Aniston’s face falls. “I think you two really need to talk.”

“We will.” I glance toward the field one more time. “When I figure out what I’m going to say.”

Before she can respond, I head for my truck. In a perfect world, I would stay. I would hug Timothy and kiss Brooke after the game. Then we’d all eat dinner together and relax on the porch.

But as Aniston pointed out, life isn’t always as it should be. I do know what it needs to be, but I need to figure out how to get there.

CHAPTER 26

Brooke

This time when I hear a knock, I go straight to the door.

It’s Aniston with Timothy and Carter. They all come inside. Timothy rushes toward me, talking about the game. He ends with asking how I’m feeling.

“A little better. I’ve mainly laid around and read in my room.”

“Nate was at the game.” He smiles.

I glance at Aniston. She gives me a look that says we need to talk, then she eyes the boys.

“Your parents were at the game, but Timothy wanted to ride with us since we stopped by Double Drive for milkshakes after the game.”