Page 18 of I Got You

The team has peppered me with questions since I arrived. They’re clearly feeling more comfortable here than on the field, and I can’t deny that it’s nice seeing them relax and observing their personalities. It’ll be beneficial in working to fine-tune our defense strategy.

I never thought I’d be coaching, at least at this stage in my life, but here I am, and I have a lot to learn. Knowing what I was capable of on the field is one thing. Trying to figure out what this group of guys can do and then pulling it out of them at game time is a new challenge.

When I arrived today, most of the team and staff had already gathered. I spent a few minutes talking with the other coaches, but I want to get to know these kids better. The camaraderie I’ve seen on the field is only more evident when they aren’t in their jerseys. They laugh and joke and play with each other. I’m not the most social guy, but seeing these boys in this element is nice, and it makes me miss my team.

I scratch my chin. “It was the absolute best feeling in the world. The first time I walked on that field, it was my dream come true.”

“That’s going to be me someday,” one kid announces, bumping his chest, and his teammates snicker at his cockiness.

The team and a few girlfriends are spread throughout Coach Cavanaugh’s backyard. One particular girl, a redhead, has sidled up beside me, giving me the eye. I need her to move on. Not happening, sweetheart.

The large yard is surrounded by evergreens, and in the middle, a bonfire roars for cooking hot dogs and s’mores. Tables filled with food and coolers with drinks are set up near the house where Clara, Coach’s wife, is stationed. She hugged and welcomed me to the family while also scolding me for not coming by for dinner sooner. Like a mother hen, she’s been doting on these players and ensuring everyone has everything they need. Coach has been marching around, making sure to talk to each player, and it’s clear this is so much more than a game to him. I’ve had great coaches in my career, but I’m learning a lot from this man about what it means to be a leader, and I see I have a lot to learn.

“Miss Maggie!” One of the players bellows out as others hoot and holler. I turn to see her coming around the corner of the house. Three boys are in tow beside her, and a little girl in pigtails is holding her hand.

Damn. I wasn’t expecting to see her here and with the kids. It’s the absolute last thing I need.

The oldest boy, who I’d guess to be around fifteen, looks like a younger version of Cole. He has the same dark hair and strong facial features. The unimpressed look on his face tells me it wasn’t his idea to come today.

The two younger boys look close in age. One in glasses smiles and returns Clara’s hug, while the shorter one takes off running towards Cole. Cole throws him over his shoulder while he carries on, and I can only guess he’s a wild one.

My gaze returns to Maggie and the little girl who clings to her leg while she talks to Clara.

“Man, I wish all our teachers were that smokin',” one of the players whispers, and I hit him with a glare.

“Be respectful.” None of these asswipes should be looking at her that way. I can’t blame them, though. She looks pretty freaking amazing in a button-down sunflower yellow dress that shows off her petite frame and spectacular legs. What the hell am I doing? I avert my eyes immediately.

All three boys join Cole and the team, but my eyes draw back to Maggie. She looks tired, and like she’s putting on a brave face. I almost texted her a few times to give her my condolences, but I’ve been a chicken shit.

Coach’s voice breaks through the chatter and calls us toward the house. “I’d like to say a few words and a blessing. Then we’ll dig in.”

We gather around the food tables, me making sure to steer clear of the redhead who hasn’t left my side. Maggie ends up across the table from me, holding the girl’s hand. Her eyes meet mine, and I nod before she looks away.

Coach clears his rough voice. “Before we get back to kicking off what I hope is another exceptional season, I want to tell you that I’m honored to be coaching such an outstanding group of young men again this year. I’m an old man, and I’ve been doing this a long time, but you all are what makes this a team. Win or lose, we’re going to jog out together, and we’re going to play like it’s the last game each time.”

The guys holler and clap as he continues.

“I promise to do my part the best I know how, and I need each of you to bring your very best, whether on the field or off. I expect you to conduct yourselves as if your mother stands beside you. We are a team. We hold each other up and demand excellence from one another.”

There’s a pause as he puts his arm around his wife. “I lost my best friend recently. Best football player there may have ever been or will be. A legend. A man who knew the game inside and out, treating each game as if he was approaching war. He lifted his team up and played with a one-for-all and all-for-one mentality. But I can tell you, it was when he walked off the field…”

I hear a sniff and see Clara slide an arm around Maggie.

“When he walked off the field, the man underneath the helmet was one of the finest men and fathers I’ve ever known. Likely the best. It’s the truest measure of a man, and you would all be wise to remember that.”

My eyes drift to the sons of the man who was just described. Their heads are forward, their hands still, and the look in each of their blue eyes tells me exactly what I need to do. A jolt runs through me like I’ve been struck by lightning. My skin feels singed, the tips of my fingers tingle, and a breath is caught in my chest.

After Coach prays everyone starts filling plates. I move back, making room, needing space to figure out what the hell is happening to me. I find a bench around the fire and sit down, bracing my arms on my legs. I take a sip of water to coat my dry mouth. I push out a shaky breath when I hear a small voice.

“Can you help me?”

My eyes dart to a little girl with a large plate wobbling in one hand, the other clutching a stuffed bunny close to her chest.

I frantically search the surrounding area, thinking she can’t possibly be talking to me, but there’s no one. Literally, freaking no one. I set my water bottle on the ground, pulling in a long breath needing my lungs to function properly again.

I grip her plate a little too forcefully, bending it almost in half, but slide my other hand underneath just in time to keep her food from spilling to the ground. I set the plate on the bench, and she climbs up and sits right next to me like this is the most natural thing in the world.

“Maggie needs to make sure that Garrett doesn’t get anything with peas in it. He’s allergic.” She wiggles a little closer even though there’s no room between us. “I’m Alivia Reign Matthews. Do you play football?”

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