Page 144 of I Got You

“Maggie, they're going to start the game without us.” Teddy pounds on the door.

I swipe the cold cloth over my brow and open the door. The kids are lined up, all in their game gear, looking like they have ants in their pants. “Ok. Let’s do this thing,” I say, grabbing my purse.

We walk to the stadium, with the warm winter sun high in the sky. Today, we’re sitting in a box with Clara and other team families. The kids make a beeline for the food, grabbing plates and piling them high. Garrett moves around very carefully, making his selections.

I make my way to the outdoor seating, happy to have the fresh air and look down at the field, wanting to see my big bear of a husband. I spot Cole warming up and Shane on the sidelines talking to some of his players.

The game begins, and things are off to a good start. Cole is taking care of business in the pocket, and I can’t help but think how proud our parents would be. He’s made it so far, and I have no doubt he’ll be high in the draft pick. Selfishly, I’m not ready for him to be far away, but I know he has such an amazing future ahead of him.

At halftime, we lead by three, but as the third quarter starts, things begin to fall apart, and the game clock runs out before we have time to catch up.

The kids and I wind through the mass of fans throughout the stadium and eventually down onto the field. We push our way through people and confetti, and I spot Cole talking with a player on the opposing team. When he’s done, we attack, surrounding him with hugs, and he quickly lifts Liv into his arms so she doesn’t get swallowed up.

“I’m so stinking proud of you. You played your heart out,” I say, hugging him.

He nods. “Yeah. It never feels good to lose, but if we do, it’s not a bad place to do it.”

“Mom and Dad would be so proud,” I release him. “Get back to your team. You’re going to miss these guys. We’ll see you at home.”

I turn, trying to find Shane. We weave through people and players until I spot him talking to a reporter. We make our way over to wait. After a minute, he sees us and wraps things up.

The kids tackle him, and the smile on his face is everything. They release him and scoop up confetti to throw at each other. It’s my turn, and he wraps me up, lifting me off the ground and burying his face in my neck.

“I’m so happy to see you. I don’t like you all the way up there where I can’t see your face.”

“Yeah? I kind of like seeing you close up in action as well. I find it very sexy.” He squeezes me tighter. “I’m so proud of you. This season kicked ass. Defense was on today. You have to leave here knowing you and your guys gave it their all.”

He sets me down and kisses me. “Thanks for being here.”

“I wouldn’t be anywhere else.” I hug him again and then let him go. “Go be with your team.”

He kisses me again and then steps away, but I keep hold of his hand. “You’ve got major skills, Shane Carter. I can’t wait to see what you’ve got next season.”

His soft smile still does funny things to my heart as I watch him walk toward the locker room. I look around, thinking about all of the stadiums I’ve been in throughout my life, and there’s something about this time that feels a little different. It’s a turning point. Cole is moving on to play at a new level, and Shane is just beginning what I have no doubt will be a promising coaching career.

I find the kids gathered in the middle of the field, the brightest smiles on their faces.

“You guys want to head back to the hotel and swim. Then we can order lots of food and watch a movie.” I get cheers from the young ones, and Hank throws his arm around my shoulder. “It’s going to be you next, you know?” I tip my head up to look at him. “Leaving me and then playing in a sold out stadium. You’re going to make me fly overseas to see you, though, aren’t you?”

“I’ll make sure you fly first class,” he grins.

“Damn straight you will, you little punk.”

∞∞∞

I hear the door open and the garage door goes down. It’s late, and I can barely see straight, but there was no way I wasn’t waiting up for Shane. The kids and I flew back this morning, but Shane flew back with the team and is finally getting home.

He walks in with Gidget on his heels. “Hey,” I say as he sets his bag down and kicks off his shoes.

“Hey. I need a shower, and then I can’t wait to crawl in bed with you.”

“Well, hurry up. It’s lonely in here.”

He takes a quick shower and then flops into bed. “I’m really glad to be home. I’m not sure if it’s harder to play and lose or coach and lose. Some part of me feels like I let them all down.”

I run my hand through his damp hair, and he closes his eyes. “I’m sorry. It sucks either way.”

“They want me back next season.”

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