Page 151 of Behind the Net

“Did you two have fun at the gala?” my mom asks.

Pippa and I look at each other, smiling.

“Yes.” She smiles wider, and I wonder what part she’s remembering. “Jamie looked very handsome.”

“And Pippa looked very beautiful.” I lift my eyebrows at her. “She always does.”

“I want to see photos,” my mom says, glancing between us with a pleased smile. “And you love each other?”

I hold Pippa’s gaze while my heart does backflips. “Yep.”

My mom makes a happy humming noise. “I hoped that would happen.”

“Me too,” I admit.

My gaze falls to Pippa’s left hand, and I wonder if it’s too soon to think about buying her a ring.

Probably.

But maybe not.

We leave the hospital and drive my mom home, and when Daisy sees us, she races over and jumps into my arms, wiggling like crazy with excitement as Pippa and my mom laugh.

Pippa wouldn’t leave my side today, even when I stubbornly demanded to send her home in a flurry of panic and shame. She’s been there for me since day one, even before we were together, and I know that even if my mom’s recovery takes longer than expected, I’m not alone in it.

Pippa isn’t just the love of my life; she’s my family.

CHAPTER70

PIPPA

A month later,my parents, Hazel, Donna, and I head up to the box at the arena after one of Jamie’s games. We sat behind the net, and when Jamie waved at us through the glass, I thought my dad was going to start crying from excitement.

Jamie had suggested my parents come out for a visit, insisting on putting them up in a nearby hotel. Last night, he took us all out for dinner. It’s like he wants to get to know them better.

I rescinded my application for the marketing job, and Jamie spoke with the team to extend my contract until I figure out a plan with regards to music. There’s been radio silence from Ivy Matthews, and although I’m disappointed, it’s not holding me back from writing more.

I’ve played six open mics around the city in the past month. I’m doing this, and I’m going to give it everything, because it matters.

Nerves buzz in my stomach as we step into the box. I’m stalling on telling my parents all of this because I know they won’t react well.

In the box, my mom chats with Donna, Hazel, and a few others. The players who visited Silver Falls for New Year’s greet my dad like an old friend and thank him again for the breakfast he made for everyone, and the players he hasn’t met introduce themselves immediately. When Jamie finally arrives, he doesn’t look surprised to see my dad deep in conversation with Ward about the defensive plays tonight.

“Hi, baby.” Jamie drops a kiss onto my lips, and I smile.

“Hi. Did you tell everyone to come say hi to my dad?”

The corners of his lips curve up. “Yep.”

This man. Seriously. He’s perfect. “Thank you.”

His gaze is so warm and pleased as it roams over my face, my hair. “For you, songbird? Anything.”

I flush with pleasure. I’m so happy with this guy.

Donna and my mom cackle with laughter. “They’re getting on like a house on fire,” I whisper to Jamie, smiling, and his eyes warm as he regards his mom.

After the car accident, Donna got serious about tackling her anxiety and panic attacks. Twice a week, Jamie drives her to counseling, patiently waiting in the car, and afterward, they go for lunch. If he’s out of town, I drive her. He’s even joined a few sessions at the request of Donna’s counselor, and although they have a lot of ground to cover, it seems like they’re making progress. Donna talks more openly about her issues now. I heard her mentioning it to my mom during the game.

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