Page 105 of Shot Taker

On the walk to the car, we’re hand in hand, and I’m practically floating.

I try to refocus during the drive, reminding myself of what’s happening tonight. It’s my crowning achievement.

When we get to the stadium, I reach for my ID, but security waves us in the back way.

As we approach the party, I see the wall is covered in draperies in the team’s colors.

“Where’s your date?” I ask Brooke when we find her.

“He bailed.” Her smile is tight. “It’s fine.”

“I’ll get you a drink,” Clay offers.

“Make it two,” Brooke calls.

I spot Miles halfway across the room, and I motion him over, pulling him down to my ear when he gets close enough. “Brooke’s date stood her up. Do with that what you will.”

He’s immediately on alert.

The program starts, and James goes to the front. “Sports are eternal. They’re about what we can achieve that’s never been done before. Now, I recognize there’s a damper over the evening because of our former coach’s absence. But the Kodiaks are celebrating the past, and more than that, we’re celebrating the future.

“Tonight marks a turning point in this team’s future. A changing of the guard, so to speak. We are burning the ashes of our past to rise anew.”

He motions to someone in the corner, and the curtain drops.

A collective gasp goes up. My heart pounds at the response.

My wall is beautiful.

Applause starts, hollers jumping in.

“Nova! Nova! Nova!”

Miles starts the chant, the other guys joining until there’s a chorus of voices. Clay nods, a secret smile meant only for me. Tears form behind my eyes.

Clay calls, “Take a bow, Pink.”

I go to the front and step in front of the owner.

“I’m so glad you all like it. I appreciate the opportunity to get to know the team. The buildings represent the city. The faces are the team. And the bears are family. Because this is a family.”

My gaze locks with familiar eyes in the back.

Mari.

As soon as I finish my speech, I race across the room to my sister and throw my arms around her. “You came!”

“I couldn’t not be here on my baby sister’s big day.” Her smile is tentative at first. “You said it—family is everything.” Her hand rests on her stomach. Stays there.

I gasp. “Mari. Are you pregnant?!”

She nods. “Two months. I was having some hormone problems, and that was contributing to my emotional swings. I’ve never felt so out of control, and someone from the office went on maternity leave and got fired, so I was a little stressed over it all. Then when I found out about you and Clay, I overreacted. I’m sorry. I guess it’s hard to break the habit of worrying over you.”

“Well, now you have someone else to worry about.” I nod to her stomach.

“Is it selfish to say I hope you’ll stick around Denver? You can be part of the baby’s life.”

“I’d love that.”

---