Page 84 of Off Season

“Aw!” I hear Isabela giggle. I knew she was listening, the tiny eavesdropper. “Cute!”

“So gross,” Ryan grimaces.

I glance over my shoulder to see her with her head in her hands, Isabela’s nose scrunching up adorably, looking like butter wouldn’t melt. “You’re lucky you’re so cute.”

“I know!” she answers gleefully.

Jacob bursts into laughter. “She’s really adorable.”

I kiss his nose.

I love you,is on the tip of my tongue. But I swallow it down.

It’s too soon for that.

One step at a time.

A little while later, we’re lazing on the couch watching a movie that Isabela picked out. She’s snuggled up against my side and struggling to stay awake. Ryan’s sitting on the otherside of Jacob, playing a game on my iPad. Jackson called ten minutes ago to say he’s on his way to pick them up, and I can’t stop myself from smiling.

I’m just so fucking happy right now. I can see this in my future—Jacob and I together, our kids sitting next to us. A family of our own.

As if he can hear my thoughts, Jacob tilts his head up to look at me, a knowing smile on his lips. I lean down, pressing a soft kiss to them before whispering, “Will you stay?”

He nods.

I glance down at Isabela as the intercom beeps. She’s fast asleep, her mouth hanging open.

“Can you get it, please?” I ask Jacob. “It’s Jackson.”

He kisses me gently and gets up. I hear him talking to Andrew, and the door clicks open moments later. I slowly pry Isabela’s hand off my stomach and scoop her up in my arms. She’s like a rag doll, her limbs all floppy.

“Wow,” he whispers as he laughs quietly. “You’ve gotta teach me how you managed that because the only time I can get her to nap is in the car.”

I jut my chin toward my arm, where the pen didn’t wash off. “I was the canvas.”

Jackson shakes his head. “Oh shit, I’m so sorry.”

“It’s no trouble, as long as she had fun.” I transfer Isabela over to her dad as Ryan shows up behind me. He gives both me and Jacob a high five, then heads to the door.

“Thank you for this. I really appreciate it,” Jackson emphasizes.

I wave him off. “Anytime. If you ever want a day toyourself to sit in your boxers and watch baseball, give me a call. We’ll take them out for the day.”

Jackson looks between me and Jacob, a slow smile spreading on his face. “I’m happy for you—for both of you. I’m glad you finally pulled your head out of your ass, Parkes.”

I guffaw and flip him the middle finger. “Fuck you, Wilde.”

Jackson grins, returning the gesture with his free hand.

We say our goodbyes, not before I promise Ryan we’ll have a scrimmage next week, and when the door closes, I turn to face Jacob, pulling him against me.

“So, Blaine said I needed your help?”

He grins, wrapping his arms around my shoulders. “I think he was meddling.”

I hum. “It sounds like it, but I’m glad you came today.”

I run my fingers through his soft hair, admiring the delicate lines of his face. His high cheekbones, the slope of his nose. The dip in his cupid's bow. The smoothness of his skin.

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