Page 135 of The Way We Win

Warmth spreads through my chest, and I remember our conversation all those months ago in the garage.

It gives me an idea.

33

Allie

“As if May couldn’t be any busier, I added a poetry contest.” I grumble, sitting at the desk with Edward double-counting the votes. “We should’ve ended this at Christmas.”

“I thought that was the original plan.” Edward is backing up my count.

“I’m glad you didn’t.” Sadie blinks up at me, smiling nervously.

She started as a library aide in January, and I’m doing my best to accept what Jack said and not be mad at her for hooking up with Austin’s friend.

According to Jack, Austin was more hurt by Levi’s betrayal than Sadie’s, and being a pregnant teenager won’t be easy for them. Still, it’s not easy.

At least she seems to know what she did, and she tiptoes around me.

“We got some really great additions after Christmas.” Her voice is quiet. “I’ve put together the list of authors, but we still have someunaccounted for.”

“Who’s Number 18?” Edward leans over to look at her list. “They got my vote—and almost everyone else’s.”

Sadie ducks her head, flipping pages and running her finger down her list. “Nobody’s claimed it.”

“If they didn’t claim it, we’ll have to move to the next person on the list.” I close the folder, going behind my desk to get the prizes out of my drawer.

Edward frowns, examining the yellow steno pad. “It’s a long drop to second.”

The lunch bell rings, and students start pouring in through the double doors. Morning announcements said we’d name the winners at lunch, and everyone’s excited for all the events of the last weeks of school.

Seniors are in their final week, and the halls are decorated with posters made by the junior class, naming the class favorites and assorted scholastic and sports accomplishments.

Austin was namedSports Illustrated’s high school player of the year, which came with a nice scholarship, not that he needed it after getting a full ride to Tennessee. Jack said it would help with books and incidentals.

Every time I see his poster, my chest squeezes, and I fight back tears.

I’m just coming around the desk when I notice Sadie’s cheeks flush. I look up to see Austin walking through the doors, sharing a laugh with Tyreek and Lucas Outlaw.

He’s carrying a stack of red Solo cups, and he walks right up to the short bookshelf where Edward is marking our first-, second-, and third-place winners.

Edward doesn’t even look up as my son begins stacking the cups in a pyramid design, but I frown, walking over to see what the heck he’s up to.

“Hey, babe,” I start. “What’re you?—”

Then he reaches back with a snap, and Lucas steps forward quickly to hand him a folded poster, which he opens to reveal a large message reading,Don’t let me go SOLO to the prom.

He’s standing across the bookshelf from Edward, who still hasn’t looked up, but he has caught the attention of the rest of the kids in the library who fall silent except for the occasional noise of muffled laughter.

Austin finally gives up on his friend looking and clears his throat loudly. Edward still doesn’t look, so I give him a nudge.

“I’m just making sure I have the correct numbers,” he says, and I nod in the direction of my waiting son.

Still frowning, he looks at Austin, who immediately begins speaking. “Edward Wells, will you go with me to the prom?”

More snorts and hushed laughter as the entire library waits to see what will happen next.

Edward blinks several times, reading the poster then studying the pyramid of red Solo cups on the bookshelf beside him.

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