Page 38 of I Got You

“Just you and me, right?” I ask, letting myself fall back to my heels.

“Right,” he whispers.

“Alright then, Grizz. Let’s do this.” I tug on his arm, so we can find the kids and say, ‘I do.’

Chapter 12

SHANE

I unlock my office door, tossing my clipboard on my desk, and it clatters. Kicking one of my players off the field was not what I had planned for practice today. I realize dealing with a loud-mouth teammate looking for a fight is way less complicated than handling a disrespectful, highly talented player with a giant chip on his shoulder.

I grab my keys more forcefully than necessary, still simmering with frustration. I flex my tight jaw, knowing I have one last load to pick up at my rental before heading to Maggie’s, which will give me time to cool down.

After our morning at the courthouse, I moved most of my things while she took the kids to school and then came to campus to teach.

Our drive-thru ceremony was brief and to the point. I was ready, prepared. Everything was fine until Maggie pulled me into that damn hallway and peeled away my calm resolve in one swift tug. She stood there in her light blue dress radiating with nerves. I didn’t understand why until she let loose, and it wasn’t difficult for me to remind her that I was in until…she demanded I kiss her. Then, her beautiful complex ass laughed at me. She freaking laughed at me.

She bent at the waist and wheezed like my hesitation was the funniest thing she’d ever seen. I was prepared to kiss her once we were pronounced man and wife. A quick peck and life would go on. There was no need to sweat it.

I was not prepared for her to demand I kiss her in the dark, isolated hallway. I needed witnesses. An audience. Protection. Those honest blue eyes stared up at me. A tiny spark of fire ignited as she waited, and suddenly I was terrified to know what it was like to kiss her. To feel her body, her lips, against mine. When I couldn’t react, she hoisted herself up and took charge.

I stood there, frozen in place, letting her press her lips to mine sweetly and gently like we’d done it a thousand times. Instead of focusing on the feel of her soft lips, how amazing she smelled, or the fact that I wanted to hold her there just a little longer, I forced myself to remain calm, stiff...placid.

Our kiss in front of our witnesses was just as brief and innocent but felt far less intimate than our kiss minutes before. After slipping the sapphire ring on her slender finger and vowing to love her until death do us part, something shifted in that space where my heart should be, and kissing her seemed like it should be the least of my worries.

I shove my spreadsheets in my desk and restart my computer, finding Cole in my doorway.

“Hey…coach.”

I’ve been anticipating this conversation, but now isn’t the best time. My jaw clenches again, bracing for his interrogation and threats. “What’s up?”

“Sorry about what happened out there. I don’t know Nick well, but I can talk to him if that’d help.”

“I appreciate it, but I’ll handle it once he cools off.” And I cool off.

He looks down at his tennis shoes, which only confirms he didn’t come by to talk about Nick.

“I just wanted to thank you for what you’re doing.”

Of all things, I wasn’t expecting him to thank me, so I shut my trap, waiting for what might come next.

He leans against the door frame. “I’m not sure what’s in it for you or why you’re doing this, but just…don’t hurt them. Maggie’s been doing this alone a long time, and with me leaving next year, I’m glad she’ll have someone. I worry about her. She’s given up everything and has survived some tough times, so…be good to her.” I want to ask what he means by that, but I refrain…for now. “When the news of my dad hits, it’s going to be more than Cliff and Joan that comes after them. Please just…look out for them.”

“I will,” I say, meaning it.

Cole looks at me, really looks at me, and I see the man he’s becoming. “I believe you.”

Something about those three words hit me like a punch to the chest. I made a commitment today, one that I intend to uphold, but Cole’s words show me for the first time that I’m doing something so much bigger than myself.

It’s a strange feeling. I have people who are counting on me. Five people who need me after spending my life completely alone. I have no idea how to do it, but I’m going to do what I’ve always done, try really hard, and hope that I can fumble my way through and not screw it all up.

∞∞∞

I park my truck in the garage as instructed and open the door to a three-ring circus.

Liv races through the kitchen, twirling in a glittery princess dress with something red smeared across her mouth. Dirty dishes are piled in the sink while Maggie is hunched over the island beside Garrett, building some kind of contraption with toothpicks and marshmallows.

Teddy slides in wearing a gi and swinging his arms into a karate chop. “Hi-yah!”

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