Page 71 of Beyond the Stroke

“Are we going to gossip all afternoon or actually train?” Coach calls out as he walks by us.

We grab our gear and follow him out to the deck.

“This doesn’t look so bad.” Charlie nods to the white board where our blocks are written out.

Owens walks up and casually adds two extra sets to every block.

“Fuck,” Charlie groans.

Owens smirks. “Figured I’d give you something to talk about later. When your limbs are too tired to move, your mouths won’t be.”

The rest of the guys drop in the water, but Owens motions me toward him.

“Shields.”

“Hey, Coach.”

“I received an interesting text from you earlier. Thought it was a joke. I expect that from Logan but not you.”

“It’s not a joke,” I confirm.

“I pride myself in knowing what my swimmers are going through. Mentally, physically, emotionally. You getting married tomorrow? Can’t say I saw that coming.”

“It makes sense. Keeps my parents off my back. Keeps things simple.”

Owens raises an eyebrow. “Marriage is simple now?”

I let out a dry chuckle. “Simpler than dealing with their matchmaking.”

He folds his arms, nodding slowly. “I trust you to make the right call. You’ve always had a good head on your shoulders. But remember, this is your last run. You need to stay locked in. No distractions.”

I nod, feeling the weight of his words settled against my shoulders.

“I’m focused, Coach. Nothing’s changed.”

“Good. Because once you’re on that starting block, nothing else matters.”

I nod, confirming his words.

As I hit the water and start my warmup, I ignore the feeling that something has already changed.

eighteen

. . .

SUMMER

I’d spent all day yesterday prepared to take back my agreement to marry Rory, but then he’d shown up with his teammates to the café to eat dinner after practice.

They all looked exhausted from their training session, and were ravenous. As I brought out plate after plate, Logan commented that the café needed an all you can eat option.

Even though he was visibly tired, Rory was the life of the group. Watching him with his teammates, it was easy to see why he’s the team captain. The position is not just based on his age, but the fact that he’s easy to approach and playful, while also a leader respected by everyone.

Rory needs this. He needs the freedom to focus on swimming. And even with my strong stance against marriage, it eased the anxiety knowing ours would have a purpose.

This morning, after another peaceful night with Rory by my side, I woke up, walked the dogs, then grabbed breakfast for me and Cal.

“Hey, Cal.” I drop onto the bench next to him. Edgar nuzzles into his leg, eager to greet the elderly man.

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