Page 57 of Everlasting Promises

I glance around quickly, hoping Evan hasn’t disturbed anyone, then my eyes land on Shane. It’s weird seeing him lying prone and being still. He’s always active, needing to do something to keep busy.

Shane smiles at Evan. “Hey, big guy.”

Evan studies the giant of a man, tracing his eyes over every part of him with concern, even though he’s covered with a sheet and cotton blanket. “Hey.”

Shane tips his chin toward me. “Hey, how are you doing?”

“Better than you,” I say as I step closer to his bed. Now that I’ve finally seen him with my own eyes, my heart finally slows to a normal rhythm.

He shrugs. “Yeah, well … better me than Jas.”

“While we were waiting to hear if you were going to be okay, Jasmine told us all about how you saved her from a rattlesnake.” I lean down to kiss his bristly cheek. “You did good,” I tell him.

He shrugs again like it’s no big deal he saved Jasmine’s life. “Better me than her,” he repeats.

I agree with a nod. “I haven’t stopped thinking about it all.” I bite my bottom lip because I’m not sure how to say what I want to say. I can’t even believe I’m going to say the words. “And I was thinking … maybe …” I glance at Evan, then study Shane’s face closely. “Maybe you were meant to survive the blast so you were here to save Jasmine’s life,” I say on a shaky breath.

His face pales to an unhealthy shade and, after a moment, he nods sharply, then turns toward Evan with his usual stoic expression in place. “Sorry I can’t make it to practice this afternoon.”

Evan’s been worried about how Shane would feel when he found out that Ben was going to take his place as coach while he’s unable. He looks down at the floor. “That’s okay. Ben said he’d help, even though he doesn’t know anything about soccer. He said I could tell him what you usually do, and I could be his assistant coach.” I know he doesn’t want to hurt Shane’s feelings, but he’s so excited Ben’s coming to practice.

“Who’s Ben?” Shane asks as he glances between me and Evan. I shuffle on my feet and adjust the strap of my purse on my shoulder. I’ve been pushing Shane away, determined to be independent, and now here we are telling him that someone else is going to take his place. I swallow, suddenly uncomfortable with the discussion.

“He’s the police officer that … you know,” Evan says, dropping his eyes to the floor as pink stains his cheeks.

Shane’s eyes flick between me and Evan for a few moments, then his lips slowly spread, forming a wide grin. Crinkles form around the corners of his eyes, and he genuinely seems happy. He musses Evan’s short hair. “That’s great. Please thank him for me, and if he gets stuck, he can give me a call.”

Evan’s head snaps up and his wide eyes land on Shane. “You’re not mad?”

Shane chuckles. It’s a foreign sound coming from him. He’s normally such a stoic man, but I love the sound of his happiness. It’s exactly what I’ve wanted for him. It’s what he deserves. “Why would I be mad? I’m grateful he can step in to help.”

Evan blows out a relieved breath, and his shoulders relax. Then he grins as he looks up at Shane. “He said he can help out as long as you need, provided he’s not working.” He moves incloser and whispers, “I was worried it would hurt your feelings. I’m glad you’re not mad. Ben’s really cool.”

I smile to myself and chuckle. “Ben and Evan have become fast friends, but I think Evan loves Ben’s police dog, Rex, more than he loves Ben.”

“Well … Rex is pretty cool.”

Violet walks in with a tray of drinks and snacks, closely followed by Shane’s best friend and boss, Toby Summer. I can’t believe how down to earth the guy is considering he’s a world-famous rock star. When we met him the other night, he was so warm and friendly to Evan and me.

We all say hello, and it’s plain to see how happy Shane is to see Violet. However, I can’t miss the tension that seems to snap between him and Toby, and I wonder what’s happened between them to cause such disharmony.

“All right, Ev. We need to get moving if we want to be on time for practice.” I lean down and kiss Shane’s cheek. “I’m so glad you’re okay.”

“Me too,” he whispers, and I know he really means it. A part of me settles knowing he’s going to be okay—and not just from the snakebite, but in general. He’s found his place, and he’s finally happy. Wyatt would be thrilled for his friend.

I say goodbye to Violet and Toby, offering my help if they need it, then hook my arm around Evan’s shoulders and lead him out of the room.

26

BEN

It’s chaos.

Organized chaos, but it’s still chaotic. There are kids everywhere with moms, dads, and even a few grandparents in tow. Hope’s car isn’t in the parking lot, but I head to the same area I saw Evan playing a few weeks ago and cross my fingers I’m in the right place.

Looking around, I spot other coaches placing out cones in some type of formation in their designated area. I have forty minutes to coach the kids, then we pair up with another team for a game that lasts an hour. Apparently, that’s a shorter time than a regular game.

After Evan asked me to coach his team because their friend, Shane, was hospitalized with a snakebite, I checked out some YouTube videos so I wouldn’t be at a complete loss as to what to do. I’ve never played soccer, never even watched a game, but in the last twenty-four hours, I’ve binged enough material to help me feel like I know a little about it.

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