Page 146 of A Whole New Play

Valerie gladly accepted when they offered her the position. Though, she did ask for my opinion first.

That wasn’t something she needed to do by any means, but it did feel nice to be considered before she made such a big decision.

It’s nice to know Valerie cares about our future as much as I do.

I stride forward as the twins untangle themselves from their former nanny. Valerie oohs and ahhs over the sign, thanking them for making it for her. Andy puffs his chest out in pride.

“Hey, you,” I greet in a low voice.

Green eyes shine as they meet mine. “Hey, yourself. I missed you.”

“I missed you more.” I pull Valerie in for a chaste kiss. I want to do more, but it’ll have to wait until we’re not in front of my kids. “How was the flight?”

“Good.” She smiles. “But I’m glad to be home.”

Home.

Damn right.

I smile back. “Me, too.” I take her hand and lead her to the group.

Carlee and Morgan give her a joint hug. The women grin and laugh as they express how happy they are to have Valerie back in town.

Corey and Dane embrace her separately.

It’s nice that Valerie likes my friends. I like hers, too. We have plans to visit Megan in a couple of weeks so the two can catch up. I’m looking forward to hanging out with the woman who takes credit for me and Valerie being together.

If it wasn’t for her encouragement at that Caribbean resort, she swears Valerie would’ve never given me the time of day.

I’m happy to let Megan claim the credit. I don’t really care who is responsible for us being together. I’m just thankful it all worked out.

“Can we see your new apartment?” Abby looks up at Valerie with wide eyes. She stands beside my girlfriend as she waits for her bag to come around the conveyor belt.

“Sure, but I need to see my dad first.”

Coach Palmer would be here if not for the fact that he’s driving back from Galveston today. The middle-aged man took a well-deserved vacation and spent the last six days on a cruise around the Western Caribbean. Valerie, Abby, Andy, and I are going to meet him for dinner at Jerry’s Smoke Pit later today.

Coach Palmer’s support of Valerie and me dating hasn’t wavered since he gave his blessings after the Super Bowl. Though, he wasn’t too happy when he heard his daughter was thinking of moving back in with me.

The idea had been that Valerie would stay with us for a couple of weeks while she waited for her apartment to be ready, but when the twins started asking if Valerie and I would share a bedroom, I quickly realized it wouldn’t be appropriate.

I want to set a good example for my kids. And that doesn’t include shacking up with a girlfriend or boyfriend.

Jesus… I sound like my parents.

The fact Valerie won’t be moving in with us meant she stayed in California a little longer. The wait sucked. But it was all worth it now that she’s here.

“Oh… okay.” Abby’s shoulders slump.

“Hey, now. Don’t look so disappointed. Waiting will mean that we can go back to your house first and get your swimsuit.”

“Swimsuit?” Andy interjects, joining his sister at Valerie’s side. “Why would we get our swimsuits?”

“So we can go swimming at my apartment’s pool. It’s huge!”

The twins gasp in excitement. “What?” Abby perks up.

“Really?” Andy asks.

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