Page 11 of Second Chance with the Single Dad Goalie
I swallow.
After a moment, I sink into the nearest armchair, resting my bag beside me. "Where are Dad and Keith?" I ask.
Mom settles back onto the couch. "They went out to run some errands. Should be back soon."
I nod, leaning back. A comfortable silence hangs for a moment before Janet pipes up, glancing over at me with a raised brow.
"How was your flight?"
"Long," I answer, stretching a little. "You know how it is. I don’t think I’ll ever get used to those cramped seats."
Rosa chuckles from the armchair opposite. "I think at this point, we can all agree that airports are one of the worst places on earth." She glances at Janet with a grin. "Except for maybe your clinic, with all the emergency calls you get."
Janet smirks, lifting a brow. "Hey, someone's got to keep the chaos in check."
I laugh, shaking my head. "Honestly, if I didn’t have to deal with travel, I think I’d enjoy being a hermit."
Rosa leans forward, her eyes glinting with curiosity. "How’s life in the big city? How have you been, Whitney?"
I shrug lightly. "I’ve been good. Keeping busy."
Rosa smirks. "Busy taking pictures and making videos?"
I roll my eyes. "Yes, Rosa. That’s literally my job."
Mom gives me a look, the kind that says, Behave, to which I shrug.
Janet leans forward. "So, are you back for good or just visiting?"
"Just visiting," I say quickly.
"Figures," Rosa mutters under her breath, but before I can respond, the sound of the front door opening and closing cuts through the conversation, followed by the heavy thud of boots against the hardwood floor.
I don’t even have to look - I know who it is.
Dad.
Without thinking, I spring up from the couch and rush into his arms.
“Hey, my Houston,” he says, his voice warm and deep as he wraps me up in a tight hug. “How are you doing?”
I grin against his shoulder, inhaling his familiar scent. “I’m fine, Dad.” Then I pull back to stare at his face. The sight of him - strong build, salt-and-pepper hair, and the familiar twinkle in his eyes - triggers something deep inside me. Giving him aplayful glare, I continue, “But you really need to stop calling me Houston.”
He grins. "No chance. You’re named after the greatest, and I’m not letting that go."
I shake my head, but I am smiling.
"All right, all right," a familiar voice cuts in. "Dad, let her go so she can hug her favorite brother."
I glance over to see Keith leaning against the doorway, arms crossed, an easy smirk on his face.
His dark hair is neatly combed back, sharp eyes scanning me like he’s assessing. But then his grin softens, and he steps forward, pulling me into a quick hug.
Keith and I have always been close. Out of all my siblings, he was the one I confided in the most, the one who always had my back. Although he’s the third born, he’s the one who has taken over the family’s business.
"Welcome back, troublemaker," he murmurs.
I huff a laugh against his shoulder. "I’ve missed you."
