Page 124 of Relentless

Oakleigh slid up beside Maeve, whispering under her breath. “We’re getting that tooth situation fixed, right?”

Maeve smiled as she pulled out her phone, sending a quick text to their family dentist, who was always just a phone call away. “Already on it.”

Returning to the platform, Maeve found her place next to Dallas.

“He’s going to be okay?” Dallas asked, leaning into her shoulder.

“Oh yeah, he’ll be fine,” Maeve confirmed, letting out a burst of laughter as she considered. “But that knucklehead broke our streak.”

Sawyer came up the metal stairs, joining them on the platform. “Well, he’ll be sore for a while,” he chuckled, “but he’ll live.”

Maeve put her arm around her son’s shoulder. “You trained him well.”

“Thanks, Mom,” he replied with a glimmer of pride. He took a breath and steadied himself as though he were gathering his nerve.

Knowing Sawyer better than he knew himself, Maeve finally spoke up. “Something on your mind?”

“Now’s not the time,” he shrugged.

She gave him a long glance.

“Well,” he stumbled over the words, “you know I’m committed to the family and the business no matter what,” he said. “I know you need me — and I don’t want to let you down.”

“Spit it out, Sawyer,” she chuckled.

“I want her,” he announced. “I want to be with Bethany.”

She looked at her son there beside her. He was all grown up now from the timid and distant little boy she had adopted so long ago. She and Abel had worked hard to earn his trust, and nurture a bond that broke down his high walls. She loved being Sawyer’s mom, counting it as the most tremendous success of her life.

“What’s the Lord calling you to do?”

“Mom—“ he sighed.

“I’m not a fragile little teacup,” she reassured. “You know you can always be honest with me.”

“I suppose,” he said, crossing his arms on the railing, “I’m a good coach.”

“You’re a great coach,” she affirmed.

“I could make a good living,” he stated. “And the rest of the year, well —“ He looked at her as if gauging her reaction.

“You’ll play worship at church,” Maeve answered for him. “And you’ll build a life with Bethany.” She nodded, considering.

“If that’s what the Lord is calling you to do,” she gave his arm a firm pat. “Then I want you to do just that.”

“You’re not mad?” he asked, lifting an eyebrow.

Maeve picked a little dirt from under her nails as she considered. “When you marry that girl,” she said, choosing her words carefully. “She’s your priority.”

She put an arm around her son.

“You don’t ever sit at a table where she’s not welcome, even mine.”

Sawyer took in her words, giving her a firm nudge with his elbow. “I know she’d always be welcome at your table.”

Maeve smiled.

“You’re right about that,” she paused, clearing the lump of emotion suddenly caught in her throat. “Your dad would be so proud of you, Sawyer —and so am I.”

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