Page 149 of The Surprise Play
“Phew,” I joke, pulling it out of the box and asking if I can fasten it around her neck.
It takes me a minute because the clasp is so freaking small… and the entire time, her family is going on about how sweet and wonderful I am.
Seriously. They don’t get that doing this shit for her is the easiest thing in the world.
“Coyote’s my pet name for him,” Satch admits with a shy giggle.
“That’s so sweet.”
“Now I’ll always be with you.” I brush my finger down the chain, and we share a look that makes the rest of the room disappear for a second.
There’s so much implication in my soft statement, and we both know it.
I’m asking her to stick with me no matter what happens on drafting day.
I’m asking a lot, and her eyes are telling me she’s here for it.
Holy shit.
This is happening.
“Thank you,” she whispers, pressing a kiss to my lips while the room lets out oooohs and cheers.
We end up laughing against each other, and I’m forced to pull back and take on the teasing comments and blushing smiles from the females in the room.
Eyebrow wiggling continues until Satch reaches for the box at her feet, and the room seems to still with anticipation.
I have no idea what it could be, but Satch’s hands don’t shake as she lifts the lid, and then she loses her breath all over again.
“Mom, really?” She starts to blink at tears, pulling out a black-and-pink outfit that looks straight from the ’50s.
I think it’s a top with a scoop neck, and then there’s this puffy pink?—
“A poodle skirt!” Satch jumps to her feet, holding it against her body and swishing it back and forth. “This is amazing.”
“It took her forever, but she was determined to make you the prettiest one she could.” Tommy gives his wife a proud smile, wrapping his arm around her waist and kissing her cheek.
I eye the outfit, imagining my girl in a high ponytail with bobby socks and a little scarf around her neck, just like those chicks in that old movieGrease.
Shit, Satch would look adorable.
“I love it so much!” She bounces over to her parents, hugging them close, and I wonder when she’s ever gonna get a chance to wear an outfit like that.
Will she walk around school like that?
Maybe.
She seems to like homemade clothes.
Man, I hope that viper bitch doesn’t see her when she’s wearing something like that. I’m gonna have tomake sure I’ve got eyes on Satch when I can’t be around to protect her. I’ll rally the team, make sure they’ve got their ears to the ground.
Her aunt’s comments from before are still eating at me.
The idea of anyone taunting her or hurting her makes me see red.
She deserves to walk with her head held high. She should be able to wear whatever the fuck she wants, go wherever she wants without worrying about being traumatized.
Sitting back, I watch her in the safety of her home and realize how much more alive and bubbly she is here.
